HR Management

Ensure email policy spells out access rules

05/18/2012

When it comes to securing employees’ email accounts against internal hacking, leave nothing to chance. Make it clear that you forbid employees from illegitimately accessing co-workers’ email—and that it’s grounds for dismissal.

Battling the clock? 4 ways to get more done

05/17/2012

You’re swimming in emails, phone calls, “quick question” interruptions … and it’s only 10 a.m. How are you every going to get to your real work? Here are some ideas to seize hold of your schedule again.

Real-life HR: How to respond to a garnishment order

05/17/2012

Bankruptcies and foreclosures have been making the news for the past four years. But there’s a quieter side effect of the down economy that’s fraught with traps for unwary employers: The concurrent and growing trend of court-ordered or government-issued wage garnishments. Here are the basics you need to know if you receive an order to garnish an employee’s wages.

Dust explosion leads to injuries, OSHA sanctions

05/16/2012

OSHA has cited Steeleville-based Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. for safety violations after a dust explosion severely burned two employees.

Not just a matter of style: Factor safety, liability into dress code

05/16/2012

A recent HR Specialist poll found that casual attire is the norm in 88% of our readers’ workplaces. But a culture of dressing down doesn’t mean organizations don’t need a dress code. Although you don’t want to restrict your employees’ personal choices unnecessarily, you can set rules that promote a safe and efficient workplace.

5 ways to ramp up employee training

05/15/2012

Tap into the power of training and development by trying these five tips. They’ll help you make the most of limited resources, and they’re sure to improve employee skills.

Best defense against harassment complaints: Robust policy and prompt investigations

05/14/2012

HR professionals can’t be everywhere at once, making sure no boss ever harasses a subordinate. It will happen, even in the best, most progressive organizations. Protect against such nonsense with a robust anti-harassment policy …

Is etiquette dead? Mind employees’ manners

05/14/2012

More corporate training departments are turning into pseudo charm schools. They’re sending employees to business etiquette classes (or hiring personal coaches) to put polish on everything from business correspondence and conversational skills to personal hygiene. At stake: professionalism and credibility.

Play ball! But limit your liability at summer social events

05/12/2012

Say your marketing director breaks his leg during an after-hours employee softball game against a crosstown company. Who’s responsible? You might be surprised.

4 questions to ask about supplemental insurance

05/11/2012

Supplemental health insurance plans can build good will among employees, make your benefits package more competitive and enhance HR’s image. To make sure you secure the best coverage at the best prices, ask insurance brokers about the following topics.