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Productivity / Performance

In employment contracts, use clear, unambiguous terms

04/01/2007

When Florida courts interpret employment contracts, they look first and foremost to the contract language. If it’s clear and unambiguous, they enforce the terms strictly. But if the court questions the meaning of some terms, it will interpret them in a way that benefits the employee …

Boosting productivity makes you a true strategic player

04/01/2007

Execs in your organization constantly look for ways to reduce labor costs and improve work force productivity to keep up with competition. Most likely, those bosses don’t ask your advice … and you don’t give it. To start playing a role in improving productivity, take the following steps …

Giving and receiving feedback: 8 important do’s & don’ts

04/01/2007

For some bosses, “Good work” or “That stunk” is all the feedback they offer employees in a day. But the employees crave a whole lot more …

ADA: Hiring Practices

03/27/2007

HR Law 101: The ADA prohibits employers from asking job applicants questions that may reveal a disability. You should ask only about the person’s ability to perform a job’s essential functions …

Performance Reviews

03/07/2007

HR Law 101: There are two important reasons why you should conduct regular appraisals of your employees’ performance. First, periodic and competent appraisals reduce the opportunity for a discharged employee to claim unfair treatment. The appraisal process alerts employees to what you expect of them, areas in which they’re deficient and how they can improve their performance. Second, appraisals constitute documented proof of unsatisfactory performance that will help you justify employment decisions …

Off-Duty Behavior/Moonlighting

03/06/2007

HR Law 101: In recent years, employer attempts to regulate what employees may do on their own time have become contentious. Many employers fear that their employees’ off-duty actions, including moonlighting, may reflect badly on them, lower productivity or, even worse, create liability …

How to respond when employees show mental instability

03/01/2007

A star employee tells you his new depression medicine makes it impossible for him to get to work on time. Must you alter his schedule? …

Case study: Give workers the power to reshape their jobs and goals

03/01/2007

Most organizations stick to traditional management approaches, largely because they don’t trust employees with control. But studies consistently show that employees who set their own goals work harder to accomplish them and are happier with their jobs. Here are some practical tips for empowering your employees.

Firing a troublemaker? Focus on concrete business reasons

03/01/2007

When it comes time to fire a difficult employee, focus on clear and easily explained legitimate business reasons for the action you want to take. That means documenting any work problems and relating those problems to the major job functions you hired the employee to perform …

You can suggest FMLA leave without triggering ADA liability

03/01/2007

What do you do if you think an employee, especially one whose performance is declining, could benefit from taking FMLA leave? Do you plant the suggestion or wait until the employee approaches you? The fact is, you can suggest FMLA leave for a serious health condition and not run afoul of the ADA …