Employee Relations

Taking a chance on barely qualified applicant? Prepare to document any shortcomings

09/03/2018

You may be tempted to take a chance on hiring someone who doesn’t have the exact experience or education you usually look for. But be careful. If you end up having to terminate the employee, be prepared to show exactly why he wasn’t meeting your standards.

Avoid the perception of bullying: 8 do’s and don’ts

08/28/2018

The growth of anti-bullying laws, policies and public campaigns are making employees ultra-aware to potential bullying situations at work. For supervisors, that means it’s more important than ever to be alert to how your words and actions are being delivered … and received. Here are eight do’s and don’ts:

Burnout! Four main causes of employee stress, and what you can do about it

08/24/2018

You’ve put in the long hours to build a relationship with your team, and to better understand their strengths, weaknesses, motivators and goals for the future. While these are all key components to a successful relationship with your staff, it’s for naught if you can’t proactively prevent employee burnout.

7 steps for effective, stress-free performance reviews

08/24/2018

Performance review meetings can bring anxiety to both sides of the desk. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right planning by supervisors, the meeting can be a productive, morale-boosting exchange. Here are seven steps for running productive and stress-free performance review meetings.

Disciplining employee with spotless record? Document precisely what went wrong

08/23/2018

It’s crucial to document the problem if you suddenly have to discipline a long-term employee who has never been in trouble before. That’s especially true if he or she has also recently complained about some form of discrimination.

Productivity growth hits 3-year high

08/21/2018

Worker productivity grew at its fastest pace in three years during the second quarter of 2018.

When a previously good performer starts to slide, carefully document decline

08/06/2018

When an employer fires a worker for poor performance and the worker sues alleging some sort of discrimination, the employer must be ready to explain any apparent decline in its performance appraisals. That’s especially true if the worker previously received excellent reviews.

Include all relevant details in discipline reports

07/26/2018

When you document disciplinary action, make sure you provide enough detail in your report to put the decision in context. You may need them later to show a judge exactly what you were thinking when you made your decision.

Yes, You Need a Crisis Plan! Here’s What it Should Say

07/20/2018

It’s every company’s worst fear: A horrible employee decision leads to front page news and a PR crisis. In many cases, HR is on the front lines of such responses. Having a crisis plan ahead of time can literally save the company—and your career. Some recent examples: Starbucks faced protests and lots of negative press […]

Skipping disciplinary step? Document why

07/19/2018

If you have a progressive discipline system that gives poor performers or rule breakers a chance to reform, be sure your policy includes an escape hatch that lets you skip steps when necessary.