Tag: business

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Using Facebook for Background Checks

Should you consider using Facebook as part of your background screening process? It may be beneficial because it could turn up potential problems and keep you from hiring someone who could be a problem later on. But it can also be a risk because Facebook pages are known to contain an abundance of personal information—and […]

Understanding an Employee’s Right to Discuss Labor Practices

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), employees have the right to work together to ensure good working conditions. This statement is true regardless of whether there is an employee union in the workplace. This right includes the right to engage in what is called “concerted activity.” In short, concerted activity is any activity undertaken […]

Employee Handbooks: The Importance of Signed Acknowledgements

Requiring employees to sign an acknowledgement stating that they’ve received, read, and understood the employee handbook may seem arduous, especially if it’s done every time there is an update to the handbook. But this task is more than a mere formality—it serves an important purpose for employers: it is documentation and evidence that the employees […]

Does Every Business Need a Succession Plan?

Succession planning refers to the idea that the ability to fill key roles in an organization should not be left to chance—the succession should be planned in advance. From the CEO on down, a business should be prepared in advance with a plan of who might fill each key role when the time comes.

‘Why You Hate Work’ (Only 30 Percent of Employees Engaged?)

Sunday’s New York Times featured an article titled “Why You Hate Work.” Right from the opening paragraph, I must admit, I had my back up a bit. The article claims it’s very likely that I’m not excited about my work, I don’t feel appreciated while there, I find it difficult to get my most important […]

Gaming the System—PA Sin Number Seven

Yesterday’s Advisor featured the first 6 of our 10 sins of performance appraisers; today, we present the rest of the sins.    [Go here for sins 1 to 6.] Sin #7. Gaming the system “John’s work is just OK, to be sure, but I need to give him a big raise to keep him, so […]

What Should Be Included in Anti-harassment Training?

Does your organization provide anti-harassment training for employees and managers? One of the main reasons anti-harassment training is important is that employers have an obligation to provide a safe workplace—one that is free of harassment. If an employer does not take proactive steps to ensure such an environment, that employer will find it much more […]

Understanding FMLA Basics

Is your organization subject to the requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Do all of your employees qualify? What would it take for both your organization and your employees to qualify? And what does all of this mean in terms of employer obligations?