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HR Management

HR strategies: Focus on essentials during tough times

08/30/2011

A recession has a way of changing the way businesses do business. HR is no exception. Here are three back-to-basics strategies for HR pros to consider as organizations permanently adopt the cost- and time-effective strategies they have embraced out of necessity over the past couple of years.

EEOC finds fault with ‘no fault’ attendance policies

08/25/2011

Verizon’s recent $20 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit—the largest disability settlement in EEOC history—is shining a spotlight on the legal risks of no-fault attendance policies. The lawsuit claimed the company violated the ADA by refusing to make exceptions to its no-fault attendance policy to accommodate employees with disabilities.

How Dodd-Frank’s whistle-blower rules put you in the crosshairs

08/23/2011
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Pro­te­ction Act, passed in the wake of the financial crisis, enacts significant reforms to the financial system. HR professionals need to become familiar with the law’s whistle-blower and anti-retaliation provisions.

Stink in Clifton leads OSHA to violations jackpot

08/23/2011
What began as an investigation into a foul odor recently turned into something far worse for Safas Corporation, a Clifton company that makes kitchen countertops. OSHA found $135,000 worth of willful and serious violations. None had anything to do with the original stench.

Earthquakes raise HR questions

08/23/2011
In places like Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, most HR professionals have contingency plans for snow days–not earthquake days. But that’s what they faced this afternoon when a reported 5.8 magnitude quake centered in Virginia shook much of the mid Atlantic. Also today, Colorado experienced its biggest earthquake in 40 years.

Upside of the downturn: How HR can help weather the ongoing slump

08/23/2011

HR pros have an important role to play in helping their companies weather the economic downturn. Whether sitting in on C-Suite meetings, offering one-on-one counsel to decision-makers or training employees, you need to know about the strategies successful companies use to survive and thrive in tough economic times.

Handbook make-over: 4 guidelines to follow, 5 policies to include

08/23/2011

Each year, new employment laws go on the books and courts write thousands of decisions interpreting old laws. Yet, year after year, HR pros reach up onto a dusty shelf to hand new employees the same old employee handbook someone wrote years ago. It’s time for a rewrite. Here’s the guidance you need to get started.

How would you rate the stress you experience as an HR pro?

08/23/2011
More than half of HR pros who participated in our poll just deal with the stress that comes with the job.

Not all employee online musings are ‘protected’

08/22/2011
While you shouldn’t punish employees who complain about working conditions (pay, perks, supervisors, etc.) on social media sites, you don’t have to tolerate overt insubordination or workers who violate confidentiality rules.

Can we require grooming standards without being guilty of religious bias?

08/18/2011
Q. Our company requires male employees to keep their hair short. However, a recent applicant has stated that his religion does not allow him to cut his hair. Will requiring him to cut his hair to get the job violate federal law?