Policies / Handbooks

Details matter when documenting promotions

11/15/2017

To counter discrimination in promotion claims, be sure you can show that the selected employee was a better candidate in as many ways as possible. That makes it much harder for a disappointed candidate to prove he was clearly better qualified.

Fingerprint time tracking? Check state law

10/26/2017

In recent years, employers have seized on biometric technologies such as fingerprint scanning as a way to control time-clock abuse. But before you rush out to buy the latest in technology, be sure to check with your attorney or your state labor department.

Master compliance challenges that follow natural disasters

10/18/2017

Unless planned and executed properly, employers’ emergency procedures may run afoul of many federal, state and local employment laws.

Nonsensical complaint? Move for quick dismissal

10/18/2017

It can be difficult and even unnerving when a former employee files a lawsuit full of obvious false and unsupportable allegations. But don’t ignore it. Work with your lawyers to get it dismissed as soon as possible.

After Minnesota Supreme Court ruling, new rules for whistleblowers

10/16/2017

A unanimous Minnesota Supreme Court decision has made it considerably easier for workers to file—and win—whistleblower lawsuits under the Minnesota Whistleblower Act.

Be alert for positive drug test results caused by meds used to treat disabilities

10/16/2017

Do you perform drug tests on employees suspected of being under the influence of intoxicants or illicit drugs? Be aware that some positive test results may be due to legal prescription drugs required for the treatment of disabilities.

Make sure your good records are dated, too

10/12/2017

When it comes to litigation, employers that keep meticulous performance records and can pinpoint exactly when they made important employment decisions typically fare better than those who keep sloppy records.

Freedom of speech: Does it apply at work?

10/12/2017

It’s a free country, so employees can express themselves however they want at work, right? Wrong. Only employees in the public sector—those who work for government entities—have First Amendment rights in the workplace, subject to limitations.

How can we legally protect trade secrets?

10/06/2017

Q. What are some best practices employers can use to protect their trade secrets?

Establish—and follow—standard policy for releasing employee records

09/26/2017

It’s not unusual for former employees or their prospective employers to ask for copies of personnel records. Make sure you follow a consistent policy that regulates how, when and to whom such records may be released.