Tag: HR

Probation

Probationary Periods — Dangerous Device or Necessary Tool?

Many employers start employees off with probationary periods during which the employer can let the new employees go without worrying about just cause and lawsuits. Sounds good, but there’s a downside, says attorney Sandra Rappaport.

3 Big Employee Handbook Mistakes To Avoid

Many employers adopt a casual approach to their employee handbooks — which can quickly lead to lawsuits. A thought-out, well-crafted employee handbook is the best way to avoid this problem says attorney Elaina Smiley.

Benefits Trends: Employee Involvement Is Critical

Yesterday, Kristen Allison, president of Orange County-based Burnham Benefits Insurance Services, explained 5 of the top 10 benefits trends in 2011. Today, the rest of her top 10, and a new resource for 2011 that you’ll be turning to over and over throughout the year.

Who Should Prepare Your Job Descriptions?

While it is the HR department in most medium-sized and larger firms that performs the job analysis function and coordinates the writing of job descriptions, the entire process usually requires some input from other levels of the company hierarchy.

Are You Mismanaging Your Job Descriptions?

Job descriptions have traditionally suffered a poor reputation among managers and human resources professionals. In fact, job descriptions often end up being ignored – left at the bottom drawer of a file cabinet, neglected and rapidly becoming obsolete.

The Worst Job Interview Questions Ever

A while back, we asked readers to send in some “horror show” examples of bad interview questions — and oh, the response we got! Here are some of our favorites, along with commentary from those who submitted them.

Records Retention When Litigation Looms

Yesterday, we looked at some of the elements of a strong record retention policy. Today, a few more tips from attorney Ronald J. Cooke, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Nossaman LLP, as well as an introduction to a new resource that will streamline your state and federal recordkeeping burden.

Employee Performance Evaluation: Holly Flax

Last night, my television was playing a marathon of “Office” repeats, leaving us without new catastrophes to dissect. So in an attempt to find something to share with you folks, I contacted my mole in Sabre’s corporate human resources department to see what’s new down in Tallahassee. As it turns out, I have a special treat for […]

The Wisdom of Crowds

HR practitioner Paul Knoch reviews The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki. He finds that while the book is a bit heavy on theory and light on real-life examples, the examples that are provided are revealing and the book raises the important question of whether businesses should look beyond a small field of experts or […]