Author: Johnny C. Taylor Jr., Special to USA TODAY

Layoff vs. furlough: What’s the difference? A layoff is a separation from a company and are typically permanent. Furloughs are usually temporary.

A worker smoked marijuana and was just offered a new job. Can an employer require a drug test? What laws protect those at risk of COVID-19? Ask HR

Unwilling to take on new tasks during coronavirus? Most job descriptions include the phrase “other duties as assigned.” Ask HR answers your questions.

A worker wants to know if a company can require face mask during a pandemic. Another wants to work from home because of a medical condition. Ask HR

The pandemic has brought about changes for businesses, but it’s also provided opportunities for employees to step up a. 5 ways to reward good work.

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. advises employees on how to seek a promotion and how to ask for personal time off in a COVID-19 environment.

Ordinarily, taking employee temperatures would be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Because of COVID-19, the EEOC will allow them.

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. advises an worker who wants to be furloughed because of COVID-19 fears and anther who was laid off because of the pandemic.

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. addresses a boss’s pyramid scheme and talks about the possibility of an employee getting fired for using all vacation time.

Many organizations have nepotism policies to prevent unequal treatment at work. Johnny C. Taylor Jr. offers advice to handle this delicate situation.