• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

Policies / Handbooks

Seek Written OK for Internal-Complaint Resolutions

03/01/2007

The aim of any good harassment policy is to stop problems before they turn into a litigation nightmare. Reaching a compromise early, even when you aren’t convinced anything illegal has happened, makes sense if that settlement doesn’t lead to a retaliation lawsuit later …

Allow accusers to bypass supervisor to file complaints

03/01/2007

A sexual harassment policy is worthless unless it clues in those who really need to know what’s going on at the shop level. Don’t think you’re in the clear just because you have a policy and tell supervisors to stamp out harassment …

NYC firefighters’ burning issue: Is a Locker ‘Private Space’?

03/01/2007

Responding to complaints about pornographic and hostile messages displayed on firefighters’ lockers, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) asked superior officers to oversee the removal of all offensive materials …

Workplace rules can be flexible … if enforced fairly

03/01/2007

When it comes to creating workplace rules, don’t think you have to spell out every last detail. It’s OK to leave some rules intentionally vague, so you’ll have some wiggle room. Just be sure to exercise your discretion fairly …

AIDS Programs

02/17/2007

HR Law 101: As AIDS continues to affect all segments of the population, the workplace is feeling the consequences. Employers are now compelled to confront issues related to AIDS, such as employees’ fear of the disease, company policy decisions and benefit programs …

Health coaches can help reduce hospital visits, care costs

02/01/2007

Employees with chronic health conditions like diabetes could make fewer trips to the emergency room if someone would check in with them every couple of weeks to make sure they’re taking care of themselves …

Consistent discipline: Your best defense against firing bias

02/01/2007

Some employers’ policies are stricter than others, such as zero-tolerance policies against theft. But it’s more important how you apply your policy than what the policy says …

Prompt corrective action limits harassment liability

02/01/2007

When employees complain about a sexually hostile environment, it pays to remedy the situation … fast. That’s true even if you don’t believe the actions would amount to illegal harassment …

No policy? Punish moonlighter anyway

02/01/2007

Q. We just discovered that an employee we hired two months ago is working for another company, too. He is a salaried employee and hardly ever in the office. Is there anything we can do? Is it too late to add a no-moonlighting policy to our handbook? —K.T., California

Traffic tardiness: Be consistent with punishments

02/01/2007

Q. How many times should we allow an employee to be late before giving an oral warning? We have a mandatory 8:30 a.m. production meeting. Everyone knows traffic is out of control, but most employees manage to arrive on time most of the time. Some are consistently late and constantly blame traffic. —J.A., California