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Employee Relations

Dump strict English-only policy; EEOC cracks down

09/01/2003
Issue: Requiring employees to speak English can be legally risky.
Risk: Overly broad or misguided policies can trigger a national-origin discrimination complaint …

Spot check your workplace for offensive material

09/01/2003
The EEOC is suing a Pennsylvania steel plant for condoning sexual harassment by allowing offensive pictures, posters and calendars in the office. The lawsuit claims a shipping clerk and other female …

Workers can’t claim self-defense as reason to ignore anti-violence rule

09/01/2003
As part of your anti-violence policy, include a clearly worded ban on physical and verbal abuse in the workplace, even if it’s in self-defense. Include descriptions …

Even ‘harmless’ banter can create a hostile environment

09/01/2003
Issue: A new ruling lowers the bar on what courts consider sexual harassment.
Risk: Allowing “boys to be boys”, even if they don’t target anyone for abuse, can now cost …

Tap new EEOC Web site for investigation insight

09/01/2003
The EEOC is coming after you for workplace discrimination. Now what? One good source, surprisingly, is the EEOC’s own site, which now offers a section titled “EEOC Investigations, What an Employer …

Perform ‘spot check’ for offensive pictures, calendars

09/01/2003
The EEOC recently slapped a Pennsylvania steel plant with a sexual harassment lawsuit. The alleged crime? It “condoned sexual harassment” by allowing some employees to post erotic pictures, posters and calendars …

Study: Fair managers = healthy employees

08/01/2003
Here’s a simple way to cut your health costs: Encourage managers to lower their voice and treat employees more fairly. Reason: Employees who work under bosses who are judged to be …

He broke a rule? What to say

08/01/2003
No one likes to discipline team members, but eventually you’ll face a gut-wrenching moment when you have to enforce the organization’s rules.

Dazzle your managers with ‘constructive disagreement’

08/01/2003
Issue: How to exert influence over people who don’t report to you.
Benefit: Fend off bad ideas without developing a reputation as “difficult” or discouraging future good ideas.
Action: …

Treat FMLA policy changes with care, communication

08/01/2003

When establishing or changing your Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) policy, make sure you include it in your employee handbook. Don’t rely on references to the policy outside the book, and don’t attach or staple the policy separately.