Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
A car wash company provided its employees with a handbook setting forth its employment policies. The handbook was written in both English and Spanish, it required arbitration of employment disputes, and it denied an employee’s right to bring an action under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The English version stated that the denial […]
A jury awarded an employee with a speech impediment $500,000 because he was harassed by a supervisor who mimicked his stutter. The central issue on appeal was whether the supervisor’s conduct was sufficiently severe or pervasive to constitute disability harassment. When does a joking atmosphere become a hostile work environment?
Despite the importance of onboarding, the process if often overlooked. According to The Learning Match Maker, 91% of employees stay with a company for at least a year if that company has an efficient onboarding process. That number only drops to 69% after 3 years.
Q We have an employee who is about to turn 65. He has been with the company about 10 years. He is very negative about the organization and has created the same negativity in his two direct reports. In all honesty, we would like him to retire because of the toxic attitude. May we ask […]
As the next generation of professionals enters the workplace and the job market tightens, employers are rolling out new benefits and finding more creative ways to attract and retain employees. Things like “pawternity leave” are gaining traction. Implementing new pet-supportive benefits in this uncharted territory requires careful consideration.
Q Is it legal to ask employees what prescription medications they use and whether the medications may affect their behavior or cause a safety issue?
In physical, labor-intensive jobs, companies are often concerned about both the ability of employees to be able to do the work and the potential liability for workplace injuries.
A number of incidents have surfaced recently in which neighbors or passers-by have called police to report African Americans engaging in seemingly ordinary pursuits. Examples include calls to investigate a college student napping on a couch in her dorm, some friends grilling in a public park, and an 8-year-old girl selling bottled water in front […]
Violence struck at the heart of the Arizona legal community this summer. Over two days in early June, gunshots rang out at a law firm and the offices of two mental health professionals who often serve as court witnesses. For several days while the shooter remained at large, legal workplaces in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding […]
Oftentimes HR professionals are prepared to handle payroll, recruiting, onboarding, and even internal company disputes, yet many are not trained to take the lead on foreign talent recruiting and management. But that’s becoming a part of the job description for HR professionals as more and more companies are looking to fill the skills gap by […]