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HR Management

One more reason not to seek staff’s Facebook content

10/07/2013

There has been a lot of ink spilled out on the practice of employers requiring employees to provide access to their private social media accounts. Employers should avoid this practice because it erodes the trust necessary to build a workable employer/employee relationship. A recent case provides another reason why it’s a bad idea.

Factor aging employees into work safety equation

10/04/2013
Evidence that the workforce is getting older is showing up in unusual ways. For example, some industries have seen a spike in on-the-job injuries that safety experts attribute to aging workers. To lessen those risks, employee benefits consulting firm Lockton offers these tips:

Safety focus drives Ford’s onboarding for hourly workers

10/03/2013
When Ford hires new factory em­­ployees, their initial training includes a heavy dose of workplace health and safety training. The car maker’s “Sustainable Workforce” effort aims to keep hourly employees safe and healthy, starting on their first day. It focuses on four components:

Tablets taking over business

10/03/2013
So far, tablets such as the iPad have mostly been for personal use. However, the mini machines are making inroads at work, too. For example, United Airlines pilots carry tablets instead of bulky flight-plan binders.

How state’s new trade-secret law protects Texas businesses

10/02/2013
The Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act (TUTSA) took effect on Sept. 1. Trade secrets have long received protection under Texas common law. However, TUTSA gives companies additional safeguards and expands the legal remedies to address harm when a former employee misappropriates trade secrets.

Government shutdown: What HR needs to know about what’s open, what’s closed

10/02/2013
The government shutdown means hundreds of thousands of federal employees aren’t at work, but it doesn’t mean employers are off the compliance hook.

By the numbers: Cellphones bring us the Internet

10/02/2013
According to the Pew Research Center, 21% of cell users almost exclusively access the Internet with their phones.

The HR I.Q. Test: October ’13

10/01/2013
Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …

11th Commandment: If employee truly believes, thou shalt accommodate

09/30/2013
When an employee cites her religion as a reason she can’t abide by a company rule or requirement, it’s not up to the you to judge the validity of that belief. As long as it’s a sincerely held belief, employers have to look for a reasonable accommodation that meets the employee’s needs.

How can we make sure Halloween party costumes don’t cross the line?

09/27/2013
Q. We would like to throw a Halloween party for our employees during working hours. Many want to wear costumes. Should we have a costume dress code? We are worried some employees may go too far.