Smart Hiring: Key Essentials for Employers :
Article: October 2024
Hiring in Connecticut requires more than finding the right qualifications. Employers must navigate key regulations and best practices to protect their business while attracting top talent. The Chamber’s new CHUMCAP (Chamber Human Capital) series is designed to help share important HR information and offer suggestions on where to get support. The Southington Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with experts in the field to help you protect your business and your employees.
By following these practices, employers ensure a compliant and effective hiring process.
Fair Employment: Under the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA), employers must avoid discrimination based on race, age, gender, and other protected characteristics in hiring.
Pay Equity: Connecticut bans salary history inquiries to close wage gaps. Compensation should be based on the job, not prior earnings.
Background Checks: Comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Connecticut’s Clean Slate and “ban-the-box” laws, which restrict when criminal histories can be discussed.
Interview Training: Train interviewers to ask legally compliant, job-related questions and avoid inquiries about commuting, marital status, or health, which may lead to discrimination claims.
Behavioral Interviews: These assess candidates’ real-life problem-solving and cultural fit, improving hiring outcomes.
Legal Requirements: Report new hires to the Department of Labor, provide salary ranges when requested, and stay updated on wage laws.
For more information on employment policies and practices and where to get help, visit the CHUMCAP page at SouthingtonChamber.com or call the Chamber office at 860.628.8036.