Archives

Oklahoma jury awards transgender worker $1.165 million in bias suit

by Charlie Plumb The courts, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) hold differing views on whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or sexual identity. Nevertheless, on November 20, an Oklahoma City federal court jury awarded a transgender […]

Browning-Ferris reversal calls end to uncertainty on joint employment

Employers confused over what constitutes joint employment have seen the confusion largely cleared up, thanks to a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decision issued December 14. The 3-2 decision overrules the Browning-Ferris decision, which broadened what could be considered a joint employment relationship. Under the Browning-Ferris decision, employers that had indirect—even potential—unexercised control over employees […]

Online Coaching Supplants Traditional Methods

On-the-job training, or OJT, is a practice as old as the wheel, and it hasn’t been until recently that technology has caught up with it. Advances in online coaching have provided unprecedented growth and expansion in OJT to become a more efficient and effective tool for employees and managers.

diversity

The Implications of Fair Workweek Laws for HR Departments

When an employee’s work schedule changes unexpectedly or with short notice, it triggers a chain of events that negatively impacts more than just the individual’s performance at work. A single mom, for example, who gets pulled into a last-minute shift might have to find a sitter to care for her children, leading to increased stress […]

Sexual Harassment Challenge—Here Comes the Holiday Party

Sexual harassment is dominating the headlines, and here comes the holiday party. It’s hard to imagine that in the current climate you’ll encounter harassment at your party, but past experience suggests you should be prepared. Parties are intended to be relaxed, fun events; unfortunately, relaxation and fun, when accompanied by alcohol, often lead to inappropriate […]

Take Time to Recognize Accomplishments In 2017

I’ve said before on these pages that I don’t do a great job of celebrating our company’s successes. It seems that as we achieve a goal, I immediately look to the next opportunity or focus on a problem area that needs attention when I should be recognizing and congratulating everyone involved in our success.