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Policies / Handbooks

Build a Sturdy ‘Escape Hatch’ Into Your Organization’s Discipline Policy

12/01/2006

Does your employee handbook outline a progressive discipline process and also include a contract disclaimer? If so, you may think the disclaimer prevents employees from claiming that the discipline policy was a "contract" that can’t be skipped over in favor of instant termination. But you’d be wrong …

Employers looking closer at employee Web clicks

12/01/2006

More than one-third (36 percent) of HR professionals say they’ve increased their monitoring of employees during the past 12 months, according to a new survey by the Society for Human Resource Management …

Pay travel expenses for new, longer commute?

12/01/2006

Q. One of our employees normally reports to a facility. But he’s out on workers’ comp and is doing light duty in the office, which is an extra hour of commuting time. I know we don’t have to pay for his commuting time, but what about his travel expenses? —M.T., Massachusetts

Set firm moonlighting policy; punish violators equally

12/01/2006

You have the right to prohibit employees from engaging in other gainful employment while at work. But can you (or should you) ban off-the-clock moonlighting? And when should you discipline employees for moonlighting? …

The danger of fumbling lawsuit paperwork: a case study

12/01/2006

When facing a lawsuit, nothing kills your defense faster than ignoring the paperwork that automatically comes with the territory. While many employment lawsuits may be frivolous, make sure you retain counsel …

Merely reporting an injury doesn’t trigger FMLA notice

12/01/2006

The FMLA protects employees from termination for taking leave. But that provision doesn’t kick in until the employee notifies you about the serious health condition (or relative’s health condition) that triggers the leave …

Fatal accident at Georgia-Pacific illustrates scaffolding dangers

12/01/2006

As Georgia-Pacific recently learned the hard way, it’s important to regularly check compliance with OSHA safety standards. OSHA fined the Atlanta-based company $63,000 after a fatal accident at its Cedar Springs paper mill …

Sudden vigilance of company rules can look like retaliation

12/01/2006

When employees sue your organization, it can be tempting for supervisors to keep a closer eye on those litigious employees to make sure they’re “playing by the rules.” But be careful: If you suddenly start enforcing your company’s existing rules or turn into Big Brother, you could end up facing a second lawsuit, for retaliation …

Be able to prove good faith in commission calculations

12/01/2006

If you use a written commission compensation plan as part of your incentive-pay program, make sure you do two things. Otherwise, a court could second-guess your commission calculations …

N.J. judge takes dim view of banning ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’

12/01/2006

A mother who alleged she was ordered to stop breast-feeding her infant at the Tiffany’s in the Short Hills Mall, Essex County recently lost her discrimination lawsuit. But the case was a near miss …