Workplace Ethics, Confidentiality, and Legal Compliance Flashcards

A coworker asks an administrative assistant about another employee's salary and performance review. What is the best response?

Answer: Decline to share it and explain that personnel information is confidential

Personnel records are confidential and should be shared only with people who have a legitimate business need and authorization. Disclosing them to a coworker would breach confidentiality and could expose the company to legal risk.

Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest?

Answer: Awarding an office supply contract to a company owned by the manager's relative without disclosing the relationship

A conflict of interest arises when personal interests could improperly influence business decisions. The fix is to disclose the relationship and recuse oneself from the decision.

Which law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so causes undue hardship?

Answer: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations unless they cause undue hardship. The FLSA covers wages and hours, and the FMLA covers job-protected family and medical leave.

An employee tells the office manager they are being harassed by a supervisor. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Take the report seriously, document it and escalate it to HR through the proper channel

Harassment complaints must be taken seriously, documented and handled promptly through the designated process, usually HR. Ignoring them or discussing them broadly can increase legal exposure and harm those involved.

Which is the best way to protect confidential paper documents containing customer information?

Answer: Store them in locked cabinets and shred them when retention periods expire

Confidential documents should be kept in controlled-access storage and destroyed securely, for example by shredding, once retention requirements are met. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and identity theft.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which category of employee is generally entitled to overtime pay?

Answer: Non-exempt employees

The FLSA generally requires overtime pay, at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek, for non-exempt employees. Exempt employees, independent contractors and true volunteers are not covered.