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Employee Relations

Log performance problems and deficiencies … just in case

12/04/2008

You never know which employee is going to sue you over a lost promotion, poor evaluation or other perceived slight. That’s why you should always keep careful track of all work deficiencies and document what role they played in every employment decision.

Prepare for change when ADA Amendments Act takes effect next month

12/04/2008

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2009, is designed to restore protections for the broad range of individuals with disabilities, as originally envisioned by Congress. The amendments were also meant to reverse several U.S. Supreme Court decisions that limited the ability of individuals to qualify as disabled …

Job-hopping hits the brakes as the economy crashes

12/03/2008

Skittish of the economic uncertainty, an increasing number of professionals are saying “no thanks” to prospective employers trying to lure them to new jobs. Just 13% of middle managers say they’re actively looking for a new job.

Benchmarking your cuts: How low can you go?

12/02/2008

As the impact of the global financial crisis seeps into the roots of the American economy, employers and HR are being forced to make tough decisions. So far, one-fifth of U.S. employers have instituted layoffs, and another 26% expect to shed jobs in the next 12 months …

Dishing out bad news? 6 tips for your emotional survival

12/02/2008

Announcing layoffs and cuts in pay and benefits can exact a personal toll on you, too. Here are six tips from psychologists and HR experts to help you cope with the stress that results from telling employees things that cause them anguish.

How to coach ‘problem’ employees: A 4-step plan for managers

12/02/2008
When faced with a poor-performing or disruptive employee, it’s easy for supervisors to play the wait-and-see game and simply hope the situation will improve. But problems rarely solve themselves. And that’s especially true with problem employees. The best method? Meet with employees right when you spot problem behavior or performance—don’t wait.

Coaching ‘problem’ employees: A 4-step plan for managers

12/02/2008

When faced with a poor-performing or disruptive employee, it’s easy for supervisors to play the wait-and-see game and simply hope the situation will improve. But problems rarely solve themselves. And that’s especially true with problem employees.

Stress test: 9 questions to find out if you’re a victim or a master

12/02/2008

Everyone’s stressed these days—whether from financial worries or just the looming holidays. Some thrive on stress, but for others it’s an emotional and productivity drain. Here’s a simple self-assessment you can do to gauge your stress level—and do something about it.

Enact change in bite-size chunks

12/01/2008
Employees will rarely embrace change just because you command them to do so. But you can induce them to accept disruptive reforms rather than erect walls of resistance.

Wellness goes extreme: scuba, sailing, mountain climbing

11/25/2008

In a bid to improve employees’ fitness and reduce health costs, some U.S. employers are going far beyond subsidizing health-club fees or hosting lunchtime walking clubs. They’re taking their wellness initiatives to the edge. Three examples …