The New York Times has reported, "At Wal-Mart, when employees miss one or more days because of illness or other reasons, they generally get a demerit point. Once employees obtain four points over a six-month period, they begin receiving warnings that can lead to dismissal."

Should employees be required to report to work when they have the H1N1 flu or other contagious illnesses or face being penalized?

Shouldn't a doctor's note let them off the hook?  Should employers be required to pay sick leave?

Share your thoughts about sick leave policies in our Reader's Respond to "Should sick employees be punished for staying home with the flu?"

Related Articles

• Paid Sick Leave:  Is it Required by Law?

Women entrepreneurs are making a difference.  Our numbers our growing, and so are our collective voices.  A grassroots organization, MomsRising.org, epitomizes the power that women can have in effecting positive change in their lives and in the work place.

Founded in May of 2006, Moms Rising is working to build a family-friendly America to increase the economic security of all women and families. Moms Rising promotes awareness on many issues affecting women - from health care to wage discrimination to disparities in equality for women of color.  And, their membership base is proving to be a powerful and formidable voice.

Among their accomplishments is the key role Moms Rising played in securing paid family leave in New Jersey, Washington, and paid sick days in Milwaukee.

Most recently, MomsRising members sent over 4,500 emails in support of a California bill to stop discrimination against women in healthcare who were being charged as much as 39% more than men, simply based on gender.  But California law is now changing and taking one more step forward in eliminating gender discrimination when it comes to health insurance premiums.

According to MomsRising, "Today, approximately one million women in California buy their own insurance. And a recent study found that women were being charged up to 39% more than men for the same plans.  When the bill takes effect on January 1, [2010] California women will finally have equal access to health coverage!"

Thank you, Moms Rising for pushing this important issue for self-employed and self-insured women, and to those (men and) women who supported this fair insurance coverage bill.

More Women's Organizations Making a Difference

A budding female entrepreneur from Duke University wrote and asked me to share a survey link for a project she is working on as part of her MBA program.

She is attempting to determine if there is a potential need or consumer group that would want a web service to help them live a healthier lifestyle. This can include people struggling with food allergies, heart disease, Celiacs, diabetes, etc.   The data she is looking for at this stage is very basic:  "Do people that have particular dietary goals actually need additional resources?"

If enough favorable information is gathered, Duke students may pilot an online web service that brings local food resources to consumers with special needs.

The survey only takes a few minutes and you do not have to create an account or give out email information, etc.  The survey will be open for approximately one week. To take the survey:  Duke University Survey.

Thinking of starting a business in Maryland?

I grew up in Montgomery County, MD and spent summers traveling throughout the state from Hagerstown to the Eastern Shore.  Maryland is a wonderful place to start and grow a business so I have compiled information and links you need to get you started.

Begin with How to Start a Business in Maryland.  If you are planning on starting a business in Maryland, you will need to register your business name, register to pay taxes, and obtain licenses and permits depending on the structure of your business and if you will have employees. This article contains information you need to help you start a business in Maryland.

Many types of business in Maryland require a business license - but not all do.  Read "Business License Requirements in Maryland" to see if you need a business license and how to get one.

You can find free resources for support and training in Small Business Resources for Maryland Women in Business.