Communication

How can we prepare for a flu pandemic?

06/05/2009

Q. I am very concerned about the H1N1 flu outbreak, especially if it flares up again this fall. Are there are steps I should take to prepare my business if an employee contracts the illness?

Summer staff get-togethers for every budget

06/02/2009

While you may not have been partying much at the office lately, some employers see summer as an ideal time for an all-staff get-together. Instead of spending a lot on flowers and glassware rentals, get creative with these summertime themes.

Stretch your budget with 5 benefits-on-a-shoestring tactics

05/26/2009

Even during a recession, it’s possible to beef up your benefits. Instead of spending money on new perks, spend some time thinking creatively about the perks you already offer—and present them to employees in a new light. Employees are likely to perceive that you’re adding benefits if you make existing ones more valuable. Here are some ways to get started:

Help managers supervise staff who work from home

05/04/2009

More than 33 million Americans now work remotely at least one day per month, according to the “Telework Trendlines 2009” survey report. Still, most managers have been trained to work with employees who are only physically present to them. How can you manage what you can’t see? Here are some tips:

‘Pick the tomatoes off my sandwich!’ Are your managers overusing the ‘other duties as required’ clause?

04/27/2009

Many job descriptions conclude with the catchall requirement that employees must perform “other duties as required.” But are some of your supervisors expanding that definition to ridiculous extremes? Such nonwork-related duties are certain to annoy employees, which will hurt retention. At worst, they could create safety hazards and legal claims. Encourage supervisors to keep employees strictly focused on business-related work that furthers the company’s—not the boss’s—goals.

Left behind: Consider RIF effects on your other employees

04/22/2009

Your business has crunched the numbers, considered the alternatives and come to the conclusion that layoffs are necessary if the business is to remain afloat during these challenging economic times. But how much thought have you given to your remaining employees who are about to watch their friends and colleagues lose their jobs?

Six steps for managing ‘difficult’ employees

04/07/2009

Major problems can erupt when supervisors have to manage people they just don’t get along with. Smart managers defuse that tension by focusing on tasks, projects and results—not personalities.

IRS, DOL release guidance on new COBRA rules

03/24/2009

The IRS and the U.S. Department of Labor have just published guidance to help employers claim the credit for the new 65% COBRA subsidy and create the mandatory new COBRA notices. Look here for links to the documents and information you need to comply.

Assign HR staffer to monitor and update employees’ ADA accommodations

03/13/2009

Don’t think it’s the end of the story once you have offered an ADA accommodation to a disabled employee and put it in place. Disabilities change, equipment fails and technology improves, making the accommodations process a continual one. Here’s what you risk if you make an accommodation and walk away without ensuring the accommodation actually works.

Your FMLA obligation ends with forms and notice

03/12/2009

Employers have to let their employees know about the FMLA so they can take advantage of the leave guaranteed by the law. But if an employee doesn’t take advantage of his FMLA rights, the employer can’t be held liable for not providing leave even if it turns out the employee was eligible.