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

HR Management

4 steps to link variable pay with performance

04/24/2013
Bonuses are back, according to research conducted by the Hay Group. But with a pragmatic nod to today’s austere business environment, employers are taking a hard look at why they’re dishing out variable pay, what they want it to accomplish and how they decide who gets how much.

Operate in several states? Beware arbitration pacts referencing states other than California

04/23/2013
Employers that do business in several states often have a single employee handbook covering all workers at all locations. If that de­­scribes your organization, be careful about how you handle details like arbitration agreements.

Telework not working? Repair, don’t reject

04/23/2013
If your organization’s telework program has hit a snag, try repairing it before you abandon it. Otherwise, you could face fallout from unhappy former telecommuters. They’ll either look for another flex-friendly employer or—worse—bring hard feelings with them when they report to the office.

Use chemicals? Heed new training, labeling rules

04/19/2013
OSHA has released two new compliance assistance tools to help employers meet requirements of the agency’s revised Hazard Communication Standard.

Training on a shoestring: 7 ways to trim your costs

04/18/2013
When companies need to cut corners, one of the first things executives slash is the training budget. When that happens, it’s time for HR to get creative. Start by determining which training is must-have and which is nice-to-have.

Can we ban employee T-shirts with strong messages?

04/17/2013
Q. One of our workers often wears T-shirts that have slogans with a strong political bent. Some employees have complained. Is it a violation of employees’ free speech rights to ban such clothing?

In court? Turn over all relevant documents

04/15/2013
Here’s a warning for HR professionals who are reviewing personnel files for use in a lawsuit: Don’t even think about playing games with the judge by failing to hand over everything. For example, if you provide only negative information, chances are a judge won’t be pleased.

New case shows legal risks of ‘papering’ fired employee’s file

04/15/2013
When preparing to terminate a worker, you want to be able to produce the most solid documentation to defend a potential lawsuit. Just make sure supervisors know to document employee performance and behavior at the time it occurs—not just before or after the employee leaves the building.

Any downsides to a no-fault attendance policy?

04/11/2013
Q. We are thinking about implementing a no-fault attendance policy. We hope it will provide clearer absenteeism rules and make it easier for managers to enforce. Are there any downsides?

State moves closer to mandatory nurse/patient ratios

04/11/2013
A bill requiring hospitals and other health care facilities to meet target nurse-to-patient ratios has made it out of a Minnesota House of Repre­­sentatives committee. The Standards of Care Act requires hospitals to meet staffing levels recommended by professional nursing specialty organizations.