Employee Relations

Consider the benefits and pitfalls of stack ranking before implementation

09/13/2024

The search for new ways to boost team performance seems to be never-ending in your role as a manager. But what if you chose a method that could motivate top performers while possibly demoralizing the rest of your workforce? Enter stack ranking, a controversial performance-management system making a comeback in some corners of the business world.

How many more chances after last-chance agreement?

09/12/2024

In Moore v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co., the appeals court held that an employee’s last-chance agreement, signed after the employee tested positive for marijuana, did not bar his subsequent discrimination lawsuit when terminated after yet another positive test.

Try a better way to hear employees’ complaints

09/09/2024

Chronic griping can certainly drain your energy and time. However, some complaints are worthy of your attention. Don’t try to silence them all. Instead, listen to employees—but don’t solve their problems.

Documenting discipline: The 3 cardinal rules for managers

09/06/2024

Managers should make documentation of employee performance, behavior and discipline a regular habit. HR can help limit the organization’s legal liability by counseling managers to keep three basic principles in mind when documenting discipline.

Golden handcuffs: Right or wrong answer to your retention issues?

09/04/2024

As an HR professional, you’re always looking for ways to attract and retain top talent. One strategy that’s been around for years is the use of “golden handcuffs,” or attractive financial incentives designed to keep valuable employees from leaving. But are these shiny restraints still an effective tool in today’s evolving workplace? Here are some pros and cons to help you make informed decisions for your organization.

Counter refusal to participate in diversity training

08/30/2024

Recently, we have seen an increase in lawsuits from workers who believe that being forced to participate in any kind of diversity training violates their Title VII rights. Now a federal appeals court has tossed out one such case. The court concluded that the worker’s refusal was unreasonable and his claims meritless.

Productivity, hours worked increased in the last year

08/26/2024

Managers say their teams have become more productive and are logging longer hours than they were a year ago, according to research by the Robert Half staffing firm. The trend raises concerns about employee burnout, lower morale and higher turnover.

Fair firing: Avoid masking performance issues with layoffs

08/23/2024

A recent survey by ResumeBuilder.com has unveiled a concerning trend in corporate layoff practices: Many layoffs aren’t intended to cut costs; they’re a way to cull poor performers from the payroll.

Multigenerational teams: Tips for fostering harmony

08/22/2024

The American workplace is experiencing a shift as multiple generations work together, each bringing their perspectives and work styles to the table. For HR, understanding and managing these generational differences is not just a challenge but an opportunity.

Promote respectful workplace communications with 10 actionable strategies

08/19/2024

You’re not alone if you’re concerned about maintaining a civil workplace during the run-up to elections this fall. Some employers have considered banning political discussions altogether, but that approach can backfire. Bernadette Jones, co-founder and CEO of HR consulting firm Visionova, has a more effective approach to ensure respectful workplace conversations. She offers these 10 actionable strategies.