HR Management

Analyze employee handouts for legally explosive content

09/01/2005

Issue: Ready-to-use employee training materials flood the Internet.
Risk: Your supervisors create liability risks by distributing videos, books or handouts without first vetting them for offensive content.
Action: Review …

Mandatory EAP referral is legal

09/01/2005

Q. In a previous issue of HR Specialist, you said that employers can’t force employees to visit a psychologist. Our Internet policy says that if we find employees accessing pornographic Web sites, they’ll receive a three-day suspension without pay and a mandatory referral to an EAP counselor. Can we require this? —A.C., Maryland

Look beyond SHRM for help in education, training

09/01/2005

Issue: When it comes to skills building, many HR specialists think only about the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Risk: SHRM is a great source, but HR pros shouldn’t …

Don’t try to muzzle employee gossip

09/01/2005

You may not like employees comparing their bonus checks or bad-mouthing their managers in the break room, but don’t even think about trying to silence such off-duty chats. If you do, …

Put limits on supervisors’ ‘power-differentiated’ relationships

09/01/2005

A new court ruling gives you more reason to consider a “no-dating” rule among your employees or a “no-dating subordinates” rule for your supervisors. At the very least, require supervisors to …

Workplace violence: Keep staff safe the legally smart way

09/01/2005

THE LAW. Employees who commit violent acts in the workplace obviously violate state criminal laws. But the liability trail doesn’t stop there.
Employers have a legal obligation to maintain a …

What to include in a camera-Phone policy

09/01/2005

Q. I’m looking to create a company policy regarding cell phones with photographic capabilities. Any suggestions? —L.B., California

Thwart FMLA abuse with periodic calls, check-ins

09/01/2005

Issue: Many HR professionals believe they’ve unwittingly approved FMLA leave for fraudulent reasons.
Benefit: A new court ruling makes it easier for you to check up on employees on FMLA …

5 ways to earn immediate respect for HR

09/01/2005

Issue: How to make senior execs view you as a bottom-line contributor, not a “necessary evil” in your organization.
Benefit: Gain respect and build evidence for your next pay-raise negotiation. …

Background check isn’t enough; tight supervision keeps liability at bay

09/01/2005

Your organization can be held liable for “negligent hiring” if an employee commits a crime and you could have (or should have) prevented it. That’s why it’s crucial to run background …