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Hiring

When and how you can use ‘English-Only’ rules in the workplace

05/01/2007

Philadelphia landmark Geno’s Steaks made headlines when it posted a sign that reads, “This is America. When ordering, please speak English” … Although the Geno’s case deals with an attempt to apply an “English-only” rule to customers, it highlights a growing issue in U.S. workplaces …

Lame excuses for rejecting candidates can land you in court

05/01/2007

Say the wrong thing during the hiring process, and you’ve got a lawsuit on your hands. Here are three tips to help keep supervisors’ feet out of their mouths …

Ignoring discrimination policy may lead to punitive damages

05/01/2007

Train supervisors and managers to report religious and other discrimination, and be sure they know not to retaliate against anyone who does come forward. Ohio state law bars discrimination based on religion and other protected characteristics, and employees who can show they were discriminated against can collect punitive damages …

How to discuss late hours without bringing up family obligations

05/01/2007

Q. We have a position open in our sales department for someone who will be planning and executing company-sponsored events, most of which would take place outside normal 9-to-5 working hours. Is there a way we can ask about the applicants’ family situations and make it clear that missing these events because of family obligations would not be tolerated?

Employer-Provided health insurance to become exception?

05/01/2007

About 60 percent of Michigan residents still receive health insurance through work, but that may not be true for very long …

Free online tools can test applicants’ computer skills

05/01/2007

To discover how fast and accurately applicants can type, sit them down to take a free typing test on www.typingtest.com …

25 off-limits interview questions

04/27/2007
Job interviews present a minefield of legal problems. One wrong question could spark a discrimination lawsuit. That’s why you should never “wing it” during interviews. Instead, create a list of interview questions and make sure every question asks for job-related information that will help in the selection process. To avoid the appearance of discrimination during interviews, do not ask the following 25 questions:

Pregnant Employees: Answers to Your 20 Toughest Legal Questions

04/26/2007
White Paper published by The HR Specialist ______________________ Not many years ago, pregnant women were subject to poor treatment from employers and company insurance plans as well. But the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), enacted in 1978, prohibits discrimination on the basis of “pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions.” The PDA required most employers to make […]

Pregnant Employees: Answers to 7 Questions on Hiring and Employment Status

04/26/2007

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act has important implications for how employers treat pregnant women during the hiring process and after, once they become employees. Here are the EEOC’s answers to some of the most common questions employers face.

Choosing Employees for Promotion: A 6-Step Legal Process

04/22/2007
You’re probably relying more heavily on internal promotions than in the past. And as internal candidates compete more and more for coveted “inside” jobs, expect a corresponding rise in the number of failure-to-promote lawsuits when expected promotions don’t materialize. These six steps will help keep you out of court.