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Productivity / Performance

Sometimes it’s not what you do, but how you do it

01/01/2008

No one likes being treated poorly, and when shabby behavior is coupled with something as traumatic as losing a job, the treatment itself can be enough to start a lawsuit. That’s why it is crucial for supervisors and HR professionals to respect the dignity of each employee about to be discharged, no matter what the reason …

Concierge services: Are they right for your organization?

12/01/2007

Between the year-end business crunch and the bustle of the holidays, December can be the most stressful month for your employees. Concierge services can take on some of your workers’ holiday planning and shopping by doing personal errands like locating hard-to-find presents, ordering gift baskets, making family dinner reservations, picking up dry cleaning and buying theater tickets …

Boost employee morale at low cost with surprise days off

12/01/2007

Your organization is trying to hold the line on benefits costs, but you still want to offer competitive perks. One good way: Provide extra days off—a low-cost benefit that employees highly value. Organizations of all sizes can use the tactic …

Inject more oversight, responsibility into flex schedules

12/01/2007

Seems like many employees view flexible work arrangements as an entitlement these days—maybe because HR has pushed the idea for years as a way to accommodate work/life conflicts. Putting more structure and accountability into the process makes flexibility less of an ad hoc perk. Here are four ways to structure flexible work arrangements in a more systematic way …

Automakers denounce HHS for recommending foreign cars

12/01/2007

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has apologized to Detroit’s Big Three automakers for a department newsletter that advised staffers to buy foreign cars to save fuel. The newsletter recommended 12 “green” cars, all of which came from Japan or South Korea. …

Want productive employees? Let them have windows

12/01/2007

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

Michigan disabilities act and the ADA: important differences

12/01/2007

Michigan employers must comply with Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA) and the federal ADA. Although the laws are similar, there are differences employers need to understand …

No substantial limitation? Obesity isn’t an ADA disability

12/01/2007

Even as America’s waistline expands, employers can take some comfort in knowing that obesity, by itself, does not constitute a disability under the ADA. Unless an employee’s obesity substantially limits his ability to perform a major life function, he isn’t covered by the ADA …

If pay varies widely, document rationale for disparity

12/01/2007

Sometimes you have to sweeten the pay pot to attract highly qualified employees. But before you pay wildly dissimilar salaries to people in the same or similar positions, make sure you justify the differences. There are two ways to do that …

Nordstrom faces EEOC suit

12/01/2007

Gloria Pimental, a worker at Nordstrom stores in Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens, has filed an EEOC lawsuit alleging a manager harassed her and other Hispanic and black employees. Pimental claims she was fired when she complained …