Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
by David K. Reid Employers need to be ready for New Jersey’s new social media privacy law, which takes effect December 1. The law prohibits employers from requiring applicants and employees to disclose their user names and passwords for personal social media accounts or otherwise provide access to their accounts. The law doesn’t apply to […]
In apologizing for the failed launch of the healthcare.gov website, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius conceded to a House committee panel that accessing the site has been a “miserably frustrating experience for way too many Americans.” She expressed frustration regarding the flawed launch of the site, to be used to purchase affordable […]
by Amy Kunkel-Patterson Seattle’s new law restricting the use of criminal background checks takes effect November 1. The Job Assistance Ordinance prohibits employers from requiring applicants to disclose arrest or conviction records as part of initial job applications. It also restricts how employers may use arrest and conviction records that eventually are disclosed. A number […]
What do you do about building a relationship with the “tough nut to crack”? The thing to think about, says consultant Robin Schooling, SPHR, is: “What is the need that I’m not meeting?” Schooling’s company is Silver Zebras, LLC.
The U.S. Supreme Court has asked the federal government to provide an opinion on whether the Pregnancy Discrimination Act requires employers to accommodate pregnant employees. The Court received a petition to hear Young v. United Parcel Service, Inc., a case from earlier this year in which the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that […]
Your employee handbook can be interpreted as creating express or implied contracts, says Attorney Allan H. Weitzman; however, disclaimers and receipts can help prevent that from happening. Employee Handbooks: Every Word Counts One important thing to remember when it comes to handbooks and whether they create contracts is that state law controls, so you […]
Your dream has come true, HR professionals. Your next “employee” may take no leave or vacation, need no benefits or discipline, do a perfect job every time—and make a perfect cup of coffee, too. Yes, new on-site “coffee kiosks” are manned, pardon the term, by robot baristas, reports NPR. Hot and cold beverages are ordered […]
When you are reviewing your retirement and dependent benefits or helping your employees who are veterans or on active duty or, you would never think that what you are doing could have ramifications centuries into the future—but they can! The Veterans Administration (VA) is still paying a pension to a dependent of a Civil War […]
Without knowing it, your desk could be giving a bad impression at work. For example, nearly half of workers said they have been “appalled” (strong word!) by how messy coworkers’ offices are, as shown in a recent infographic by Marketo. The infographic breaks down workspaces into six types: the minimalist, the hoarder, the documentarian, the […]
To prepare employees for leadership make them aware that they must be ready to assume a variety of roles. For example, at various times, leaders are: Managers—They direct and oversee the work of others. Coaches—They guide and motivate others to perform at their best and achieve common goals. Planners—They develop strategies for achieving objectives and […]