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HR Management

Review state law on voting leave

02/01/2004
Issue: Some states require you to give employees time off to vote. Benefit: You typically don’t have to pay for this “voting leave.” Action: Learn your state law and …

Beware labor’s pitch to create union sympathizers

02/01/2004
As AFL-CIO union membership continues to decline, it’s trying another tack: creating an army of nonunionized workers to rally support for its causes. Rather than organizing individual workplaces, this program, dubbed …

Use media to boost the organization’s stature (and yours)

02/01/2004
Issue: The media’s growing interest in HR and workplace issues. Benefit: By gaining publicity for your organization, you can aid recruitment efforts and earn kudos from top brass. Action: …

Compliments on dress and hair don’t equal sex harassment

01/01/2004
A female supervisor repeatedly complimented a female customer service rep on her choice of jewelry, clothing and hairstyle. The rep sued, alleging the constant comments were harassing and constituted a hostile …

ERISA: Monitor compliance to avoid legal challenges

01/01/2004
THE LAW. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) governs the administration of private employers’ employee benefit plans and the rights of plan beneficiaries. Congress passed the law in …

Focus on employee results, not face time

01/01/2004
A new OfficeTeam survey asked employees what one thing would give them more job satisfaction. The runaway winner: more schedule flexibility (33 percent). The lesson: If possible, stagger schedules to …

Start using new OSHA injury log this month

01/01/2004
Employers that are required to complete an OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) must start using a newly revised form Jan. 1.
The form includes several changes, …

Your cost-saving plan of the year: Health Savings Accounts

01/01/2004
Issue: The new Medicare law allows employees to set up tax-free savings accounts to cover uninsured medical costs. Benefit: Setting up HSAs for employees could allow you to offer them …

Congress gives all employers ability to confirm I-9 documents

01/01/2004
By Dec. 1, 2004, all U.S. employers will have the option of using a phone-based system to check whether new hires have the right to work in the United States.
…

Break time must be uninterrupted time

01/01/2004
Spread the word that nonexempt employees’ breaks and meal times should be used for those purposes, not for work. And put the policy in writing. That may force you to juggle …