Policies / Handbooks

Just having a policy isn’t enough! Enforce your rules against harassment

04/23/2014

We’ve said it before, but it needs to be said again: Simply having a sexual harassment policy in your handbook won’t save you from a lawsuit. It’s all about what you do with that policy.

Honda issues social media guidelines for its employees

04/17/2014

Some companies encourage employees to use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other networks to spread the word about their work. So Honda Motor Co., among others, has issued social media guidelines for employees, with a caution.

Still no handbook? Act fast after complaint

04/14/2014

Do you work in an HR department that still hasn’t gotten around to creating an employee handbook? Don’t despair. As long as everyone in HR and management makes sure employees know the company won’t tolerate sexual harassment and encourages immediate reporting of harassment, you can probably escape liability by acting fast on any reports you do receive.

No need to tolerate personal woes that spill over to workplace arguments

04/09/2014

When bad romance spills over to the workplace, you don’t have to put up with the aftermath. Set strict rules about behavior and don’t tolerate loud arguments, threats or other disruptions.

EEOC issues new guidance on religious garb and grooming

04/08/2014

In an attempt to clarify employers’ rights and responsibilities under Title VII’s prohibition against religious discrimination, the EEOC has issued a new guidance document regarding religious clothing and grooming in the workplace.

Track worker receipt of electronic handbook

04/03/2014

Want an easy way to show that an employee acknowledged receiving a copy of your arbitration agreement? Include it in the employee handbook. Then have IT track when employees received it.

Never hesitate to make legit rule changes

03/17/2014

Have you found that some of your disciplinary rules are too lenient? Don’t hold back on stiffening your rules just because you fear the first employees subject to harsher penalties might sue you.

Handbook is key to misconduct discharge

03/17/2014

How your handbook reads is critical when you want to contest unemployment benefits for a former employee who was terminated for misconduct. Document that the employee received the handbook. Track any warnings that led up to the firing.

Do we have to tolerate ‘Duck Dynasty religion’ hat?

03/14/2014

Q. We let a female cashier at our restaurant wear a religious head covering, despite our policy against hats. Now, a male employee has started wearing a camouflage cap, claiming his religious idol is Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty.” He says his “religion” is sincere. Can we tell him to remove the cap?

Electronic signatures: What HR professionals need to know

03/13/2014

For centuries, a signature at the bottom of a piece of paper has meant someone agrees with what the document says. But now many of our documents are made of electrons instead of wood pulp.
Can keystrokes carry the same legal weight as strokes of the pen?