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Policies / Handbooks

Ensure supervisors understand they must be alert for FMLA scenarios

05/09/2013
Employees don’t always know to ask specifically for FMLA leave. Some may not even know they are entitled to time off for a serious health condition. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore the obvious and discipline a worker for missing work when it’s clear he or she may be entitled to FMLA leave.

New FMLA regs in effect: Update your military leave policy

05/06/2013
In 2008, Congress expanded the FMLA to include two types of military leave: exigency leave and military caregiver leave. In 2010, Congress expanded those leave rights by applying them to the regular armed forces as well as National Guard members and reservists. Now those changes have been officially implemented with new regulations from the DOL.

Combat co-worker harassment with effective policy, prompt action

05/06/2013
You can’t prevent all sexual har­­assment, but you can do plenty to avoid liability when it does happen, at least when the harasser is a co-worker. Start with a clear anti-harassment policy, and make sure everyone under­­stands it.

When romance blooms at work, be ready with a practical policy

05/01/2013
Roughly four out of 10 workers have dated a co-worker, according to a survey by Spherion Corporation. When office romances sour, scorned lovers often sue, alleging that their former lover was a sexual harasser. And even if the lovers are happy, workplace romances can cause problems in the office or on the shop floor. Based on all of these legal risks, should your organization forbid office romances?

Operate in several states? Beware arbitration pacts referencing states other than California

04/23/2013
Employers that do business in several states often have a single employee handbook covering all workers at all locations. If that de­­scribes your organization, be careful about how you handle details like arbitration agreements.

Telework not working? Repair, don’t reject

04/23/2013
If your organization’s telework program has hit a snag, try repairing it before you abandon it. Otherwise, you could face fallout from unhappy former telecommuters. They’ll either look for another flex-friendly employer or—worse—bring hard feelings with them when they report to the office.

Can we ban employee T-shirts with strong messages?

04/17/2013
Q. One of our workers often wears T-shirts that have slogans with a strong political bent. Some employees have complained. Is it a violation of employees’ free speech rights to ban such clothing?

Any downsides to a no-fault attendance policy?

04/11/2013
Q. We are thinking about implementing a no-fault attendance policy. We hope it will provide clearer absenteeism rules and make it easier for managers to enforce. Are there any downsides?

After Yahoo and Best Buy bans, what’s the real deal on flex?

03/22/2013

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer recently announced that employees who had telecommuted must now return to their cubicles at the struggling company’s headquarters. Before long, electronics retailer Best Buy followed suit.

Can we make flu shots mandatory?

03/20/2013
Q. Because this season’s flu outbreak was so severe, next fall we would like to require all our employees to get a flu vaccine. We hope this will cut down on employee absences during flu season. Would such a policy be lawful?