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Employee Relations

Poor performer has complained? Read this before firing!

09/28/2011

Employers usually don’t have a problem terminating an em­­ployee for poor performance if the employee has never raised any kind of discrimination claim. But somehow, as soon as an employee goes to the EEOC (or even just HR) with a complaint, the same employer doesn’t know what to do. Should you terminate the em­­ployee and face a potential retaliation suit?

Remind managers to track verbal discipline, too

09/23/2011
Employees don’t go from good to terrible instantly. There is usually a slow and steady decline. Be sure that the process is carefully documented, right from the very first verbal warning.

Don’t let fear prevent firing of whistle-blower: Your complete records will back you up

09/23/2011
Some whistle-blowing employees think they can’t be disciplined if they report alleged wrongdoing to authorities or upper management. That’s not true. Employers can always discipline employees who break rules or perform poorly. The key is fairness and equal treatment.

In discipline, it’s the details that matter

09/23/2011

Employees who believe they have been disciplined more severely than co-workers may blame the disparity on some form of discrimination. They may think that their age, sex, national origin or some other protected characteristic is the real reason. Even if you know you haven’t been biased, be prepared for the accusation.

Worker wants transfer? Show she requested it

09/23/2011

Poor performers facing disciplinary action may despair when they realize they can’t improve fast enough to avoid termination. Often, that’s when they request a transfer to another open position within the organization. But before you agree to a transfer, be sure to demand the employee’s request in writing and outline exactly why the transfer is being arranged.

Former state revenue employee sentenced for tax fraud

09/23/2011
It’s always good to have someone on the inside. At least that’s how Nancy and Laurie Sondrall must have felt. Nancy’s sister and Laurie’s aunt, Pamela Marie Dellis, was providing them with ill-gotten booty from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

Cincinnati union leader faces jail time, fines for fraud

09/23/2011
Former Cincinnati city employees’ union president Diana Frey has pleaded guilty to federal charges of embezzling more than $750,000 from the Cincinnati Organized and Dedicated Employees (CODE) union.

Exhibit A: Avoid the 3 most common documentation mistakes

09/23/2011

“Document, Document, Document.” Employment attorneys say it all the time. The quality of your documentation relating to performance management and discipline goes to the heart of your credibility as a manager or HR professional. Anything less and your documentation becomes Exhibit A for the plaintiff.

Detroit firms pay employees to move to downtown homes

09/21/2011

Five Detroit companies are offering employees cash incentives to live down­­town. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michi­­gan, Compuware Corp., DTE Energy, Quicken Loans and Strategic Staffing Solutions will give employees more than $4 million over five years if they move into any of six downtown neighborhoods.

Virginia bank creates family atmosphere

09/13/2011
Employees of Monarch Bank work at cubicles so huge that they call them “Taj Ma-cubes.” Every President’s Day, they celebrate “Monarch Day” with training sessions and an awards ceremony. And last year, their bonus checks were 30% bigger than the year before. Result: Employees stay.