Most Popular

harassment

Office Romances: Fallout from Breakup Can Cause Headaches Down the Road

The federal district court of Minnesota recently heard a case regarding sexual harassment after the breakup of a consensual sexual relationship between an employee and her supervisor. The supervisor allegedly was displeased with the breakup and was unsuccessful in restarting the relationship, and a tense work environment ensued. The court ultimately held that the allegations […]

To fire or not to fire? Even egregious acts require care before termination

What if you had an employee who apparently showed up to work drunk and then loudly swore at a coworker within earshot of customers? Would you: (A) fire the employee on the spot, (B) investigate and then terminate if evidence shows the accusations are likely true, or (C) let it go to prevent the employee […]

What's Next

What’s the Outlook for the DOL Overtime Rules and the AHCA?

What’s the future for the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) overtime rule?  And now that the American Health Care Act (AHCA) has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, what should we expect from the U.S. Senate?  Melissa Sharp Murdock, Esq., Director, External Affairs for WorldatWork discussed these questions Tuesday at the WorldatWork Total Rewards […]

Can Bots Solve Companies’ Billion-Dollar Onboarding Problem?

The first year at a new job is usually reserved for learning the ropes. We’ve all been through the expected bumps and growing pains. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, humbling, and uncomfortable. Unfamiliar names and faces. Unknown office and conference room locations. Different technology and applications. New policies and processes. Unspoken acronyms and cultural dynamics. But what […]

Sundown to sundown: when employers must accommodate Sabbath-observing employees

by Gregory L. Silverman Religious accommodations in the workplace can be challenging for employees and employers to navigate. In our increasingly diverse and religiously pluralistic society, an employee’s religious practices may conflict with practices in the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against any individual with respect […]

HR, Get Out of the Babysitting Business

HR spends too much time babysitting. For example, policing a rule like “Do not abuse sick leave!” How are you going to enforce that? Follow all your employees? Stop! Says consultant Hunter Lott of “Please Sue Me” fame. Get out of the babysitting business and go PTO.

Workplace policies: Recognizing the good, the bad, and the ugly

Employment policies: Do they keep organizations running smoothly? Or are they trouble waiting to happen? The answer to both questions is: sometimes. Human resources professionals spend a lot of time working on policies they hope will lead to productive, fair workplaces. Often, though, policies can cause more problems than they solve. Adding to the dilemma, […]