05/15/2012
New rules designed to speed up union elections are on hold, after a federal court ruled that the NLRB lacked a quorum when members voted to approve the revised procedures. The rules lasted just two weeks, and the NLRB has to decide on its next move.
|
05/01/2012
New EEOC guidance makes it clear: Employers better be able to prove they have a good business reason for running criminal background checks on job applicants. That means it's time for you to review your job applications and hiring policies—and start training hiring managers on what's certain to be a major EEOC enforcement effort.
|
04/24/2012
For years, employers have struggled with how to re-employ soldiers whose military duties have required them to be absent from work. The key question: Does the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) make it mandatory to give rehiring preference to returning vets? Finally, courts have begun to bring clarity to the law.
|
04/17/2012
A federal appeals court has blocked the National Labor Relations Board from requiring employers to display a controversial poster that informs workers of their right to form and join a union. That means employers no longer have to meet an April 30 deadline.
|
04/03/2012
Here’s an important note in this rocky economy: Employers are free to change many of the terms and conditions of employment for at-will employees, including changing their compensation.
|
04/03/2012
Giving employees critical feedback, negotiating with vendors, sticking up for your people (or your budget)—they’re all communications situations that require a certain amount of assertiveness. These 18 questions can help you pinpoint areas of weakness in your ability to express yourself. Use your results to figure out where you can improve.
|
03/27/2012
The U.S. Supreme Court case everyone has been waiting for is finally here. The High Court began hearing oral arguments on the constitutionality of the landmark Affordable Care Act on March 26. An unprecedented six hours of arguments will set the stage for a decision—probably in late June—on whether “Obamacare” stays or goes. No matter how the court rules, it will affect HR for years to come.
|
03/22/2012
The EEOC has won the first round in a legal battle over whether an employer may ask workers to waive their rights to file future discrimination claims.
|
03/05/2012
Employers can minimize retaliation complaints by having fair policies and procedures governing employee discipline. Even in cases of egregious behavior, a suspension while the employer sorts out the facts may be the best approach. Supervisor training is key to stemming national origin, disability and religious discrimination complaints.
|
03/01/2012
Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz.
|
02/28/2012
As part of the hiring process, supervisors are sometimes called on to check an applicant’s references. Those phone calls can help you accurately assess a person’s strengths, weaknesses and past job performance. But checking references can also be challenging—and legally tricky. Here are six guidelines for soliciting information without bumping into legal issues:
|
02/27/2012
Conducting job interviews requires managers to strike a tricky balance between politeness and assertive evaluation. One wrong word or action can drive an applicant away—or even trigger a lawsuit. Warn managers to avoid these top 10 mistakes when interviewing job candidates.
|
02/24/2012
It may seem clear to you that an employee with a minor medical problem isn’t eligible for FMLA leave. But that doesn’t mean the employee won’t sue if you turn down her leave request. That’s why you must be prepared to explain your decision.
|
02/14/2012
Romance may be in the air at your workplace this Valentine’s Day. A 2011 survey by CareerBuilder.com found that 40% of those polled said they have dated a co-worker. But while Cupid shoots arrows, workplace romances often blow up in a liability minefield.
|
02/02/2012
To be successful, employee feedback should be routine, not a once-a-year event. In the same way, managers should make documentation of employee performance, behavior and discipline a regular habit. But how managers document their observations can mean the difference between winning and losing, should an employee ever decide to take you to court.
|