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Downsizing: Plan Ahead to Avoid Trouble

by Gary Fealk Downsizing can be an effective strategy for building a more efficient organization going forward. But it can also lead to legal liability and may not accomplish the desired cost savings unless an employer implements a carefully considered plan. HR Guide to Employment Law: A practical compliance reference manual covering 14 topics, including […]

Dunder-Sponsored Drinking

Cost of drinks: $500 Litigation Value: $100,000 – $1,000,000 (depends on how seriously someone gets hurt and who it is) Watching the Drunken Debauchery: Priceless, but probably not worth the risk. The problem that caught my attention during the “Business” Trip episode of The Office was the company-sponsored drinking event that led to Andy and […]

Is Breaking the Law Protected Activity by Employees When Filing an EEOC Charge?

Imagine this: One of your employees violates company policy and state law by disclosing confidential company records to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to buttress her discrimination charge. After learning about the activity, you fire the employee — who then sues you, claiming you retaliated against her for filing an EEOC charge. Does an […]

Federal Contractors Required to Use E-Verify System

Update: E-verify deadline moved to September 2009 Starting January 15, 2009, federal contractors and subcontractors will be required to begin using the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) E-Verify system to ensure their employees are eligible to work in the United States. New E-Verify regulations (PDF) On June 6, President George W. Bush signed an […]

HR Managers to CEOs: Your Pay is ‘Above Rate Range’!

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Last week BLR CEO and founder Bob Brady asked you to take a brief survey on HR’s role in executive compensation and the current economic crisis. Your responses, as usual, were thought provoking. Poll results HR managers responding to last week’s poll were nearly unanimous in condemning C-level […]

Paid Decision-Making Leave—a Better Approach to Discipline?

Given the questionable effectiveness of the “suspend without pay” approach, employers should consider Paid Decision-Making Leave (PDML). It’s more respectful—and more effective, says attorney Allison West. West, who is principal of Employment Practices Specialists LLC, an employment law training and consulting firm in Pacifica, California, recommends the PDML program first described by performance management consultant […]

You: ‘You’re Suspended!’ Employee: ‘Thanks, Boss!’

What can employers do when a disciplinary suspension is seen as a gift? Today’s expert offers practical discipline techniques. Most companies have progressive disciplinary policies for the right reasons: to provide managers and HR with the tools they need to make fair, consistent, and legally defensible employment decisions, says attorney Allison West SPHR. But sometimes […]

A Hiring Tip That Can Keep You Out of Court

In a down economy, it’s no secret that it can be hard for jobseekers to find new employment. And, as a result, rejected candidates might be more likely to put up a fight—and file lawsuits. So it’s more important than ever for employers to make sure they’re doing everything right.

Safety Risks–Can You Require Physicals of All Employees?

Yesterday’s Advisor explored tips for dealing with safety and disabilities. Today, we’ll give you some tips on periodic medical exams for safety-sensitive positions and an introduction to a new wellness system that might help. Thanks once again to expert Lindsay E. Harris, senior counsel at Speer Associates/Workplace Counsel, an employment law and employee relations consulting […]