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Employee Relations

Investigations must be thorough, but not bulletproof to justify discipline

12/10/2012
Here’s some good news for those handling discipline and wondering whether your decision will stand up in court: You don’t always have to be exactly right, just fair and honest.

Workplace romance gone bad? Don’t hesitate to terminate if you perceive danger

12/01/2012
Not every romance ends happily ever after with a storybook wedding. But with the passage of time, most breakups don’t leave a lingering mess. That’s not necessarily true of workplace romances gone sour, where the former love birds may remain in regular contact with each other.

Track all discipline just in case employee sues

11/29/2012
Not every terminated employee sues, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. If you fire someone for breaking a rule, note which one.

Discovered unsuspected wrongdoing? Fire away!

11/29/2012
Sometimes, internal investigations pull back the curtain on performance problems that have nothing to do with the original inquiry. Even if it turns out that the initial reason for the investigation was unfounded, you don’t have to ignore other issues you may uncover.

The details matter when documenting discipline

11/27/2012
The next time you discipline an em­­ployee, consider how his conduct compares to others who broke a similar rule. Then detail the differences if the punishment varies. That way, you can later explain why two employees violating a similar rule deserved different punishments.

Frequent standing eases back pain for desk-bound

11/26/2012

At HealthPartners in Minneapolis, the workstations of employees with computer-intensive jobs have been redesigned with desks that allow users to easily raise or lower the keyboard and monitor so it’s possible to type while seated or while standing.

‘Week of Service’ invites Allstate employees to volunteer

11/23/2012

Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate this summer challenged its 70,000 em­­ployees to partner with local nonprofit organizations in their communities—and it made a $500 grant to each of those nonprofits, awarding $80,000 overall.

Fire if necessary: Complaining about bias doesn’t earn free pass to terrorize co-workers

11/19/2012
Don’t let past discrimination complaints by an obviously troubled employee keep you from ensuring workplace safety. Even vague threats can justify firing a potentially dangerous employee. Few judges will see that as retaliation.

Best Buy employees unwind with the same gadgets they sell

11/16/2012
When a Best Buy store does well, the employees share in the spoils. Plus, at some of the stores, employees blow off steam by competing on video games and foosball tables in the break room.

‘Three Blind Mice’ helps NIH staff understand disability

11/15/2012

At the National Institutes of Health, blind employees are reaching out to sighted co-workers to teach them how to treat them during the workday.