Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The worst-case scenario defending against discrimination claims is the “smoking gun.” (“Too old for this job” written on résumé .) In today’s Advisor, several of the somewhat lesser mistakes that can still shoot your defense to pieces. Fortunately smoking gun evidence is rare. What is common, however, is the type of evidence that, on its […]
A new project adds another layer of bureaucratic oversight about which federal employers should be aware when dealing with employees exercising their rights to job protection under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has begun a three-year demonstration project expanding its role in enforcing military servicemember […]
by Joseph C. Pettygrove Most employers recognize that there are times when employees have legitimate reasons to miss work, be tardy, or leave early. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to suspect an employee’s stated reason for an absence (or a recurring absence) is a lie. Take, for instance, a worker who is repeatedly “sick” the Monday […]
Employer workplace policies on social media are being scrutinized in more than 129 cases before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), says a study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This data wasn’t just handed to the Chamber. Rather, the group submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the NLRB “seeking copies of all […]
In yesterday’s Advisor, we saw Jill’s mistakes disciplining Jack; today, more that can go wrong, plus an introduction to a unique guide for smaller—or even one-person—HR departments. Jill fired Jack, but hadn’t followed policy, hadn’t been consistent, and had little documentation. Jack sued. What else could go wrong? Plenty. [Go here for Jill’s story] ‘Evidence’ […]
Discipline. Aside from performance appraisals, it’s probably the most neglected, most-often-put-off job in management. Managers and supervisors hate to deliver discipline, but delay is disaster. “I’ll ignore it—Let’s see if Jack will improve on his own.” Jack is a longtime employee, a copywriter in Jill’s Marketing Department. During the past several months, he’s been coming […]
“Are you kidding me” is bound to be the response of many CEOs to the concept of unlimited vacation, but many CEOs are taking a careful look at the benefits (see Yesterday’s Advisor) and accepting the risks (read on), says attorney Christina Gomez. Gomez, who is an associate at the Denver office of law firm […]
Should you jump on the bandwagon of unlimited vacation? It’s touted as a good way to reward employees without increasing costs. However, it’s not without its pitfalls, says attorney Christina Gomez. The concept of unlimited vacation is very simple: Employees can take vacation, personal, and sick time (anything that would fit into a paid time […]
A new Missouri Senate Bill is taking aim at teachers who use social networking to communicate with their students. According to MSNBC, Senate Bill 54, which goes into effect on August 28, is quickly becoming known as the “Facebook law.” Though the law primarily offers liabilities for school districts who fail to disclose suspected or […]
It’s not about shoes, says Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, it’s about stories. (See yesterday’s issue for a great Zappos’ customer service story.) It’s about creating more memories, says Hsieh. Hsieh uses the Las Vegas example of Cirque du Soleil. They totally redefined circus with their extraordinary sets and movements, but they didn’t get there by […]