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Employee Relations

Want productive employees? Let them have windows

11/01/2007

Employees are more productive if they have windows in their work areas, according to a recent study. That’s one reason the new SAP labs in Palo Alto have incorporated lots of windows. Does it really work? …

Aging work force requires vigilance against discrimination

11/01/2007

As baby boomers age, more Americans say they expect to keep working longer than their parents did. That means more older job applicants—and more age-related lawsuits. Defend against this coming onslaught by taking extra care to document your disciplinary decisions to make sure age isn’t a factor …

Saying ‘Start looking for another job’ can mean unemployment comp liability

11/01/2007

Employers that tell workers to “start looking for another job” may find themselves paying unemployment compensation when the employees do just that—by quitting right away instead of waiting for the pink slip …

Make sure job descriptions accurately list qualifications

11/01/2007

Accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive job descriptions are essential in defending against all manner of employee lawsuits. As the following case shows, you can’t argue that an applicant doesn’t have the necessary experience or education if your job description doesn’t list those qualifications …

Court: If employees hold the job, they’re ‘Qualified’

11/01/2007

Employers are finding it harder to get age discrimination cases dismissed early. They also are learning that beating age discrimination suits requires rock-solid evidence of fair and equal treatment—and a genuine, legitimate reason for discharging the employee that has nothing to do with age …

Aflac helps employees buy homes with education, financing

11/01/2007

Georgia-based insurance firm Aflac is helping its employees buy their first homes through a program with a local agency. Aflac works with NeighborWorks, which teaches employees how to purchase a home and offers sessions on financial and debt management …

School system tends to new teachers’ personal needs

11/01/2007

Many of the new teachers who take jobs with the Charles County, MD, public school system need help adjusting to small-town life after they are hired. That help comes in the form of a teacher-services department staffed by a secretary, a veteran teacher and an HR specialist …

Pros and cons of tuition assistance

11/01/2007

Q. I am the HR director of a midsize company. I am currently evaluating additional benefits that my company can provide to help us attract and retain talent. One of our employees suggested a tuition-reimbursement program. Can you describe some of the pros and cons of such a program? …

Attract and keep great employees with these 5 ‘Best practices’ benefits

10/23/2007

As the HR profession celebrates National Work and Family Month—you knew October was National Work and Family Month, didn’t you?—it’s time to stock up on innovative benefits ideas from U.S. employers. From wellness incentives to “future leave,” these best practices help attract and retain great workers …

Recognize any of these 6 supervisor profiles?

10/23/2007

The hard-driving, ruthless boss may fit the stereotype of today’s most successful corporate executive. But the most effective workplace leaders are honest, caring  and flexible. Six profiles show the full spectrum of supervisory skill—as rated by employees.