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Employee Relations

‘Can we talk?’: How to handle requests for secrecy

08/01/2011

Say one of your employees stops by your office with a troubled look on her face. She has a complaint, but wants to speak with you “off the record.” Can you comply with her request for confidentiality? Should you? It all depends on the content and context of the complaint.

On the emotional edge: 4 tips for responding to employee rants

07/29/2011

Disciplinary and termination meetings are emotionally charged events that carry the potential for nasty words, hurt feelings and even legal troubles. You never know how employees will respond. But you need to be prepared for anything. Four do’s and don’ts to defuse rants and avoid lawsuits:

Employee relationships help Maryland firm retain workers

07/28/2011
Nearly 40 employees of the real estate development company Bozzuto Group met, fell in love and married their spouses while both were working at the firm. It could be why so many of its workers refer their friends and family members as possible co-workers. Plus, the 23-year-old company has one of the lowest turnover rates in the industry,

Boss keeping an eye on underperformer? Make sure he’s not being unfairly singled out

07/22/2011
Watch out if a supervisor starts keeping extra-close tabs on an employee’s work in the wake of declining productivity or a poor review. You must make sure all employees in a similar situation get the same close attention.

Discipline after testimony can be retaliation

07/22/2011
Reacting angrily to employee litigation can backfire. Filing a lawsuit is a protected activity, and sudden discipline following legal action is dangerous.

Did deputy go to wing joint for breasts and thighs?

07/22/2011
The EEOC is suing Hurricane Grill and Wings in Royal Palm Beach after female employees detailed persistent sexual harassment by a local deputy sheriff.

Check reviews: Has employee ever complained?

07/22/2011

As an HR pro, you probably have to review all employee evaluations as well as records of employee complaints. Keep close tabs on both. Why is that important? Because even an all-star employee can let her performance slip or do something that breaks company rules.

Employer’s win in court shows peril of ignoring harassment

07/22/2011

It is generally agreed that anti-discrimination laws don’t create a general code requiring workplace civility. Harassment lawsuits won’t normally fly unless the abuse is objectively and subjectively severe or pervasive enough to alter the terms and conditions of one’s employment. A recent case, Williams v. CSX Transp. Co., illustrates these principles in action.

Employees overworked? 7 tactics to lessen the stress

07/20/2011
Many company leaders are looking at work/life flexibility to help employees manage their workloads, their time and their personal com­mitments without burning out. The surprise: Employees are resisting it. That means it’s up to HR to position flexibility as a po­ten­tial solution. Here are seven tactics to try:

One-on-one counseling helps employees understand benefits

07/19/2011
On average, 30% to 40% of an employee’s total compensation is wrapped up in benefits. Unfortunately, employees often have no idea that’s the case. The most effective way to make sure employees really understand the benefits you offer, their value and why they’re a great deal is to tell them face-to-face.