Training

When sexual harassment accusations fly, investigate and discipline right away

05/02/2012

Here’s a lesson learned from an employer that responded correctly when an employee complained about sexual harassment. Not only did it conduct a thorough investigation that helped it win a lawsuit, but it also prevented another potential sexual harassment claim when it discovered even more egregious behavior—from the original complainant himself.

You must pay for training that isn’t truly voluntary

04/30/2012

Do you require employees to complete after-hours training that will benefit your operations but isn’t directly job-related? If so, you must pay them for their time, unless you can show that participation is truly voluntary.

Add etiquette to employee expectations, please

04/10/2012

If you worry that the personal habits and behavior of your employees—particularly new hires, fresh out of school—might be holding them back (and reflecting poorly on your organization), try these tips for reinforcing business etiquette.

Employee training: When must it be paid?

04/09/2012

If you offer extra off-duty training to your hourly employees, pay extra attention to the rules that explain when those hours must be “paid time.” In most cases it will, but the Fair Labor Standards Act does give you a four-step ladder to climb to a pay exemption.

Tech training goes online for Verizon employees

03/14/2012

Verizon employees have logged more than 9 million training hours, including more than 60,000 hours for front-line sales and service representatives who learned to use new computer technology.

More than just paper: Sexual harassment policy won’t work without supervisor training

02/15/2012

Employers can create all the anti-harassment policies they want and still end up liable for sexual harassment. The key to a successful policy is action. The policy must work. And the policy won’t work if supervisors ignore it or aren’t trained how to implement it.

‘Voluntary’ training time: To pay or not?

12/20/2011

Do you offer extra off-duty training for employees that, while technically voluntary, is strongly recommended? If training participants are hourly employees, chances are you will have to pay them for this time.

Leave shameful history in the past: Warn bosses against any reference to nooses

12/02/2011

Objects can become powerful symbols. That’s certainly true of nooses, which black Americans see as infamous reminders of a past in which lynchings were relatively common, especially in the South. That’s why you must instruct supervisors and managers: Any reference to hanging, ropes or nooses is absolutely forbidden in the workplace.

Do you recommend anti-harassment training?

11/23/2011

Q. Our company is considering anti-harassment training for all employees. Some managers and executive are concerned that this will stir up lawsuits. Do you recommend such training?

Quit guessing at training ROI: Use this simple formula instead

11/15/2011

Employee training represents an act of faith for many organizations. They know it’s important, but few can quantify the return on investment. Still, HR is pushed to prove that training pays off. Use this formula to prove to senior managers which training produces results and which doesn’t.