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Policies / Handbooks

OK to expect better behavior from managers

02/06/2020
While a subordinate might be excused for a minor rule breach, his supervisor could legitimately be disciplined for breaking the same rule. Just make sure your handbook outlines this greater expectation.

Prepare workplace for coronavirus pandemic

01/30/2020
It’s too soon to tell if the coronavirus outbreak that started in China will become a worldwide pandemic, but public health officials are bracing for the worst. Prudence says employers should start planning now in case the virus starts spreading in the U.S.

Clear harassment policies, reporting procedures protect both victims and employers

01/15/2020
Employers sometimes assume that the safest course of action is to fire any employee accused of harassment. But that can be a painful choice if the employee is hard to replace or is otherwise a good worker.

In San Antonio, ‘English-only’ rule exposed even more bias

01/15/2020
Former owners of La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio have agreed to pay more than $2.5 million to settle EEOC national-origin discrimination charges.

Precisely document justification for policies

01/08/2020
Here’s an important reminder when creating or modifying employment policies: Treat every memo as if it will end up as evidence in a lawsuit.

Hairstyles become latest flashpoint for grooming disputes

11/25/2019
Hair is becoming the new battleground over employer expectations and employee compliance. Increasingly, state and local authorities have stepped in, siding with employees who challenge grooming policies.

In #MeToo era, you need a contingency plan

11/14/2019
In the days after McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook’s termination for having a consensual romantic relationship with a woman at work, details emerged showing that the fast food company had prepared in advance to handle relationships between C-suite executives and subordinates. Your organization needs a contingency plan, too.

Best defense: Consistent rules universally enforced

11/07/2019
When an applicant or employee launches a lawsuit, courts naturally end up scrutinizing your organization and its processes. The best defense: Have consistent rules that you universally apply to everyone.

Ensure policy spells out exactly how employees should report allegations of sexual harassment

11/07/2019
You will probably survive a harassment lawsuit if you trained all employees how to use the policy and followed up with discipline whenever an investigation uncovered harassment.

Clear rules and good records essential

10/24/2019
Employers that have clear rules showing exactly what they expect from employees have a huge leg up if they are sued for discrimination.