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Discrimination / Harassment

Is quitting the same as being fired?

01/01/2004
The Supreme Court agreed last month to clarify a vexing question about employer liability in sexual harassment cases: Do employees who quit and then claim harassment possess the same rights as …

When facing a bias lawsuit, avoid these three dumb defenses

01/01/2004
Your organization can defend itself against race discrimination lawsuits in many ways, but a recent ruling illustrates how three excuses will flop in court …

Don’t punish staff for off-site political comments, but at work, it’s your call

01/01/2004
As the calendar turns to an election year, here’s a good point to remind managers: Don’t retaliate against employees or applicants simply because of their off-duty political activities and comments …

New discrimination risk: Short versus tall applicants

01/01/2004
A new, well-publicized study could raise skepticism, and potential legal complaints, by shorter employees about your pay practices.
Taller employees earn more money and promotional opportunities, says the University of …

Reverse age bias is rarely an issue with early retirees

01/01/2004

Q. Are there any specific rules defining “early out” retirement packages offered to employees? Our company is planning to offer early outs. Our criteria mandate that an employee must have worked 15 years and be at least 50 years old. But we have employees who have worked as long as 28 years, but fail to meet the 50-year-old criterion. Is this age discrimination in a reverse sort of way? —T.G., Florida

Barefoot, pregnant … and dragging you into court

01/01/2004
Issue: Even one offhand remark, if timed just right, can spell “discrimination.” Risk: Years of diligence in preventing discrimination among managers can go up in smoke instantly. Action: Advise …

Intentional ill will can lead to punitive damages

01/01/2004

Q. We’re being sued for discrimination. What circumstances would open us for punitive damages? —L.C., Massachusetts

Steer clear of these 7 red flags before you terminate

01/01/2004
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4 Tips for Choosing a Long-Term Care Insurance Plan

01/01/2004

Long-term care (LTC) insurance can offer a low-cost way to upgrade employee benefits. The benefits: reduced absenteeism due to employee caregiving duties and  tax benefits for some employers. Use these four strategies to decide whether sponsoring an LTC insurance plan makes sense for your organization …

Barefoot, pregnant … and in court; how one dumb remark turns the tide

12/01/2003
Typically, employees need to show some pattern of discriminatory comments or behavior to carry a sex discrimination charge in court. But, as the following case proves, one stray remark that occurs …