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Policies / Handbooks

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?

‘Cyberloafing’ is an epidemic: Add teeth to your policy

03/15/2013
The bad news: Up to 80% of employees’ time spent on the Internet has nothing to do with their work. Worse news: Having just a policy won’t deter them.

New employee in skimpy attire: Can we create a dress code without singling her out?

03/13/2013

Q. Our company is very casual and has no dress code. A recent hire is a young woman who wears low-cut tops and short skirts. Our staff is predominantly male and this has become a distraction and frequent conversation topic. How can we implement a dress code now without appearing to single anyone out?

Next year, what steps can we take to protect workers against the flu?

03/12/2013
Q. We’ve had so many employee absences due to the flu this year. Next year, can we require all employees to get a flu shot?

March Madness office pool: Ban it or embrace it?

03/08/2013
The HR consulting firm Chal­­len­­ger, Gray & Christmas estimates that lost work productivity during the 19-day March Madness tournament will top $1 billion. The real risk, however, comes from compulsive gamblers on your payroll.