Overview

This is the second of two HR Inbox assignments, each approached from the perspective of a different HR function relevant to the module in which it is due. This assignment continues with the focus of helping you properly craft informal responses to common employee inquiries in a way that protects the employer and provides a welcoming work environment for employees. Students will apply their knowledge of employment law practices by using the information provided by the employee to create a response. Your response should be communicated clearly to mitigate risk to the employer and reduce any communication barriers between you and the employee, while maintaining positive employee relations.

You are the HR professional at your company. One of your major duties is to monitor the HR instant messaging channel. The HR Inbox chat channel allows HR to communicate and support employees directly. While monitoring the HR channel, you receive the following chat messages from employees:

1. Dear HR: I just learned that my colleague, who is a male and does the same job as I do as a female, is getting the same pay, even though I have more education than he does. Why is that?
2. Dear HR: I applied for a promotional position and after completing my interview I learned that a newer and younger employee with less experience was promoted, and I was not. Why did this happen?
3. Dear HR: I was out on FMLA for maternity leave and my position was replaced by someone else. Is this fair? What job will I return to after my leave? Am I fired?

Directions

To complete this assignment, write a response to each of the three employee chat messages above as if you are the HR professional responding through instant messages. You must explain the roles and responsibilities of human resources to accurately address each employee question. Be sure that whatever information you share is appropriate and relevant to the employee inquiry, and that your overall writing style uses a tone and format appropriate for instant message communication in a business environment.

Specifically, your responses must address the following rubric criteria:

1. Rights: Explain the employee's rights to equal pay.
2. Promotions: Explain the process of being promoted.
3. Leave: Explain FMLA leave policies, particularly for maternity leave.

Additionally, be sure that overall, your general writing style aligns with the following:

1. Tone: Discuss human resource roles and responsibilities using an engaging tone and encouraging questions.
2. Format: Communicate in a clear and concise writing style, offering information in high-level, small pieces.

What to Submit

Your assignment must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document, three paragraphs in length (one paragraph per question) with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins.