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Employee Relations

Snapshot: Formal appraisals are still the top performance tool

11/28/2017

Most organizations continue to use formal performance appraisals to assess how employees are doing and determine how much to pay them.

Former Shakopee, Minn. school chief charged with embezzlement

11/27/2017

The former superintendent of the Shakopee Public Schools in Minnesota faces felony charges that he paid for more than $73,600 in personal expenses using the school district’s credit card.

Document all performance review details: Who, why, how much and, especially, when

11/27/2017

It’s not unusual for a disappointed employee to immediately allege some form of discrimination or bring up past discrimination complaints and claim the poor review was retaliation. Smart employers know how to protect against this sort of lawsuit.

Make sure records show consistent discipline

11/27/2017

If an employee breaks your work rules, you should absolutely discipline him. However, make sure that discipline matches punishment you have dished out to other employees for similar infractions—and that you have records to back up your defense.

Court says appeal would be act of bad faith

11/22/2017

Appeals can be time consuming and expensive, adding huge costs to defending against what might seem, on their face, to be frivolous allegations. One federal court has now said enough is enough.

Respond as soon as employee complains about hostile environment

11/22/2017

When an employer responds to a complaint with an investigation and almost immediately fixes the problem, the lawsuit probably won’t go far.

Tired of serial complainer’s constant gripes? Investigate every allegation anyway

11/22/2017

It can be annoying to have to deal with constant unfounded complaints from an employee who seems to take offense at everything. That doesn’t mean you can ignore him.

Workflex in the 21st Century Act may modernize ERISA

11/22/2017

New legislation would allow employers to create an ERISA plan, known as a qualified flexible workplace arrangement plan, as a way to offer employees a combination of guaranteed paid leave and increased work flexibility options. 

Press for as much detail as possible when employee files harassment complaint

11/22/2017

For most complaints, you receive enough background to launch an investigation. But what should you do if the employee reporting the harassment doesn’t want to provide details or even basic information like who the alleged harasser is?

Finding purpose: How to help employees connect with meaning in their jobs

11/21/2017
Managers who understand what employees value have an opportunity to inspire them to find a purpose for their work that they can embrace, and connect to a deeper meaning and increased engagement in their work.