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Hiring

How strategic are you? An 8-question test

06/02/2009

CEOs want their HR leaders to break outside the operational box and become more strategic players. But many HR pros are so bogged down by daily process, they have trouble lifting their heads out of the weeds. Here’s a self-assessment to help you gauge the strategic value you bring to your organization.

Feds delay start date for E-Verify, ‘red flag’ rules

06/01/2009

The federal government has announced a delay in the implementation date for two regulations that affect employers: E-Verify and the "red flag" rules.

HR interns: Where to find ’em, how to use ’em

06/01/2009

Large organizations have long realized that HR interns contribute to the bottom line. They’re inexpensive, productive and eager to impress. Now, with budgets cut to the bone, HR departments can use all the talented, low-cost staffing they can get. That’s especially true for small and midsize HR departments. Here are the best ways to find HR interns:

Must we accommodate Sunday as ‘family time’?

05/27/2009

Q. Every summer, we hire youth lifeguards for our municipal pool. We hold training on Sunday evenings. A couple of applicants said they can’t attend that time for “religious reasons.” It’s not a conflict with a religious activity—only family time. If we deny them the job, are there any religious discrimination implications?

Look for hiring trends that could signal bias—you might just avoid a huge jury award

05/27/2009

Most applicants who aren’t hired just go away. But sometimes they don’t—and then it’s time to watch out! A rejected applicant can play the discrimination card, possibly costing you an expensive jury award. That’s one good reason to check your hiring practices for hidden bias.

Feds shift target of immigration enforcement to employers

05/27/2009

The Department of Homeland Security announced last month it is shifting its immigration enforcement efforts to target employers that hire undocumented workers, rather than targeting the workers. The new emphasis should put employers on notice to pay close attention to their employment eligibility verification processes. Failing to comply can carry a high price.

Feds delay start date for E-Verify, ‘red flag’ rules

05/27/2009

The federal government has announced a delay in the implementation date for two regulations that affect employers: using the online E-Verify system to check the work eligibility status for new hires and having a written plan to detect and mitigate identity theft of consumers’ data.

Immigration crackdown targets employers—not illegal workers

05/27/2009

Fulfilling a pledge President Obama made during the 2008 campaign, the Department of Homeland Security has announced its immigration enforcement activities will target employers that hire undocumented workers instead of focusing on arresting and deporting the workers.

Proceed with caution when making health-related inquiries

05/27/2009

Employers enter a legal minefield when they inquire about the health of applicants or employees. State and federal laws—such as the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA), the ADA and the FMLA—overlap, and any misstep can cause a litigation explosion.

Good news: The clock eventually runs out on negligent hiring after you’ve fired worker

05/15/2009

You probably know that employers can and are sometimes held liable if their employees harm customers. That’s especially true if they knew or should have known that the employee might be dangerous. But your potential liability—if you negligently hired an employee in the first place—doesn’t go on indefinitely.