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Productivity / Performance

Advantage for tough times: Creating a company that cares

03/09/2009

Organizations that are perceived as caring companies typically look out for their employees and the communities where they do business. During hard times, then, companies that care tend to do whatever they can to keep their employees on their payrolls. Simply put, they respect the fact that employees need their jobs.

Has the recession motivated your staff?

03/09/2009

According to a survey by global talent assessment firm SHL, nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents say the economic nose dive has not had any effect on their motivation at work.

ADA doesn’t require promotion as reasonable accommodation

03/09/2009

In an unpublished 11th Circuit decision, a court has sent an ADA case back to a lower court to determine whether the Seminole County School Board discriminated against Marilyn Woodruff when it did not move her to less physically demanding jobs available in the district.

Agree if returning worker proposes new exam

03/06/2009

Employees who take leave because of a disability may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation when they return to work. But, as an employer, you have the right to decline an employee’s return if you genuinely believe she won’t be able to perform her job. But if the employee proposes undergoing a medical or psychological exam to prove she is fit to return, cooperate.

Double duty: Regulating moonlighting and following the law

03/03/2009

As the economy heads south, many of your employees have probably considered—or already found—second jobs to supplement their incomes. Most of the time, moonlighting poses no conflict with your organization’s work. But an employee’s second job could lower productivity and morale. It could create liability for you.

Has the recession motivated your employees?

02/26/2009

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents say the economic nose dive has not had any effect on their motivation at work, according to a survey by global talent assessment firm SHL.

Communication Corner: March ’09

02/26/2009

Halt interruptions by giving your office a makeover … If it’s important, re-re-repeat it … Follolw these 5 steps to becoming a better conversationalist … Help employees prioritize their tasks … Make a good impression with the "Rule of 12/12/12."

Discrimination: Who is disabled under North Carolina state law?

02/26/2009

As time has passed, the North Carolina Persons with Disabilities Protection Act has evolved to cover more disabled North Carolinians. For example, the first version of the law excluded “working” as a major life activity, thus preventing coverage for those who might not be able to work without substantial accommodations. In 1999, the Legislature added “working” as a major life activity …

Should we offer reasonable accommodations even if our employee hasn’t asked?

02/24/2009

Q. One of our employees is experiencing performance-related problems that I believe are attributable to a mental disability. However, the worker has not notified the company that he suffers from an impairment that may be a covered “disability” under state or federal laws. Nor has he asked for any accommodations. Should we nonetheless offer to reasonably accommodate this employee?

No need to accommodate shorter commute

02/24/2009

Employers have to make reasonable accommodations for employees or applicants who have disabilities—and those accommodations may include assignment to an open position. But if the underlying reason for an employee’s request to transfer to an open position is that a medical provider recommended a shorter commute, you don’t have to make the accommodation.