• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

HR Management

Noncompete agreements for new and existing employees

02/19/2014
Q. We recently merged with a smaller company, taking on several new sales people. Most of our existing sales staff are long-time, loyal employees, so we haven’t previously used noncompete agreements. However, we’re now reconsidering this. Can we ­require all of our sales staff to sign noncompetes?

How to handle confidential information when onboarding new hires

02/19/2014
Although most employers are sensitive to the need to protect their own company’s confidential information, they may not be as attuned as they should be to the other side of the coin. A recent trial experience provided an extraordinary lesson on the significant legal exposure an employer can face when hiring employees from a competitor.

3 Minnesota employers make Fortune’s ‘best’ list

02/19/2014
Minnesota-based Allianz Life Insur­­ance of North America, the Mayo Clinic and General Mills made Fortune magazine’s 2014 list of America’s 100 best companies to work for.

Seek managers’ help when planning for future staffing

02/19/2014
It’s not too soon to start planning for your 2015 budget request. When you start projecting costs for next year, how will you know how many employees your organization will need? Involve your line managers in the process.

Ski resort curbs ‘mountain chic’ by setting strict dress code

02/19/2014

Skiers and snowboarders often are known for outlandish body piercings, tattoos and hairstyles—but not if they work for Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort in California. The resort’s “look good, feel good” dress code starts by outfitting each employee with a uniform that’s the envy of the trendiest skiers on the mountain.

Sometimes, wouldn’t a firm handshake suffice?

02/19/2014
Hugs are great and all, but does every greeting and parting at work warrant an embrace? Research psychologist Peggy Drexler doesn’t think so.

Everyone’s business: Teach staff the ABCs of customer service

02/18/2014
Many of your employees have to deal with customers, even if it’s only occasionally. Here is a 26-step primer to help your employees understand what it takes to not only hang on to customers, but leave them with a positive impression of your business.

The high cost of your employees’ illicit affairs

02/18/2014
You may be resigned to employees spending at least some of their work time checking in on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Now add another social media distraction you would maybe rather not know about.

Telework tools reach critical mass

02/17/2014
A new Gallup poll finds that most Americans already own the basic equipment required to perform many white-collar jobs from home. Here’s a breakdown of the percentage owning each kind of tech:

Valentine’s Day tip: Let work rescue your love life

02/14/2014
One out of 10 people have faked a job-related emergency to get out of a bad date, according to a poll by Workplace Options, which runs programs to promote work-life balance.