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Terminations

Employee refusing to sign review? Don’t let that stop your discipline

12/01/2004
As part of your performance reviews or progressive discipline process, you probably ask for the employee’s signature to acknowledge the issues discussed and actions taken. What if that document is likely …

Lock in employees’ reasons for quitting

12/01/2004
To prove “constructive discharge,” employees must show that their employer made the work environment so intolerable that it forced them to quit.
So, how can you prevail in such lawsuits …

Exit interviews: Use them to cut turnover, unveil legal risks

12/01/2004
THE LAW. While you’re not required to conduct exit interviews with departing employees, federal employment laws do govern how you must handle certain information heard during such meetings.
For …

Keep track of your departed all-stars

12/01/2004
If a talented employee resigns from your organization (say, for example, a new mom decides to stay at home), don’t erase that person from your memory. Build a database of competent …

Quiet a legal storm: Close during weather emergencies

11/01/2004
The hurricanes that battered Florida and the Gulf states this summer pushed an HR question to the forefront: Can employers require employees to report to work during an ordered evacuation or …

Handle sticky-fingered employees with kid gloves

11/01/2004
Issue: HR must walk a legal tightrope when employees are suspected of in-house theft. Risk: A bungled theft investigation increases your organization’s …

Enforce ‘truth statement’ on applications

11/01/2004
If your organization’s job application doesn’t include a “statement of accuracy,” add one fast. In signing, applicants promise they’ve given complete and accurate answers. Such statements provide a solid legal basis …

Warn managers: Avoid assumptions about pregnant employees’ limits

11/01/2004
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) says you can’t fire, demote or discipline a pregnant employee simply because of her condition. Take that one step further by reminding supervisors that they also …

Firing family members? If they’re at will, it’s your call

11/01/2004

Q. We may soon terminate an employee whose daughter also works here. We’re uncomfortable with her daughter remaining as an employee. Can we legally terminate the daughter, as well? —R.M., Missouri

‘Creative workplace’ defense won’t beat harassment suit

11/01/2004
Issue: A court ruling said sitcom writers have a “creative necessity” to engage in overtly sexual banter.
Risk: While the TV network was allowed to use this defense in a …