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2013 Best Practices in Recruitment and Recognition

Our previous Advisor began BLR’s annual summary of 10 HR Best Practices; today, best practices 6 through 10. [Go here for Best Practices #1 to #5] #6 Health and Wellness Ideas that employers can use in their wellness programs are as varied as the employees in an employer’s workforce. It may take some trial and […]

Ask the Expert: Can Employee Work during FMLA Leave?

We have an exempt employee going out on FMLA for about 7 weeks. The employee currently has remote access and can work from home. Are we violating FMLA if we allow this exempt employee to have access to emails and his virtual desktop or should we get a doctor’s release that says the employee can […]

How to Create a Team Charter

By Jilaine Parkes, president and founder of Sprigg Talent Management Systems Creating and agreeing on a team charter can set team projects up for success. This is an opportunity to ensure that everyone involved at the team (and senior management) level knows why the project needs to be carried out, understands what the objectives and […]

Pros and Cons of Total Compensation Statements

A total compensation statement is something many employers opt to provide to employees to quantify and communicate the monetary value of their full compensation package. Also known as a total rewards statement or a “hidden paycheck,” a total compensation statement would include base pay plus bonuses/incentives, and also could include the quantified value of benefits […]

Canadians Can Now Sue for Invasion of Privacy, But It’s Not Worth Much

By Brian P. Smeenk Does Canadian law recognize a right to sue somebody for invasion of privacy? In a landmark ruling in Jones v. Tsige, Ontario’s highest court recently said essentially: Yes. In limited circumstances you can sue for “intrusion upon seclusion.” But you won’t have a big payday. This decision is a very significant […]

Honest, Open, Two-Way Communication

I’ve been thinking a lot about employee communication lately. I’ve been thinking about what makes for good, effective communication and how it can be a powerful force within any organization. I’ve decided that good communication must be H.O.T. H.O.T. stands for honest, open, and two-way. Honest. To me, honesty in communication is the bedrock. If […]

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Terminating Employees and Preventing FMLA Retaliation Claims

Employees may bring two types of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)-related claims against their employers: first, interference with their rights under the FMLA, and, second, retaliation against them for requesting time off under the FMLA, exercising rights under it, or making a claim.

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Pros and Cons of an Open-Door Policy

An open-door policy is one in which employees are encouraged to bring any concern to company leadership—whether it’s their direct supervisor or someone another level up in the organization.

Reluctant Witness—Can You Demand Participation in Investigations?

What do you do about a reluctant witness, that is, the employee who doesn’t want to participate in your investigation? For guidance, we turned to BLR’s Workplace Investigations: The HR Manager’s Step-by-Step Guide.   Start with the Handbook Your employee handbook should have a provision stating that all employees are required to participate in any […]

Disability Discrimination: Do You Have To Accommodate Workers With Weight-Lifting Limits?

Suppose a doctor orders one of your workers not to lift anything over 25 pounds and, as a result, the employee can’t perform certain job duties. If the person demands an accommodation, must you provide one? At first glance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) might seem to apply to this situation. But a new […]