Productivity / Performance

Never tie FMLA leave to employee’s performance

10/27/2017

When preparing a performance review, remind supervisors that they should never mention FMLA leave or appear to use it as a factor in the evaluation. That can lead to a big jury award later if the review is used to justify termination—even during a reduction in force.

Help employees connect with their work & workplace

10/26/2017

Gallup has found that just a third of U.S. employees are fully engaged in their jobs. At the other end, 16% of workers are “actively disengaged” in their work.

Stifle that yawn! Everyone else is bored at work, too

10/24/2017

If you’ve ever had a case of the blahs at work, you’re not alone. According to a new survey from staffing firm OfficeTeam, the average professional is bored in the office 10.5 hours per week.

Make sure your good records are dated, too

10/12/2017

When it comes to litigation, employers that keep meticulous performance records and can pinpoint exactly when they made important employment decisions typically fare better than those who keep sloppy records.

Carefully document sudden performance slide

10/11/2017

Sometimes an excellent employee who has received great reviews and consistent raises exhibits a sudden performance decline. When that happens, be sure to carefully document the changes in his or her work.

Employers like open space, employees don’t

09/12/2017

Wide open spaces aren’t all they’re cracked up to be in the office, a new survey of workers shows. Employees polled by staffing firm Robert Half said open floor plans are among the least productive and most stressful work environments.

The 4 essential skills of a master manager

09/07/2017

Studies of top managers have found it’s hard to be an effective team leader without having some mastery of these skill sets.

Time spent texting counts as absenteeism

08/17/2017

Workers who waste time on their personal electronics may be present physically but otherwise absent.

Clearly spell out performance expectations

07/31/2017

Make sure your managers and supervisors clearly and formally communicate their performance expectations. A performance review that criticizes alleged poor work based on expectations that weren’t clearly communicated can become the basis for a lawsuit.

Onboarding 101: How to ensure that new hires will thrive

07/27/2017

Finding qualified candidates requires an investment of time, energy and money from all involved in your organization’s recruitment, hiring and training functions—but your role as a manager doesn’t really begin until after employees have completed their new-hire paperwork.