Archives
Short Takes: Dress Codes
Our dress code says females working in the office cannot wear pants. One of our ladies says that in California, women have a “right to wear pants.” Is this true?
Short Takes: Sexual Harassment Training
We’re a small office—14 employees. How often do we have to do sexual harassment training?
You’re the Expert: What can we do to get our supervisors and managers to pay attention to documentation?
What can we do to get our supervisors and managers to pay attention to documentation? We’re ending up too often with too little documentation to support our discipline and terminations.
Hiring: Can We Reject an Applicant with a Large Scar?
We have a delicate situation that comes up from time to time. We hire service representatives for work at our customer service desk. We want to be fair in our hiring, but last week we had someone with a large scar on her face apply. We’re concerned that our customers will be put off by […]
Wage and Hour: Can We Pay Employees at Different Rates If They Do Different Jobs?
We have several employees who, as a result of downsizing, are now doing two different jobs during the same workweek. Can we pay them at two different rates? If so, how do we track the hours and how do we calculate their overtime? — Raphael, HR Manager in Bakersfield
Handbooks: Can You Help Us with a Rewrite of Our Handbook?
I’ve been tasked with the rewrite of our employee handbook. Can you tell me what the current thinking is on disclaimers? What are the key topics I should focus on as I do this rewrite? — Tom T., Manager of Staffing and Development, Modesto
How to Do Homemade (but NOT Half-baked!) Strategic Planning
By BLR Founder and Publisher Bob Brady HR strategic planning doesn’t need to be complex and expensive. Here’s the simple way to get the results without the time and cost. HR—and HR managers—have come a long way in the 30 years that I’ve been a part of the industry. Changing demographics (the Baby Boomers, Generation […]
Hiring: Can—and Should—We Use Attitude and Honesty Tests?
Family and Medical Leave: Court Says CFRA Job Protections Are Limited; Special Cautions for Employers
Barbara Neisendorf, a vice president at Levi Strauss & Co., had serious performance problems during her 2 years at the company. Supervisor Fred Paulenich documented the deficiencies and discussed them with Neisendorf, but she refused to accept responsibility. Shortly after the performance meeting, Neisendorf began an 8-week medical leave for a panic disorder. At the […]