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HR Management

9 things employees want from their managers (and 5 things they don’t)

05/24/2011
Different employees crave different things from their managers. Here’s practical advice you can give the bosses in your organization. You’ll help them focus on the managerial qualities that matter most to employees—and forget about the window dressing workers don’t care about.

New ADAAA regs now in effect! Get ready for more lawsuits

05/24/2011
The final regulations for implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 went into effect today. In the two years since the ADAAA was enacted, employers have begun to experience the law’s profound impact. With the final regs in place, expect courts to view them as the law of the land. They’re sure to be the critical factor in future ADA cases.

Can you ask applicants to ‘audition’ via voice-mail?

05/24/2011
It’s a hot hiring trend for sales positions and other jobs that call for great verbal skills: Asking job applicants to leave a voice-mail message in which they make their best pitch. Advocates say it’s an effective way to tell right away who has potential — and quickly weed out duds. But is it legal?

Are we required to grant a former employee access to his personnel records?

05/20/2011
Q. One of our former employees has requested to see his personnel file. Are we required to allow him ­access to it?

Hispanic workers at higher risk for on-the-job fatalities

05/20/2011
A report recently issued by Worksafe, a California advocacy group, found that California Hispanic workers are more than 50% more likely to die at work than non-Hispanic workers.

Court: Discipline OK if disabled worker makes threats

05/20/2011
It’s been an open question whether Cali­for­nia’s Fair Employment and Hous­ing Act allows employers to punish a mentally ill employee whose disease makes her act out. Now the answer is clear: You can punish mentally disabled employees for threats or violence against co-workers.

Beat the summer blahs: 9 tips to boost productivity & fun

05/18/2011

As the weather warms, the focus and productivity of your employees can sometimes drift. It’s time to create some fun and optimism at work. Think about simple activities that will help employees feel good and interact with each other on a friendly, personal level. Here are ideas to try:

Stop off-the-clock work with strong OT rules

05/17/2011
Hourly employees know that if they work overtime, their employer must pay them for the extra hours. That’s true, but it doesn’t mean they can work OT whenever they feel like it. Here’s how to end unauthorized overtime:

E-pay progress: Make the move to pay cards

05/16/2011
Is your direct deposit campaign a little long in the tooth? Now may be the best time to update your compensation sys­tem by adding pay cards to the mix. But before you call your payroll provider or bank to set up a pay card option, understand that there are legal and practical pitfalls you must avoid.

You can demand that employees respond to FMLA leave questions

05/13/2011

Employees don’t always give their employers much notice that they need FMLA leave. Nor are they always specific. Now the 7th Circuit Court of Ap­peals has issued a ruling that clarifies what’s expected of both employer and employee in such circumstances.