Tough HR Questions • Bereavement Leave, Fake Doctor’s Notes, and Workplace Recordings

Think about trust. Trust is the invisible currency of the workplace. It’s the unspoken agreement between employer and employee that we’ll act in good faith, that we’re all playing by the same rules. But what happens when that trust is tested?

Imagine this: An employee requests bereavement leave, but the employer isn’t sure if the request is genuine. Can they ask for an obituary as proof? Or picture this—an employee hands in a doctor’s note that just doesn’t seem right. Can an employer challenge it? And then there’s the secret recording: a conversation captured without consent, used as evidence in court. In Massachusetts, a two-party consent state, how does that even happen?

These are not hypothetical situations. These are real, messy, and sometimes uncomfortable questions that employers face every day. And today, we’re unpacking them.

Joining Pete Wright this week are Tom Jones and Terry Cook from AIM HR Solutions. They spend their days in the trenches of workplace policy, helping employers navigate the gray areas of HR with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, we’ll explore how businesses can balance compliance, fairness, and trust in the workplace. From bereavement policies to questionable doctor’s notes to the new realities of workplace surveillance, we’re diving into the tough questions—and the answers you need to know.

AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or [e-mail] for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours.

Links & Notes

• Secret Recording of Supervisor Admissible in Civil Case
• Ask the Helpline: Is this doctor's note fake?
• Sample Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Policy: For employers navigating Massachusetts' Earned Sick Time requirements, this sample policy from the Attorney General’s Office outlines accrual, usage, and documentation rules. Employers should review and tailor it to fit their business needs while ensuring compliance.

AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277, online, or via email at [e-mail] for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. 

What is Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR?

Welcome to Human Solutions, a show that simplifies HR for people who love HR. Each week, we’ll showcase a bite-sized conversation dedicated to helping you get your arms around an HR challenge. Who are we? From talent management, training, and compliance to compensation analysis and onsite services, AIM HR Solutions is committed to meeting you and your organizations where you are. The people on this show have decades of experience developing solutions for the issues you’re facing right now. This show is their chance to share.