Policies / Handbooks

Does your workplace need an employee civility code?

04/24/2008

If it seems like you’re hearing more vulgar words and behavior spewing forth from employees these days, you’re not alone. It may be time to draft a simple employee civility policy or code of conduct that is separate from your harassment policy. Such a policy gives you more legal leverage to discipline employees who are equal-opportunity verbal abusers. It could protect you if you’re ever sued …

Make sure job descriptions, handbook include reasonable work expectations

04/23/2008

To win a discrimination lawsuit, employees must be able to show they met their employers’ reasonable expectations. If they weren’t doing their jobs, then it’s difficult to blame any adverse employment action on discrimination. That’s one reason job descriptions and employee handbooks should include examples of reasonable expectations …

Nonprofits can’t afford this kind of volunteer help

04/22/2008

Sherri Sullivan, a volunteer treasurer at the Madison County Humane Society, was charged with stealing $65,000 of shelter funds to buy jewelry and makeup …

What HR pros should know about trade secret misappropriation

04/22/2008

When any valued employee leaves, the company experiences a loss. The loss is greater, however, when the former employee departs to work for a competitor and begins using the company’s confidential information or trade secrets. HR has a key role to play in protecting a company’s proprietary information. Here’s how to do it …

Is the term ‘probationary period’ dangerous?

04/18/2008

Q. Our existing employee handbook includes a probationary period for newly hired employees. In revising the handbook, should we consider omitting this provision due to the possibility that we could be altering the at-will employment relationship?

And you thought the prisoners were crabby before

04/10/2008

The Michigan State Department of Corrections has announced plans to ban smoking by prisoners and staff early next year. About 70% of the state’s more than 50,000 prisoners are smokers …

Top 5 mistakes employers make and how to avoid them

04/10/2008

Poor communications with employees isn’t just bad for business. It also creates a work environment that’s ripe for legal trouble. Stay out of the courtroom by taking time to explain your actions and make the workplace seem rational to employees. Here’s how.

Consistently applied blanket-Leave limits don’t violate FMLA

04/09/2008

If you’re having absenteeism problems, consider instituting a policy that says an employee who exceeds an absence threshold will be automatically terminated—regardless of the reason. Such a policy can cover absences relating to personal or vacation leave, time off covered by workers’ comp and even FMLA leave …

Computer policy should allow some personal use

04/08/2008

You can punish employees who abuse computer use as long as you do so consistently. But recognize that some abuses are obviously worse than others. Someone who spends company time bidding on eBay may be due a reprimand. But someone who forwards risqué or racist jokes should receive more severe discipline, up to and including discharge …

Discharged for moonlighting? Former employee may not be eligible for unemployment