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Employee Relations

Reduce Turnover by Showing Applicants ‘A Day in the Life’

05/15/2007

In their zeal to attract good candidates, HR people and hiring managers often show job candidates only a shiny, happy picture of the organization. That’s not smart …

Ban smoking or ban smokers? How far can you legally go?

05/15/2007

Thirty states and the District of Columbia have established “lifestyle discrimination” laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on the person’s off-duty use of tobacco or participation in other legal though controversial activities …

At Whole Foods, employee benefits are chosen through workplace vote

05/01/2007

Elections occur every three years, not four, at the Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market company. But employees aren’t voting for politicians. They’re choosing their benefits package …

Celebrate diversity this Cinco de Mayo

05/01/2007

Want a more creative office environment? Then celebrate the diversity and differences among co-workers.

When office humor is no laughing matter

05/01/2007
Laughter can often be not only the best medicine but also the best management tool, but it’s also part of your job to know when workplace humor goes too far.

Extract First-Rate Ideas From Employees

05/01/2007

“Why does our company do that?” You know employees ask that question (in their heads) a dozen times a day …

Reserve Rewards for Top-Notch Performance

05/01/2007

Imagine if your organization’s managers could stop paying people and start buying their results, one by one. What do you think would happen if every manager had the discretion, the ability, the skill and the gumption to start negotiating with employees as if they were outside vendors? …

When and how you can use ‘English-Only’ rules in the workplace

05/01/2007

Philadelphia landmark Geno’s Steaks made headlines when it posted a sign that reads, “This is America. When ordering, please speak English” … Although the Geno’s case deals with an attempt to apply an “English-only” rule to customers, it highlights a growing issue in U.S. workplaces …

It’s important to track discipline by type and degree

05/01/2007

Expect a call from an employment lawyer when a disgruntled employee is fired. If the axed employee belongs to a protected class (race, sex, disability, etc.), expect more than a call …

How not to handle a whistle-blower’s complaint: Threaten to kill employees who report you

05/01/2007

The Florida’s Private-Sector Whistleblower Act protects employees who report alleged wrongdoing to their employers. Ignoring the complaint—or worse, threatening discipline, job loss or anything else that could be viewed as retaliation—will land you in court in no time flat …