• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

HR Management

New law, pending bill extend workers’ rights to use deadly force

05/01/2007

Gov. Rick Perry recently signed new legislation that extends an individual’s right to use force without retreat in the face of a criminal attack. Until now, a 1995 exception to a 1973 statute required persons to retreat except when an intruder unlawfully entered their home. Senate Bill 378, however, extends the right to persons in their vehicles and workplaces as well …

Can we make smokers pay higher premiums?

05/01/2007

Q. I have to admit I am not a fan of smokers, but what really concerns me is the cost they are adding to our benefits programs. I don’t think it is fair to the nonsmokers that their costs should keep going up year after year when it’s likely smokers are fueling a part of that cost. Can I make smokers pay more in premiums?—S.S.

Set clear rules on office romance

05/01/2007

Have a no-dating policy at your workplace? If the answer is “no,” it may be time to consider one. While some office romances may seem innocent enough, trouble can follow an ugly breakup between co-workers. That’s why it pays to have clear rules in place …

Tie HR to business strategy with right mission statement

05/01/2007

HR often writes vague and uninspiring mission statements that exclude business goals. Take the following steps to create a mission statement that lays out HR’s practical vision for contributing to the company’s strategic plans …

On-Site Clinics Make a Comeback. Are They Right for You?

05/01/2007

On-site clinics are less common than they were a few decades ago, when the company doctor was as much a fixture as the school nurse. But the high cost of health care—and the trend toward focusing on prevention and wellness as ways to lower those costs—is bringing them back into vogue …

Lame excuses for rejecting candidates can land you in court

05/01/2007

Say the wrong thing during the hiring process, and you’ve got a lawsuit on your hands. Here are three tips to help keep supervisors’ feet out of their mouths …

No hire/Fire responsibility? No matter. Employee can sue you personally for job bias

05/01/2007

Watch out! If you are involved—even in a small way—in any activity that leads to a discrimination claim, you may be personally liable …

Want a script that will land you in court every time?

05/01/2007

Try this one: A New York City school psychologist who suffered from asthma and migraines approached an incoming principal about continuing his accommodations, which included an air-conditioned office. The principal allegedly replied, “If you require an accommodation, you should get yourself a job that doesn’t require an accommodation” …

Loose-Lips Alert: Train managers and supervisors that press comments carry weight

05/01/2007

If you don’t have a public relations department to handle press inquiries, make sure you train managers and supervisors on how not to talk to the press …

Warn managers not to advise employees on litigation

05/01/2007

Too many managers and supervisors offer unsolicited advice to employees who’ve filed discrimination complaints. The suggestions usually include being more of a “team player” and “not rocking the boat.” Tell managers such “helpful” career tips can backfire badly …