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HR Management

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.

How to draw the line between boss and friend

12/16/2014
The best managers walk a fine line by earning the respect of their team without going overboard and befriending everyone. Here’s how you can strike the proper balance.