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Hiring

Post promotion openings to cut down on lawsuits

10/13/2009

Employers that rely on informal announcements and word of mouth to promote employees, take note: If a supervisor knows an employee would be interested in such a position and doesn’t let him know it is opening up, a court may allow a failure-to-promote lawsuit even if the employee never applied.

Recruiting college students? Consider all ages

10/13/2009

If you have a robust college-student recruiting program, make sure you consider students from all age groups for your open positions—co-op and internship programs, too. That way, other employees can’t point to your college-student recruiting program as direct evidence of age bias.

Detail concerns before ordering fitness exams

10/13/2009

Under EEOC guidelines, employers can demand a fitness-for-duty exam if they can prove they have a reasonable belief—based on objective evidence—that an employee’s medical condition will impair his or her ability to perform the essential functions of the job or pose a safety threat. If you believe either is the case, make sure you document your objective and reasonable beliefs before demanding the exam.

Job-seekers more willing to relocate these days

10/09/2009

Not finding the perfect candidate in your area? Advertise that job in surrounding states. Americans are much agreeable to relocate, according to a new Challenger, Gray & Christmas survey.

Are job interviews a waste of your time?

10/06/2009

What if we’ve had it all wrong all these years? What if interviewing turned out to be an entirely irrelevant way of selecting the best applicants?

Accept public funds? Then don’t use religion as basis for making employment decisions

10/05/2009

Businesses and nonprofits that receive taxpayer money and contract with government agencies to provide services may be prohibited from using religious criteria in hiring and firing. And hiring on the basis of someone’s religious beliefs or affiliation may be proof that an employer has crossed the line.

Worker confidence in economy is up, study shows

10/05/2009

Is it because the other shoe hasn’t yet dropped—or is the economy really stabilizing? Whether it’s perception or reality, workers tell researchers they’re feeling more confident these days. The picture in Ohio, however remains a little gloomier than the rest of the country.

Parma cable company sued for sex discrimination

10/05/2009

The EEOC has sued Digital Cable and Communications South, a Parma-based cable TV installation company, for allegedly refusing to hire female applicants for cable technician jobs.

Firing for positive drug test? Prepare to defend test validity

10/05/2009

Generally, employees can appeal if they’re denied unemployment compensation because they were fired for cause. To win, they must show they were fired without just cause. However, the rules change when an employee is fired for a positive drug test.

Is our affirmative action plan a Catch-22?

10/02/2009

Q. Our company maintains an affirmative action plan. I’m concerned, however, that if we refuse to hire a white applicant because of the plan, that person might be able to sue us for discrimination. Yet, if we don’t follow the plan, minority applicants can sue us. It seems like a Catch-22. What do we do?