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HR Management

New ‘walk-around’ rule permits outsiders at OSHA inspections

04/08/2024
The Department of Labor on April 1 issued the final version of its controversial “walk-around” rule that lets employees choose outsiders to accompany OSHA officials when they conduct workplace inspections. The rule expands the rights of employees to authorize third-party representatives to accompany OSHA compliance safety and health officers as they tour worksites.

Ensure dress code doesn’t cause discrimination

04/08/2024
If you haven’t reviewed and revised your employee handbook’s dress and grooming policy lately, now is a good time to look for antiquated rules that could trigger lawsuits. That’s especially true if a supervisor tries to enforce out-of-date and potentially discriminatory standards. That’s a lesson one employer recently learned when a supervisor insisted women wear pantyhose and forego cosmetic embellishments that had religious and cultural significance to an employee.

Beware data-collecting email from your ‘boss’

04/08/2024
If you get an email in the next few days that seems to be from your CEO requesting a list of employees and their Social Security numbers, watch out! It may be part of an elaborate phishing scheme in which con artists harvest employees’ personal data, use it to file fraudulent tax returns and then pocket income tax refunds.

Even a 15-second presentation demands these basics

04/05/2024
Never take any moment in the spotlight for granted, even if it’s just to stand up and say your name, where you work and a favorite hobby in order to introduce yourself at a public gathering. This is a moment that shapes the way people perceive you; don’t let it get away from you! Always consider these essentials.

DOL offers employer tools to support employees’ mental health

04/01/2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has compiled a suite of resources to help employers assist employees who may be struggling with mental-health problems.

Plan unforgettable team-building events

03/27/2024
Team-building events can be a hit or a miss. If you ask colleagues about their experiences with such activities, you’re bound to get mixed responses. Team-building can be fun, engaging and beneficial, but poor planning and lackluster ideas are often the downfall of what could have been extraordinary. Here are some options to consider across the country for your next team-building event.

Incorporating AI into HR: Set these 4 essential policies

03/20/2024
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace, it is more important than ever to place limits on its use. Applied to HR, AI can deliver many benefits, including streamlining recruitment, reducing hiring bias, organizing and analyzing data, automating administrative tasks and personalizing training. However, it’s crucial to pay attention to the potential risks.

5.5% of workers live more than 50 miles away

03/18/2024
The rise of remote work has given employees the flexibility to live almost anywhere there’s a good internet connection, and the result is greater physical distance between workers’ homes and their employers’ facilities.

Control March Madness by setting policy on workplace gambling

03/18/2024
In many companies, bracket-pool betting on the tournament is a time-honored tradition. Should you worry?

Get out the vote: Create a voting leave policy

03/15/2024
Were you prepared for the elections that just took place in March? Were your employees clear on when they could take time to vote? Make sure you are prepared come November by implementing a policy or scrutinizing your current one. You can encourage voter turnout by implementing a voting-leave policy that shows employees you take the right to vote seriously.