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HR Management

The HR I.Q. Test: May ’14

05/01/2014
Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz.

What danger lurks in your (possibly outdated) handbook?

04/30/2014
Many companies fail to align their handbooks with the realities of their business. As a result, they end up with a handbook that does more harm than good. Here’s what they should include.

Explain why employee didn’t receive training

04/30/2014
Employers should be careful to design training programs that make training opportunities available for all. But sometimes, an employee won’t be able to participate in training. In those cases, be prepared to explain why.

Must we allow employee to review everything in her personnel file?

04/23/2014
Q. One of our employees has asked to see her personnel file. Are we required to show her the file? If so, do we have to give her access to everything contained in the file?

Is there a reason not to limit smoking breaks?

04/23/2014
Q. Two of our employees go outside to smoke almost every hour for about 10 minutes. Our other employees are starting to complain. Do we have to allow these 10-minute rest periods every hour?

Leave off job application any language that limits time frames for employee to sue

04/23/2014
Don’t even think of including in your job application a shortened statute of limitations for resolving employment disputes.

Just having a policy isn’t enough! Enforce your rules against harassment

04/23/2014
We’ve said it before, but it needs to be said again: Simply having a sexual harassment policy in your handbook won’t save you from a lawsuit. It’s all about what you do with that policy.

Disability leave: Best intentions may backfire

04/23/2014

Here’s something to consider before you place an employee on disability leave following an em­­ployer-ordered medical exam. That employee may end up being considered disabled—even if the exam revealed no real medical problems. Essentially, by examining him and placing him on leave, you are regarding him as disabled. He can then sue for disability discrimination.

Honda issues social media guidelines for its employees

04/17/2014
Some companies encourage employees to use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other networks to spread the word about their work. So Honda Motor Co., among others, has issued social media guidelines for employees, with a caution.

HR temp jobs growing fast–and paying well

04/16/2014
HR specialists will be among the most sought-after and best-paid temporary workers through the end of the year, according to a new survey by CareerBuilder.com and Economic Modeling Specialists International.