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Ohio

Updated web site helps bulletproof your accommodation practices

09/30/2009

The ADA requires employers to enter into an interactive process with disabled employees to find accommodations that allow them to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Recently, the federal government updated its Job Accommodation Network (JAN) web site, which employers can use to to find specific accommodation information.

Make sure HR reviews each firing in advance

09/28/2009

When it comes to termination, courts cut employers lots of slack—if employers can show they sincerely believed they were firing an employee for good reasons. You can show that good faith by having HR review all disciplinary actions, especially double-checking on termination decisions before they are finalized.

Handle ‘uncooperative’ complainer with care

09/08/2009

Employees who complain they’re being discriminated against sometimes seem less than cooperative once you start investigating their claims. If that happens, don’t be too quick to discipline that employee for hindering your fact-finding effort.

Asperger’s syndrome may be an ADA disability

09/08/2009

Asperger’s syndrome may be a covered disability under the ADA, a federal court hearing an Ohio case has concluded. Asperger’s is a developmental disability characterized by “severe and sustained impairments in social interaction,” according to the American Psychiatric Association. The condition is permanent and is similar in some respects to autism.

Rebound? Pay on the rise, but health insurance could lag

09/08/2009

A survey by consulting firm Watson Wyatt indicates more employers are loosening the compensation purse strings, even as employees will probably bear higher health benefits costs. According to the survey conducted in August, 44% of employers plan to reverse pay cuts made during the economic downturn.

AIG settles with Ohio pensions that claimed excessive losses

09/08/2009

Insurance giant AIG has settled a dispute with three Ohio public employee pensions for $115 million. All of  them claimed AIG, its top executives and related firms used anti-competitive practices and fraudulent accounting that led to massive losses for the pensions.

Messed up? ‘Fess up! Honest mistakes aren’t evidence of bias

09/08/2009

Sometimes, it’s best to just come clean. Even the best HR pros make mistakes when promoting or hiring employees. When that happens, and another employee sues, alleging that the hiring or promotion process was tainted by discrimination, it may be a good idea to admit that mistake to the court or the EEOC.

Exception to the rule: You can ask internal and external applicants different questions

09/08/2009

One of the cardinal rules of hiring is that you should ask all applicants the same questions. Even good rules can sometimes be broken—when it makes good sense. For example, if you have an open position and are interviewing both internal and external applicants, it’s perfectly logical to ask internal applicants different questions, since they’re already familiar with your operations.

Punish those who use ethnic slurs—whether it’s intended to offend or not

09/08/2009

Some employees aren’t very sophisticated—so unsophisticated they may use terms they don’t fully realize are offensive to others. But ignorance is no excuse: You can and should punish employees who use language that stereotypes or demeans co-workers.

Unionized workforce? There are some advantages

09/08/2009

Most employers want to stay union-free for obvious reasons, such as retaining direct control over wages and benefits. But it’s not all downside to have a union represent your employees; there are some advantages. One is that troublesome employees end up bugging their union reps about work problems instead of management.