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HR Management

4 new tricks for long-Distance training

03/01/2008
Thanks to flashy new tools, you can compose and distribute business slide shows online in novel ways. You may have heard about Google’s new web-based presentation tool. Here are other ways to give your bullet-point training more impact …

Warn staff of new e-Mail scams using IRS’ name

03/01/2008
The IRS has posted a warning about e-mail and phone-based scams that falsely use the agency’s name. The goal: Trick people into giving up their Social Security numbers and other financial data …

Is your broker lazy? 5 questions to weed out slackers

03/01/2008
You don’t have the time or expertise to shop for benefits plans and analyze them all. That’s why you hire a health benefits broker to sort out the best plans at the best prices. Here are some issues to consider when selecting the right broker …

Do employees have the right to access their personnel files?

03/01/2008

Q. One of our employees is having disagreements with his supervisor over performance issues. The employee has asked to see his personnel file. Does he have a legal right to see his file? …

Must we release former employees’ files?

03/01/2008

Q. I recently got a form in the mail, signed by a former employee, authorizing release of her personnel file to her attorney. Must I honor it? …

What goes into a personnel file?

03/01/2008

Q. What kinds of information and documents should we keep in our personnel files? …

What to do with the ‘Informal’ personnel files our managers keep

03/01/2008

Q. In addition to the official personnel files we keep in HR, our supervisors keep informal or working files. Is this allowed? Does this practice present any concerns? …

Document all employee record requests

03/01/2008

The Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act gives employees the right to review their personnel records. The law requires employees to make written requests to look at the files before they seek legal redress. Keep a clear record of all requests …

Employer responsibilities when subpoena demands personnel files

03/01/2008
Q. What should the employer do when an employee’s personnel file is subpoenaed? …

How long must we retain the records on former employees?

03/01/2008
Q. We’re drowning in paper and have pretty high turnover. That means we keep records for lots of former employees. How long is an employer required to keep employment records and notices under state law? …