HRIS / Technology

Public employee free speech: Only statements of ‘Public concern’ protected

05/28/2008

The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protects public employees from being fired for engaging in some forms of free speech—but that protection is quite limited. For example, the right to free speech doesn’t mean that public employers can’t sack employees who maintain explicit or offensive web pages …

Soaring gas prices offer opportunity for smart employers

05/27/2008

With gas prices shooting past $4 a gallon, employees with long commutes may be rethinking their job choices. You can help ease their pain (and collect some tax breaks) by introducing commuter-assistance benefits and programs. We offer tips and case studies that explain how to do it.

OK to ban the use of your e-Mail system for union organizing

05/27/2008

Employers with unionized work forces, take note: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has made it more difficult for union organizers and members to use your e-mail system for union business—if you adopt the right electronic communications policies …

No iPods for you! State imposes killjoy clause

05/23/2008

Five state employees who got lucky at a technology conference sponsored by Cisco Systems will have to relinquish their goodies, the state Office of Administration has said. The five won door prizes, including an iPod and $50 gift cards …

What should we include in a policy banning cell phone cameras?

05/23/2008

Q. I’m looking to create a policy regarding cell phones with photographic capabilities. Any suggestions? …

Employer can access hard drive on company-Owned laptop

05/16/2008

Employers that provide laptops to employees and that suspect an employee might be aiding a competitor can inspect the company-owned laptop without violating the employee’s right to privacy. Employers should, however, exercise discretion while searching the computer …

Schaumburg woman indicted in alleged international corporate espionage scheme

05/14/2008

Hanjuan Jin, a former software engineer for a suburban Chicago telecommunications firm identified as “Company A” for security reasons, has been indicted on charges of stealing business trade secrets and attempting to take them to China …

Put a lid on workplace trash talk that demeans women

05/12/2008

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has just expanded employee rights in alleged sexual harassment cases. The court has ruled that sexually explicit language that tends to demean women can be the basis of a sexual harassment and hostile work environment claim even if the language is not aimed at a particular woman …

Can we discipline an employee for his postings on a social networking site?

04/28/2008

Q. A female sales representative submitted a harassment complaint to HR about comments posted by one of her co-workers on MySpace. Our company’s Internet policy addresses only use of the Internet and personal e-mail in the office. Can we discipline the employee? …

Paper evaluations? Switch to software to limit subjectivity

04/24/2008

There’s no such thing as a completely objective performance evaluation. It’s impossible to totally eliminate manager subjectivity. That can become a legal problem when, for example, a poorly rated employee is promoted over a minority. Increased subjectivity is one of the main reasons employers should consider turning to performance evaluation software …