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HR Management

You aren’t required to launch a perfect investigation

07/01/2008
Employers know they have to investigate sexual harassment complaints. It’s the only way to avoid liability in some sexual harassment cases. But your investigation doesn’t have to be perfect—just prompt and reasonable …

Include ‘At-Will’ disclaimer when adopting HR policies

07/01/2008
Under some circumstances, North Carolina government employees may be entitled to due process if they have a “property interest” in their jobs. That means they get a hearing and a chance to defend themselves before being terminated. Smart public employers can, however, limit that possibility by making sure that nothing in their employment policies creates a property interest in a job …

NCA&T employees helped themselves, audit finds

07/01/2008
An annual audit of North Carolina A&T State University found that 27% of scholarships reserved for the Bookstore Scholarship Fund for needy students were awarded to relatives of university employees …

How much leeway do employers have to prohibit handguns at work?

07/01/2008
Q. We have an employee who has a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Can we prohibit him from bringing his handgun to work? …

What North Carolina laws affect employer substance abuse policies?

07/01/2008
Q. We are considering implementing a substance abuse policy. Are there any North Carolina regulations concerning such policies? …

Use moonlighting, confidentiality policies to discourage outside work

07/01/2008
Most jobs demand full-time attention. That doesn’t always stop employees from taking second or even third jobs. f you want your full-time employees’ full-time attention, consider adopting a “no moonlighting” policy, plus a clear prohibition against any kind of work for the competition …

Senate: About-Face on smoking bill

07/01/2008
Just a week after rejecting it, the Pennsylvania Senate reversed course and passed a bill banning smoking in most workplaces and public spaces in the state. The ban will take effect 90 days after Gov. Ed Rendell signs it …

Sex harassment complaints only in writing?

07/01/2008
Q. Our regional manager wants me to revise our sexual harassment policy to require that complaints be in writing. He says this will formalize the procedure and help ensure that only valid complaints are filed. I’m not sure this is a good idea. Is it? …

No need to rehire if worker tests positive after injury

07/01/2008
Does your company have a solid policy banning drugs from the workplace? If not, you are missing an opportunity to deny re-employment to a drug-using worker who was injured on the job …

The right way to prepare for layoffs … and some alternatives

07/01/2008
Because of the nationwide economic slump, layoffs are a hot topic these days. What sort of employment law issues should HR professionals consider when the possibility of laying off workers becomes increasingly likely? Here’s a step-by-step guide for smoothing out a difficult and painful process …