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HR Management

Want to muzzle all workplace gossip? Use training, not a blanket no-gossip policy

01/30/2014

You may not like the idea of em­­ployees grousing to each other in the breakroom about their knucklehead managers or the new health care plan. But don’t try to silence such behavior with a broad no-gossip policy. As this new case shows, you could run afoul of the NLRA.

For 1 out of 5, getting a new job is goal for 2014

01/29/2014
Just a month into the New Year, many U.S. workers are already resolving to find a new employer, according to a CareerBuilder survey. Here’s why they say they plan to look for greener pastures this year.

Pay up promptly when offering severance

01/28/2014
Sometimes, it’s clear from the moment that you decide to terminate an em­­ployee that she will sue. If that’s the case, a small severance payment may prevent litigation. But if you offer to settle, make sure you follow through promptly.

Remind supervisors: They can be held personally liable for many work-related problems

01/28/2014

Quite often, employees’ attorneys make sure supervisors are separately charged and individually liable. Cite this trend during training to instill in your managers and supervisors that they need to follow the professional advice HR provides—or else face the consequences.

Sudden flu outbreak requires HR action

01/28/2014
A few months ago, the CDC predicted that influenza wouldn’t be particularly severe this winter. Now it’s clear this flu season is much worse than expected. It’s time to implement plans to keep the flu from shutting down your business. Your plan should address three key concerns:

The EEOC Reporting Process

01/28/2014
HR Law 101: Don’t hesitate to inform employees about their right to report sexual harassment to the EEOC or a state agency. Your failure to provide information about alternatives to internal reporting won’t prevent employees from seeking redress from a government authority …

Wellness Programs

01/27/2014

HR Law 101: Since the 1980s, many employers have adopted the holistic approach to their employees’ well-being. They’ve begun sponsoring activities that encourage workers to improve their health. They see the payoff in higher productivity and lower health care costs …

Does workers’ comp cover injuries an employee suffers at a work-related social event?

01/24/2014
Q. Is an employee who injures himself at a ­company-sponsored picnic eligible for workers’ ­compensation?

Fired special needs therapist denied unemployment

01/24/2014
A former special needs therapist has lost her bid for unemployment compensation after a supervisor testified that the therapist told students she needed therapy herself because of the way the students behaved. The incident occurred while the supervisor was observing the class.

Beware boss who undermines anti-harassment rules

01/24/2014
Here’s a novel situation: What do you do if you learn that someone is undermining a manager or HR director’s efforts to stop sexual harassment by enforcing company rules? If you ignore the manager’s complaint, she may sue the company for allowing sexual harassment to flourish.