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HR Management

Unclear rules could warrant unemployment benefits

11/19/2013
Someone who is fired for breaking a workplace rule isn’t entitled to unemployment benefits. That’s because rule-breaking is misconduct. But if the rule is unclear, all bets are off.

Want to retain employee threatening to quit? Think twice before over-promising

11/19/2013
Here’s a warning that may save you time and trouble: If you want to keep an employee who has another job offer, be careful what you promise.

Immediately apply your policy to stop harassment before it escalates

11/19/2013
An effective sexual harassment policy that includes prompt investigation of any complaints of physical touching is key to prevailing in a sexual harassment lawsuit. What should your policy include?

How to control your own destiny at work

11/14/2013
Looking for a career advantage that’s completely within your control? Take charge of your career path by limiting the influence others have on it. Use these four “don’ts” to stake your claim.

Top 10 countries for developing human capital

11/12/2013
Northern and Western European nations account for eight of the 10 top positions in the World Economic Forum’s latest Human Capital Report. The United States ranks 16th in the world.

Making copies of documents won’t replace duty to fill out I-9

11/07/2013
There’s no shortcut for completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) form for each new hire, as a Washington state company learned recently.

What should we do about reports that new employee smells of alcohol?

11/06/2013
Q. There have been a few reports from co-workers about a new employee smelling of alcohol, although he shows no sign of intoxication. Can we ask him if he has been drinking on duty?

Beware subtle age-bias peril: Don’t assume older employees are ready to retire

11/05/2013
Employees in this day and age often want or need to keep working despite advancing age. If you force out those workers, you’re asking for trouble.

Is it illegal to tell male employees to shave?

11/05/2013
Private employers have the right to set their own dress and grooming codes. That can include setting limits on employees’ facial hair unless an employee can’t shave because of a documented medical condition or due to a religious requirement.

Online reviews: Warn workers to avoid ‘Astroturfing’

11/04/2013
Make sure employees know that it’s not just bad form to write fake customer reviews about your company online—it could be illegal. New York’s attorney general last month cracked down on 19 companies that created deceptive reviews (a process called “Astroturfing”).