Employee Relations

Beware boss backlash after complaint–you’re probably looking at retaliation

02/22/2016

It usually happens like this: An employee comes to HR complaining that her boss said something inappropriate—maybe it was a sexually explicit joke, racial slur or offensive comment about someone’s religion. Then the supervisor gets angry at the employee for complaining and retaliates.

Writing the ‘written warning’

02/18/2016

A “written warning” is usually a key step in the process of progressive discipline. It’s purpose, of course, is to effect a change in behavior. But how do you write one?

Unequal discipline for same offense? Be prepared to explain exactly why

02/10/2016

When more than one employee is implicated in a rule violation, make sure all employees are disciplined equally. That’s especially true if they have the same supervisors and similar disciplinary histories.

Speak like a true leader

02/10/2016

If you want other people to take you seriously and follow your lead, you need to speak with power, confidence and authority.

Are we allowed to discipline an employee for spouting off about political topics?

02/08/2016

Q. With the upcoming presidential elections, political conversation among employees has become more frequent and intense. One employee in particular, whose political views are the opposite of most of the others in the office, has taken to vehemently promoting his favored candidate and that candidate’s views. Several employees have complained that this has made them uncomfortable. Can we take disciplinary action against the employee for promoting his political views? We are a private employer.

10 steps: Conducting an internal investigation

02/08/2016

Follow these procedures when conducting internal investigations of alleged employee misconduct.

Supervisors’ guide to progressive discipline

02/04/2016

No state or federal law requires you to establish a progressive discipline policy. If your organization has one, however, make sure all your supervisors understand and follow it.

Warn bosses: Dodge these 7 common evaluation traps

01/27/2016

When training supervisors how to conduct performance appraisals, warn them to avoid these seven mistakes that can taint the evaluation process.

What to ask before punishing insubordination

01/20/2016

An employee who doesn’t do what is asked of him or her is not necessarily insubordinate. Before disciplining for insubordination, delve a little deeper into the employee’s resistance.

Who’s winning the workplace Cold War?

01/11/2016

The weather outside may be frightfully bizarre this winter, but the temperatures inside can be just as difficult for many to adjust to. According to a new Harris poll, 23% of employees say their office is too cold, while 25% are too hot.