Category: HR Management & Compliance

There are dozens of details to take care of in the day-to-day operation of your department and your company. We give you case studies, news updates, best practices and training tips that keep your organization fully in compliance with ever-changing employment law, and you fully aware of emerging HR trends.

New OFCCP rule on sexual orientation, gender identity takes effect April 8

by Emily L. Bristol A new rule that adds “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the list of prohibited bases of discrimination under Executive Order 11246 goes into effect on April 8. The rule, from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), will apply to federal contractors that hold […]

10 Flaws of a Typical Performance Management System

Many organizations will most likely say they utilize a performance management system but far fewer will admit that it’s not actually achieving its original goals. Namely, performance management systems often fail in motivating better employee performance!

8 Strategies for Employers to Foster Mental Wellness

Mental illness has become an almost daily presence in today’s headlines. With the issue becoming more and more prominent, it must be addressed in the place where many people spend most of their time—at work. Author Graeme Cowan says that employers are in a prime position to make a difference with America’s collective mental health.

Texas judge puts FMLA rule’s new definition of spouse on hold

For the time being, employers in states that don’t recognize same-sex marriage don’t have to comply with a new rule changing the definition of spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The rule was to take effect on March 27, but a federal district judge in Texas issued a temporary injunction on March […]

Try to Truly Disconnect from Work on Your Next Vacation!

Remember the old Eveready® battery commercial with Robert Conrad in a muscle shirt playing the tough guy? He had an Eveready battery sitting on his shoulder while he muttered the line, “I dare you to knock this off.” I’m not sure why he was daring anyone to knock the battery off his shoulder or what […]

Supreme Court Revives Pregnancy Accommodation Suit

The U.S. Supreme Court on March 25 vacated and remanded an appeals court ruling that the Pregnancy Discrimination Act does not require employers to accommodate pregnant employees. In Young v. UPS, the 4th Circuit held that UPS did not violate the PDA by limiting light-duty accommodations to employees: (1) injured on the job; (2) disabled as […]

Does the Common Cold Qualify for FMLA/CFRA Leave?

Does a serious cold qualify as a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or its state law counterpart, the California Family Rights Act (CFRA)? How about the flu? Leave of absence laws were established to protect employees with serious health conditions; do colds and the flu measure up?

The Top 5 Ways to Engage with Employees

In yesterday’s Advisor, we reviewed the top employee morale crushers; today, we present the flip side of the coin—five ways you can engage with employees, increase morale, and create a happier workplace.

Supreme Court clarifies employer obligations related to pregnant workers

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Young v. United Parcel Service means employers need to think twice before treating pregnant employees under job restrictions differently than they treat nonpregnant employees who are similarly unable to perform their jobs temporarily. In a 6-3 ruling handed down March 25, the Court reached for middle ground between interpretations […]