Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The U.S. Supreme Court has handed down an important new ruling that could open the floodgates for claims by employees charging that their employers mishandled retirement accounts. The new case involved James LaRue, who filed a lawsuit under ERISA—the federal law that governs employee benefits—claiming that his employer’s failure to follow his investment directions under […]
These days, it seems as though most every employee needs a cell phone, pager, or PDA. While these devices can be great for productivity, says employment attorney Sarah Weitz, they can also create liability. Digital devices can pose problems ranging from safety to wage and hour and productivity, says attorney Sarah Weitz, blogging on hreonline.com. […]
The U.S. Supreme Court has completed its review of a key Kansas age discrimination case, settling a split between federal courts on the admissibility of “me too” evidence. “Me too” evidence is testimony by non-parties that alleges discrimination at the hands of persons who played no part in the challenged employment decision. In the present […]
by Rachel Ravary McCarthy Tetrault No one can deny that security concerns have taken on monumental proportions in the post-9/11 era. Buzzwords like national security, homeland security, border security, supply chain security, perimeter security, and security threats have become part of our daily vocabulary. National security is also high on the list of priorities of […]
Last Advisor, we talked about 7 things not to say; today we’ll cover 3 things supervisors should say, and tell you about a new audio conference that will keep you, your supervisors, and your managers from saying “stupid things.” “Gee, I never knew that.” “Where does it say I was supposed to do that?” Aren’t […]
Supervisors and managers with the best of intentions say the worst possible things. Some are said out of concern and some out of a desire to “act like a manager.” But they’re all dangerous. Here’s a rogues’ gallery of 7 of the most troublesome. 1) I think you’re depressed. Shouldn’t you see somebody? Comments like […]
by Jonathan Hauer Some people are just plain trouble. Take me, for instance. I was born with two left feet and 10 thumbs. I make a bull in a china shop look graceful. I am, if you didn’t catch my oh-so-subtle hints, clumsy. You can tell this just by looking at me — and the […]
(Updated Jan. 11, 2010) A case of first impression! While those words may mean little to you, dear readers, rest assured that when the First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issues a decision interpreting specific provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for the first time, we leap for joy — especially since […]
We have quite a diverse population in our area, and many of our applicants do not have good English skills. Can we require our employees to be able to speak English? We think it’s critical for our salespeople who deal with the public, and really, just as important for our assembly, fabrication, and warehouse workers […]
By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady My February 1 e-pinion declared that while we’d all like to make universal health care an entitlement, it’s just not going to happen as aging Baby Boomers threaten to collapse the system. Serious compromise will be called for. Well, that column generated many interesting responses. Here’s a sampling: […]