Policies / Handbooks

When misbehavior demands termination, it’s best to stick with one reason for firing

06/10/2011

Here’s an important reminder to heed when you must discipline employees: If an employee commits a major rule violation that justifies termination, rely on that reason alone. Resist the temptation to pile on additional reasons. It may make defending a lawsuit that much easier.

Court upholds $40 million verdict for Xcel lineman

06/08/2011

A lineman for Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy will collect $40 million from Qwest Telephone as a result of a 2004 accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Your 10-point checklist to ensure an NLRA-compliant handbook

06/06/2011

A poorly written or overly broad handbook could result in unfair labor practices charges from the National Labor Relations Board. That’s true even if your workforce isn’t unionized. Review your handbook for policies relating to the following 10 “red flags” that attract the NLRB’s attention.

Make work safe for older employees (and everyone else, too)

06/03/2011

As an employer, you want to eliminate accidents. But paying particular attention to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s safety recommendations for older workers should make your workplace safer for everyone.

Is it time for telework? 6 unexpected issues you should consider

05/27/2011

Telework is taking off. Although the idea of allowing employees to work from home, at clients’ sites or at remote locations isn’t new, it is gaining popularity as gas prices remain high and commuting times to the office increase. But beyond choosing the right positions for telework, employers must address important legal issues before adopting a telecommuting policy.

New ADAAA regs now in effect! Get ready for more lawsuits

05/24/2011

The final regulations for implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 went into effect today. In the two years since the ADAAA was enacted, employers have begun to experience the law’s profound impact. With the final regs in place, expect courts to view them as the law of the land. They’re sure to be the critical factor in future ADA cases.

Stop off-the-clock work with strong OT rules

05/17/2011

Hourly employees know that if they work overtime, their employer must pay them for the extra hours. That’s true, but it doesn’t mean they can work OT whenever they feel like it. Here’s how to end unauthorized overtime:

You can demand that employees respond to FMLA leave questions

05/13/2011

Employees don’t always give their employers much notice that they need FMLA leave. Nor are they always specific. Now the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a ruling that clarifies what’s expected of both employer and employee in such circumstances.

Workplace Smoking: State Laws

05/12/2011

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recently hailed the “half-way point in a remarkable journey” as more than 25 states now have laws prohibiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars. Here is the list, plus a link to more state workplace smoking laws …

Bulletproof HR decision-making by following your own rules–and logging your compliance

05/11/2011

You must have clear rules in place for making personnel decisions—and you must follow those rules consistently. With good documentation, you then are able to show exactly how and when you made your decision. That can sometimes make the difference between a dismissed lawsuit and litigation.