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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, […]
Awards season is upon us and soon all of Hollywood will gather to celebrate its most talented actors and actresses, as determined by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Who will win the Oscar? While this question is being volleyed about and fiercely debated among Internet pundits and armchair critics, the nominees themselves […]
by Carla Oliver Ontario recently broadened the definition of “worker” under its Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The broadened definition is consistent with a trend across Canada.
by Richard Reinhardt Unscheduled absenteeism costs American businesses billions of dollars every year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are myriad potential costs to take into account, including: Overtime; Paid sick days; Use of temporary or “relief/reserve” employees; Reduced productivity; Poor quality of goods or services resulting from replacement workers’ inexperience […]
by Gregory L. Silverman In 2013, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched the Temporary Worker Initiative (TWI) to focus on preventing injuries and illnesses among temporary workers. OSHA recently released a policy memorandum addressed to its field staff reminding them of the agency’s long-standing enforcement policy for temporary workers. The memo specifically attempts […]
The air is bitterly cold, especially here in Minnesota. The kids are back in school, and the Christmas decorations have all been put away. For followers of pop culture, those signs can mean only one thing: Now you finally have time to see all those prestigious, blockbuster movies that came out in late 2014. Business […]
by Hannah Roskey It is well understood that Canadian employers may be vicariously liable for the actions of their employees when the employees are acting within the scope of their duties. But surely not if the employee acts against the instructions of the employer? Maybe so, according to a recent panel of the Alberta Court […]
by Kelly Smith-Haley January is here, which means diet, exercise, and wellness resolutions aren’t far behind. And, like many of us, the EEOC has “wellness plans” on its list of 2015 New Year’s resolutions. The Chicago branch of the EEOC recently filed its third action alleging that an employer-sponsored wellness program violates the Americans with […]
Just because the Family Medical Leave Act is rigid in many respects doesn’t mean there isn’t leeway in some situations. For example, reinstatement may not be required for employees deemed to be “key employees.” Recently a group of attorneys well-versed in FMLA issues was asked about exceptions to the reinstatement rule for certain high-level employees. Here is their take on that limited exception to the FMLA rule.
YOU are a seasoned HR pro. YOU understand the difference between Internet slang–omg, imho, lmao–and the Title VII defense of BFOQ. We must discuss the BFOQ exception–bona fide occupational qualification–in the wake of the Abu Dhabi adventures of actress, singer, and ex-Biebs girl Selena Gomez. ICYMI (see what I did there?), a picture surfaced of […]