Discipline / Investigations

Outrageous employee behavior? Don’t fear quick-trigger discipline

07/30/2014

When faced with misbehaving employees, HR people are always counseled to avoid quick firings and hold tight to the three D’s—document, deliberate and decide. But some workplace behavior is so outrageous that employers must take immediate action.

Foresee having to fire difficult employee? Track warnings and discipline for later use

07/10/2014

Sometimes, employees who sense they are skating on thin ice at work will decide they want to keep their jobs, improve their output and adjust their attitudes to comply with your expectations. And sometimes they won’t. Determine which path such an employee has chosen by tracking both work performance and behavior over time.

Legal strategy: GM issues recall on dangerous words

06/18/2014

According to an Associated Press report, General Motors is so worried about future litigation that it has ordered employees to stop using 68 specific terms in internal correspondence relating to safety issues.

Suspect an employee is being harassed? Ask if she wants an investigation

06/11/2014

Some employees may be embarrassed when they experience sexual harassment. They may feel too uncomfortable to come right out and repeat offensive comments they heard. What should HR do?

Employers crack down on social media abuse

06/05/2014

More than 70% of employers have disciplined employees for misuse of social media. Daniel Ornstein of the Proskauer law firm outlines ways to stop the headaches before they happen.

Employers crack down on social media abuse

06/03/2014

While the initial explosion in social media usage took employers (and their attorneys) off guard, more organizations now have clear employment policies—and they’re not shy about flexing them.

Women’s Economic Security Act adds major protections

05/26/2014

Minnesota employers will have some new rules to follow after the state Legislature passed a bill aimed at reducing the gender pay gap and providing more protections to female employees.

MTA shocker! Could cronyism, nepotism have led to ouster?

05/19/2014

Charges of cronyism and nepotism followed a Metropolitan Transit Authority security chief out the door following a meeting with the head of the MTA, which runs public transportation in the New York City area.

Worker acting strangely? Request evaluation

05/15/2014

If you think a worker could benefit from psychological help and fear that he may pose a danger to himself or others, you can require an evaluation.

Your best bet for preventing lawsuits: Prompt action, unimpeachable fairness

05/12/2014

Prompt, fair resolution of harassment complaints is the best way to prevent litigation—and defend yourself if a lawsuit happens anyway.