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E-cigarettes gain in popularity; establish a company policy

01/12/2011
The increasing popularity of so-called “e-cigarettes” is forcing employers to set policies on their usage in the workplace and to modify their on-premise smoking policies.

Don’t turn the other cheek on workplace bullies

01/11/2011

Workplace bullying has existed for as long as mean people have worked alongside others. Only recently, however, has it emerged as an issue for the courts to handle — it’s now a significant liability hazard for employers. Here’s how to institute a “no-jerks” rule at work that can help stop bullies.

Use robust anti-bias policy to limit liability

01/11/2011
Here’s an all-too-frequent scenario: Misconduct leads to discipline, perhaps even discharge. Then the employee sues, alleging that for years, he’s been subjected to harassment on account of a protected characteristic. Don’t let that happen to you.

Texting while driving: Must you ban it?

01/11/2011
The legal wall is building against texting while driving. The federal government and most states are going after drivers distracted by their iPhones, Blackberries and Androids. Is it time for you to formally ban the practice for your employees?

How to win sexual harassment lawsuits: Institute robust anti-harassment training policy

01/11/2011
The Supreme Court long ago ruled on the many steps employers can take to avoid liability for sexual harassment. But some employers still fail to cover sexual harassment in their ongoing training programs. If that sounds like your organization, resolve now to increase your education efforts. As this case shows, it’s well worth the effort.

The HR I.Q. Test: January ’11

01/11/2011
Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …

Good faith–not perfection–is standard for deciding if wrongdoing calls for discipline

01/07/2011
Do you worry that you need absolute proof of wrongdoing before disciplining an employee? You don’t. Employers have to be fair, not absolutely right.

Sick leave and FMLA: Should you call off your call-in policy?

01/07/2011
Does your call-in policy demand that employees contact their supervisors daily when they’re out sick? If so, can you still require that of employees who are out on FMLA leave? Here’s what a ruling last week said …

How long should we retain I-9 forms?

01/07/2011
Q. We’ve been keeping I-9 forms for an indefinite period. Now I hear we only have to keep them for three years for active employees and one year for terminated employees. Which is correct?

‘Spider-Man’ caught in OSHA’s web

01/04/2011
Preview performances of “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” have been drawing big crowds of theater-goers eager to get a sneak-peak at Broadway’s most-expensive-ever musical. But the production isn’t earning rave reviews from some unlikely audience members—inspectors from OSHA and the New York Department of Labor.