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Employee Relations

Should we require harassment claims be in writing?

12/01/2006

Q. Our new plant manager wants me to revise our sexual harassment policy to require that complaints be in writing. He says this will formalize the procedure and help ensure that only valid complaints are filed. I don’t think this is a good idea. Is it?

How to keep employees productive during flu season

12/01/2006

If your office remains infected with sneezing, coughing, aching workers who should be at home in bed during flu season, it could be because they’re afraid to use their sick leave. HR should encourage employees to use their sick leave when sick. It could actually increase productivity in the long term …

Pump up your sales force: Focus on time, treasure, talent

12/01/2006

Working long hours doesn’t make a sales staff successful; wisely allocating time does, says a new survey by global consulting firm Watson Wyatt …

Promise of company vacation keeps productivity humming

12/01/2006

Employees of Canada’s Great Little Box Co. have a daily incentive to meet their goals: a trip on the company’s dollar …

‘Secret’ reviews are bad policy and may be illegal

12/01/2006

Q. We don’t allow our employees to read or comment on their evaluations. Instead, we discuss the content with them one-on-one and have them sign an acknowledgment that they have discussed their performance. Do we have to show them the actual evaluation or give them a copy?—D.J., Michigan

Keep workers productive after their two weeks’ notice

12/01/2006
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‘Job commitment’ is valid reason to reject an applicant

12/01/2006

When it comes to evaluating applicants, you can consider factors like evidence of the employee’s commitment to the job and the likelihood he won’t stick around. That’s true even if it means you don’t hire an older applicant who worked for your organization in the past and received good reviews …

U.S. Steel wins ADA case; worker couldn’t do ‘Essential’ parts of job

12/01/2006

U.S. Steel Corp. did not violate the ADA when the company terminated a senior technician due to a degenerative lower back condition, a federal district court judge ruled in a Pennsylvania case …

Denial of lateral transfer isn’t an ‘Adverse job action’

12/01/2006

Employees who think a supervisor is treating them unfairly and suspect discrimination often will look for an escape. One tactic is to ask for a transfer to another department or location. Don’t think that you’re required to acquiesce …

Boost productivity by helping staff with elder care problems

12/01/2006
Issue: Nearly 10 percent of employees serve as caregivers for their elderly parents. That strain results in turnover and productivity problems. Risk: Lost productivity due to elder caregiving costs U.S. …