Employee Relations

… You’re giving positive feedback

11/29/2018

Call it positive feedback or old-fashioned praise, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your team-leading toolkit. It can boost production, improve communication and inspire loyalty. Here’s how to dish out the accolades for maximum effect.

Document rule-breaking to explain discipline

11/27/2018

Employees are protected against retaliation for complaining about discrimination. But that doesn’t mean you can’t discipline them when they break rules.

ADA: Bosses must address poor performance

11/27/2018

Sometimes, managers allow a poor performer to get by for a long time. Letting it slide seems easier than insisting on improvement or imposing discipline. But delaying action can trip you up later if the employee later claims a disability and demands reasonable accommodations.

Beware the 6 deadly sins of bad management

11/26/2018

According to an Inc. report, here are the six most common management mistakes that lead to turnover—all avoidable if the right actions are taken.

Sued for bias? Prepare to turn over discipline records

11/21/2018

When an employee alleges that discrimination caused him to be punished more severely than other workers outside his protected class, his lawyer will probably demand disciplinary records relating to other workers. Be prepared to hand over those records.

Don’t assign disciplinary points for reporting injuries

11/19/2018

A federal court awarded a machine operator in Wisconsin $100,000 in back wages and compensatory damages after he was fired soon after reporting an on-the-job injury.

Focus on retention: Pay jumps for job hoppers

10/29/2018

Wage growth continues to bump along near 3%, the same as the past several years. One group, however, is seeing much higher raises; and it’s a group that should have employers worried.

Divorce’s effect on the workplace

10/29/2018

One of the most intense employee stressors often goes unmentioned. What sort of toll is divorce taking on someone who works for you?

Employee who complains isn’t immune from discipline

10/25/2018

Employers can’t retaliate against employees who file discrimination or harassment complaints. But that doesn’t mean you can never discipline those employees.

Clearly document the rationale for disciplinary decisions you make

10/22/2018

Before disciplining a worker, be sure to think about how you might defend the decision later. Then document all the reasons why the employee deserves the punishment you propose.