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Employee Relations

During discipline, ask productive questions

05/14/2020
A useful framework for having disciplinary conversations is to state evidence of the problem and immediately pose a question. It may help uncover the reason for a problem and engage the employee in framing the issues, owning his behavior and identifying solutions. Here are some examples.

OK to discipline for leaving work ‘feeling sick’

05/14/2020
If a worker tells her supervisor she’s having a flareup of a serious health condition and must leave, that may invoke the FMLA, the ADA or both. But a run-of-the-mill, “I feel sick and am going home” declaration isn’t protected activity.

Work from home: To track productivity or not?

05/14/2020
For many employees and employers, the transition to remote work has been less than seamless. Employers—striving to maintain output under difficult circumstances—must balance business needs against human factors.

4 videoconferencing blunders to avoid

05/08/2020
We’ve all quickly learned both the efficiencies and quirks of videoconferencing. But how are we personally perceived inside that medium? Keep these tips in mind so you come off better when accepting that next video invite.

Working from home is the new normal: Projected trends for the future

05/07/2020

By now, organizations and teams have adjusted to working remotely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Some came to this point more grudgingly than others. Astute organizations will come out stronger and with a different view on how to approach the work experience. Here are some other trends likely to emerge.

Maintain productivity by helping managers address employee fears

05/05/2020
Many people who have kept their jobs during the coronavirus turmoil are grateful just to still be employed. But don’t for a moment think health, safety, financial security and other COVID-19 concerns aren’t on their minds—and affecting their performance.

Help employees cope with the new stress of working from home

04/28/2020
With everything company leaders are facing, they might not have given much thought to the emotional well-being of their employees. That’s a big mistake, in both the short and long terms. Here are some tips from Stacey Engle of Fierce Conversations to help line managers and HR pros lessen the stress that remote employees may be feeling.

4 ways HR can make life easier for employees

04/28/2020
It’s time for your inner HR hero to emerge! Here are four things you can do right now to help co-workers weather the coronavirus chaos.

Build connection & support with creative WFH ideas

04/24/2020
When Homes.com, a 400-employee Virginia company, went all remote in March, company leaders launched a plan to provide emotional support, boost morale and recognize achievement.

4 ways to support remote staff with kids

04/23/2020
You don’t have to accept inferior work during temporary work-from-home situations, but a bit of flexibility will help boost productivity and retention. Pass along these four tips to supervisors directing remote employees whose children are home from school, too.