Employee Relations

How should we react to an employee’s ‘kill the boss’ Facebook rant?

04/09/2010

Q. Our HR department got an anonymous call telling us that one of our employees posted comments on her Facebook page saying, “Some days I could kill my boss.” Can we demand that the employee let us see her page and fire her if she made a threat?

‘Babies-at-work’ benefits answer a crying need

04/06/2010

Even as the economy forces some organizations to cut benefits, it’s prompting others to add one: allowing parents to bring their babies to work. In just two years, the number of organizations with a babies-at-work benefit has more than doubled. The key, experts say, is to set up formal policies to guide moms and managers alike. Here’s how one company does it.

Good-faith investigation of harassment cuts your liability risk — even if you were wrong

04/05/2010

Employers sometimes try to avoid taking sides when they learn of possible sexual harassment out of fear that one of the employees involved will sue. Then the situation escalates, and they end up in court anyway. The only realistic employer response: Be prepared to make tough decisions. Investigate the claim.

Scooter Store ranks fun among its top goals

03/31/2010

One of The Scooter Store’s six core ideologies, along with “focus on the customer” and “achieve financial success,” is “have fun.” To that end, the New Braunfels, Texas-based supplier of scooters and power chairs employs a VP of Celebration and schedules dozens of celebrations every year.

Is your employee discipline fair? A 5-question self-test

03/30/2010

Whether it’s deserved or not, the perception that management is “against” employees, once earned, is difficult to shake. That’s why it’s so important for supervisors and HR to treat all employees fairly and consistently at all times, especially when it comes to discipline. These five questions can help managers gauge whether their discipline is fair. BONUS: 7 tips for documenting your disciplinary process.

Flex work heads list of employer retention strategies

03/24/2010

While hopeful economic news has some companies breathing a cautious sigh of relief when it comes to headcount, others continue to face staffing challenges. In addition to salary and productivity, a variety of retention issues are worrying some organizations this year as the economy rebounds. When employers were asked in a new CareerBuilder survey how they will hold onto top talent this year, flexible work arrangements topped the list.

How to handle a lying employee

03/22/2010

Q. We have an employee who tells his boss he has finished projects when he really hasn’t. Frankly, half the time we don’t believe him when he says something. What can we do?

Base health communication strategies on 5 behavioral quirks

03/19/2010

When researchers at HR consulting giant Towers Watson were compiling new stats on 2010 employer health care costs, they uncovered some fascinating findings from the world of behavioral economics that innovative employers are applying to their health communication efforts. As you look for ways to encourage employees to be active, informed consumers of the health benefits you offer, see how many you can incorporate into your own communication plans.

Misconduct inquiries: What workers ask & how to answer

03/17/2010

To conduct misconduct interviews that don’t provide legal ammunition to the employee, come prepared with answers to tough-but-valid questions that employees may ask during the investigation. Here are some of the most difficult questions along with responses that can protect you legally.

Has recession helped or hurt employee engagement?