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HR Management

Why bother with job descriptions?

12/23/2014
Q. Are employers required to have job descriptions for every position within the organization?

More than a matter of style: Grooming rules can differ based on sex

12/23/2014
If you have a dress and grooming policy that sets out different rules for men and women, you aren’t necessarily setting yourself up for a sex discrimination lawsuit.

Starbucks customers to see a latte more ink

12/23/2014
In response to employee feedback, Starbucks has changed its employee appearance policy to allow employees to show more of their tattoos.

With flu outbreak spreading fast, recommend vaccine

12/23/2014
The Centers for Disease Control’s latest weekly report on the 2014-15 flu season notes widespread flu outbreaks in 29 states. That’s a twofold jump in just one week, with Southern and Midwestern states particularly hard-hit.

Cigarette giant to ban employees from smoking in most areas

12/22/2014
Starting Jan. 1, employees of the company that makes Camel and Pall Mall cigarettes will not be allowed to smoke at work.

Turn your next meeting into a walkabout

12/19/2014
Sitting around a conference table feels nice, but there might be a better way to get creative results.

Providing References to Other Employers

12/19/2014

HR Law 101: Despite all the risks, providing other employers with references about your former employees is a good business practice. If you refused to provide references, eventually you would compromise your ability to find out about applicants you’re considering hiring …

It’s just what I always wanted! The season’s most unusual office gifts

12/18/2014
There’s no party like a workplace holiday party, because workplace holiday parties … can be awkward. CareerBuilder’s annual holiday survey asked workers to share the most unusual gifts they’ve received from a co-worker during the holiday season.

Severance Pay

12/18/2014

HR Law 101: Severance policies are generally considered employee benefit plans entitled to ERISA protection, many courts have ruled. For employers, that means conforming to ERISA’s recordkeeping and disclosure requirements …

Accommodating Medical Marijuana

12/18/2014

HR Law 101: Currently, 23 states have legalized the use of medical marijuana. Whether employers in those states must accommodate legal medical marijuana use depends on how courts interpret state law.