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Discipline Derailed by ‘Evidence’ of Discrimination and Poor Documentation

In yesterday’s Advisor, we saw Jill’s mistakes disciplining Jack; today, more that can go wrong, plus an introduction to a unique guide for smaller—or even one-person—HR departments. Jill fired Jack, but hadn’t followed policy, hadn’t been consistent, and had little documentation. Jack sued. What else could go wrong? Plenty. [Go here for Jill’s story] ‘Evidence’ […]

Dilbert cartoon strip

4 Tips for Dealing with Mr. Naysayer

The other day a colleague shared this Dilbert cartoon with me: My initial reaction was that the message of this cartoon sums up the way the two parties in Washington, D.C. approach one another. ” Everything you said is right, but I have a reflexive urge to disagree with you.” Sounds very much like something […]

Hot List: New York Times Bestselling Paperback Business Books

The following is a list of the bestselling paperback business books as ranked by the New York Times on August 8. 1. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. Why some people succeed — it has to do with luck and opportunities as well as talent. 2. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates […]

More Protections for Disabled Employees Coming

By Alix Herber and Michelle Johnston The Ontario government is leading the Canadian provinces in its push for accessibility for people with disabilities, a ratio that is estimated to rise to one in five people in Canada by 2025. In accordance with a new regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario […]

Discipline: The 5 Last Things You Want to Hear

Discipline. Aside from performance appraisals, it’s probably the most neglected, most-often-put-off job in management. Managers and supervisors hate to deliver discipline, but delay is disaster. “I’ll ignore it—Let’s see if Jack will improve on his own.” Jack is a longtime employee, a copywriter in Jill’s Marketing Department. During the past several months, he’s been coming […]

FLSA Consent Decree Shows DOL Mission to Protect Low-wage ‘Vulnerable’ Workers in Small Firms

When it comes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), no employer is small enough to fly under U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) enforcement radar. Defunct 1st National Leasing Inc. agreed to pay eight former telemarketing employees $34,235 in back wages under a July 19 consent judgment that will put an end to DOL allegations […]

In Search of (Divine) Comedy

Last week’s post lamented the August heat (call it an inferno) many parts of the country are enduring, while looking ahead wistfully to the promised land (call it a paradise) of a new season for The Office.  In the midst of this entertainment limbo, I took the suggestion of a fellow blogger and sought inspirational […]

Health Coverage Premium Subsidies: One Step Closer to Extension?

At least in the Senate, a consensus is being reached on trade adjustment assistance that could lead to an extension of premium subsidies under the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) program. Here are two snippets from a joint statement issued Wednesday: [Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)]: “My staff and Senator McConnell’s staff have been […]

EEOC: Clarity on Wellness Incentives under GINA; Tongue-tied on ADA

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) once again refused to a take a position on whether employers may use financial incentives to encourage employee participation in wellness programs — without violating the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). In an informal opinion letter from the EEOC’s Office of Legal Counsel, the commission assured employers that […]