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Policies / Handbooks

Watch your language: Texas court addresses wording of noncompetes

02/07/2017
Since courts analyze noncompetes under standard contract interpretation principles, the language beyond the exchange of consideration can also be critical to the enforceability of an agreement.

What should we do? Only after accepting job did we figure out her husband works here

01/30/2017
Q. We recently hired an amazing applicant for a position at our large accounting firm. After signing her offer, she casually mentioned that her husband works here. We have a policy against office romances. Can we dismiss either her or her husband for this reason?

6 ways to manage use of personal smartphones for work

01/27/2017
There’s no guarantee your em­­ployees’ personal devices are as well-protected as company-issued de­­vices. To ensure the safety of employees’ smartphones and continued access to your company’s information, take these six steps before allowing employees to use them for work.

In contentious times, reaffirm your commitment to diversity

12/22/2016
Now is a good time to consider taking steps to reinforce your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

California votes to legalize recreational marijuana

11/28/2016
On Nov. 8, Californians voted to legalize recreational marijuana for individuals over the age of 21.

4 steps to prevent in-house fraud & theft

11/17/2016
HR must watch out for one of the most unexpected and insidious fiscal perils: employees who steal.

Is it legal for us to ban all guns at work?

11/14/2016
Q. Many of our employees bring their hunting rifles and shotguns to work, especially on Fridays during hunting season. We generally prohibit guns or other weapons in the workplace. Can we stop employees from bringing their guns to work?

What can we do? We suspect one of our employees is often drunk at work

11/14/2016
Q. We have an employee who often appears to be inebriated at work. Can we require that he take an alcohol test? Can we require that he get into a rehab program to keep his job?

Can I really not smoke in my own office?

10/27/2016
Q. I recently relocated my business to California from a foreign country. I heard that I am not allowed to smoke in my office. Is this true?

Can job offer be contingent on drug test?

10/07/2016
Q. Our Pennsylvania company wants to begin screening applicants for illegal drugs. Can we make job offers conditional on the results of a drug test?