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Employee Relations

Advantage for tough times: Creating a company that cares

03/09/2009

Organizations that are perceived as caring companies typically look out for their employees and the communities where they do business. During hard times, then, companies that care tend to do whatever they can to keep their employees on their payrolls. Simply put, they respect the fact that employees need their jobs.

Take a hike: April 29 is Walk @ Lunch Day

03/09/2009

Get ready to trade working lunches for walking lunches. On April 29, employees at thousands of companies will take part in National Walk @ Lunch Day, sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Can we prohibit salary talk?

03/09/2009

Q. As an alternative to layoffs, our company has cut employee wages. We decided to do that instead of reducing their hours. While the employees have agreed to this (hopefully) temporary measure, supervisors have received reports that workers have been discussing their new wages and salaries with one another. Our executives want to direct all employees not to discuss their wages and salary information with others. Is it legal to enforce such a rule?

Make pre-firing investigation truly independent

03/09/2009

You might have rogue managers in your midst without even knowing it. If one of your supervisors has it in for a subordinate for discriminatory reasons, and you rely on his recommendation to terminate an employee, you may be in trouble.

Has the recession motivated your staff?

03/09/2009

According to a survey by global talent assessment firm SHL, nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents say the economic nose dive has not had any effect on their motivation at work.

ADA doesn’t require promotion as reasonable accommodation

03/09/2009

In an unpublished 11th Circuit decision, a court has sent an ADA case back to a lower court to determine whether the Seminole County School Board discriminated against Marilyn Woodruff when it did not move her to less physically demanding jobs available in the district.

Expectant and new moms get help from co-worker ‘buddies’

03/09/2009

Pregnant employees of Southfield, Mich.-based accounting firm Plante & Moran count on support from co-workers who’ve been there. HR pairs expectant moms with those who’ve recently had babies so they can ask questions and get support. The buddies also help new moms make a successful transition back to work.

Agree if returning worker proposes new exam

03/06/2009

Employees who take leave because of a disability may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation when they return to work. But, as an employer, you have the right to decline an employee’s return if you genuinely believe she won’t be able to perform her job. But if the employee proposes undergoing a medical or psychological exam to prove she is fit to return, cooperate.

Act quickly once you verify harassment

03/03/2009

When an employee has sexually harassed a co-worker, employers can avoid liability by acting fast to fix the situation as soon as they learn about it. General rules: If an employee complains, investigate promptly. If the alleged harasser confesses, immediately take steps to end any further harassment.

Don’t be fooled: ‘Quit or be fired’ won’t stop employee from filing lawsuit

03/03/2009

Some companies mistakenly believe that offering an employee the option of quitting or being fired can save them from a later lawsuit. That isn’t always the case even if the employee decides to resign. In fact, an employee who quits to avoid being fired may have been “constructively discharged” and can still sue …