Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady [The following article previously appeared on HR.BLR.com®.] Consider this scenario: An employee is a major problem. Regularly late. Misses deadlines. Difficult to deal with. Her supervisors have given good counseling along the way. The file is in good shape, clearly documenting the problem and what has been done. […]
Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis has announced the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) regulatory agenda for 2010, saying, “Protecting wages and working conditions for workers is key to the mission of our department, and ensuring that workers have a voice on the job is also vital.” The agenda is expected to satisfy many union demands. […]
In yesterday’s Advisor, we discussed the CDC’s strategies for dealing with obesity. Today we continue that discussion, and we take a look at a unique wellness guide that could get you a 300% return on your investment. Of course, it’s not easy for most people to diet and lose weight, and then keep it off. […]
The federal Transportation Department’s announcement banning texting by drivers of commercial vehicles is sure to make employers think twice about their policies even if they don’t have trucks or buses on the road. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made the announcement January 26 that an interpretation of standing rules prohibits texting by drivers of commercial […]
Performance Improvement Plans — or PIPs — have become a common part of progressive discipline programs. After an initial verbal counseling, many employers use formal PIPs to set specific goals for employee improvement, and to document employee progress or lack of progress in relation to future discipline.
There’s an "obesity epidemic" in the U.S., and that means there’s probably one at your workplace, too. Obesity is a natural target for wellness programs. The effects of obesity—from cardiac problems to diabetes—are dire, but they are reversible through exercise, diet, and nutrition. What works best to reduce obesity? The Centers for Disease Control and […]
By Donna Gallant A recent appeal court decision demonstrates once again that defining work relationships is far from an exact science. Somewhere on the spectrum between employees and independent contractors, we have seen the emergence of “dependent contractors.” What hasn’t been entirely clear is how one determines “dependent contractor” status. Nor what that status means […]
In yesterday’s Advisor, our experts recommended an exit interview for every separating employee. Today we’ll look at two reasons why exit interviews are important from a legal standpoint, and we’ll take a look at an extraordinary program that will help you generate an exit interview protocol and dozens of other critical HR policies. A well-thought-out […]
These are the best business books of 2009, as ranked by Fast Company. 1.In CHEAP We Trust: The Story of a Misunderstood American Virtue by Lauren Weber. This history of frugality in America–why it’s been stigmatized and whether there’s a sustainable alternative to a purely consumption-based economy–is consistently surprising and clever. A very worthwhile indulgence. […]
The way you treat the people you terminate can make the difference between an ex-employee who is upset but moving on, and an ex-employee who is angry and calling 1-800-LAWYER. Lin Grensing-Pophal, writing in Human Resource Executive, cited several tales that highlight what disgruntled employees might do: One made a false accusation of harassment that […]