Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
We are beyond the day when an employer could evaluate employees by assuming or insisting that they matched the stereotypes associated with their group. — U.S. Supreme Court Price Waterhouse Facts Brenna Lewis started working for Heartland Inns, a small hotel chain, in July 2005. She mainly worked as a night-shift auditor, and in the […]
No sooner do we think we’ve got FMLA figured out than another baffling question comes along. Today’s Advisor takes a look at some vexing FMLA questions recently sent to BLR’s team of experts. Counting FMLA Time Q. Are we required to approve FMLA leave for a father who would like to take up to 7 […]
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear a case regarding whether a federal contractor’s employees in “low risk” positions can be required to undergo extensive background checks.
Litigation Value: Probably neglible, seeing as no one seemed to be offended by Michael’s Irish jokes, and Michael himself looked slightly flattered by the long hug with Todd “PacMan” Packer and Meredith. Who knew that St. Patrick’s Day was such an important holiday at Dunder Mifflin? This week on The Office, we saw our favorite regional […]
by Sam R. Fulkerson The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced in January that 93,277 workplace discrimination charges were filed nationwide during 2009 — the second-highest level ever — and monetary relief obtained for victims totaled more than $376 million. The 2009 data show that private-sector job bias charges alleging discrimination based on disability, religion, […]
by Jonathan C. Sterling Because one of the most difficult tasks HR professionals face is determining whether their employees are exempt, each time a decision is issued on the topic by an appeals court, it’s worth noting and taking guidance from. The latest decision from the Second Circuit relates to the administrative exemption, which applies […]
By Maribeth Kuzmeski Just My E-Pinion Looking for a way to increase your bottom line without increasing your budget? Author Maribeth Kuzmeski says that the secret lies in your ability to connect. Read on to learn the keys for connecting that could make 2010 your most successful year yet. In today’s business world, social networking […]
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee heard extensive testimony this morning on the Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 182; H.R. 11), a bill that proposes numerous changes to the Equal Pay Act of 1963. Among the witnesses present were Representative Rosa DeLauro, who is one of the sponsors of the Act, and Commissioner […]
Employee recognition is an important, and often overlooked, part of management. Everyone likes to know that their contributions are recognized and appreciated. Yet, as managers, we all get wrapped up in the day-to-day activities of the business and can lose sight of the need to show our appreciation for the efforts our people make. And […]
Like most everything in HR, severance programs have their pitfalls. Here, with a tip of the hat to Compensation.BLR.com®, are seven key questions you must address before cutting checks. Every business should have established guidelines concerning severance pay. Guidelines are critical to protecting the employer from lawsuits based on claims of unfair business practices or […]