Employee Relations

Back to basics: getting a good grip

06/14/2016

A good, well-timed handshake to pair with your grin is a sure way to stand out, whether you’re at the company picnic or an industry conference. Here’s how important it is: The prospective employee with the best handshake is more likely to get the job, research shows.

New boss challenge: Balancing own, others’ work

06/13/2016

New managers face a number of challenges, but which is the most daunting?

Don’t let email mistakes nullify your attorney-client privilege

06/13/2016

Communication with your attorney is protected by law. But, if you or someone on your staff misdirects an e-mail to a third party, that action wipes out your attorney-client privilege.

Document all discipline, just in case of lawsuit

06/09/2016

Carefully document each and every disciplinary action at the time it occurs, complete with details on who said what and when it happened.

Keep track of disciplinary timing in case employee alleges continuing violations

06/09/2016

Employees who allege they have been retaliated against for engaging in some form of protected activity don’t have long to sue. If an employee works for a government agency and alleges that his First Amendment right to free speech has been violated, the lawsuit must begin within three years.

Make it easy for judges to take your side

06/08/2016

Generally, judges hate having to second-guess management actions. An employer’s decision typically stands if it sounds at all plausible and honest.

How to separate vital info in email chatter

06/07/2016

Here are best practices to follow in order to avoid creating long, complicated email threads that bury important information.

Investigate all claims of reverse discrimination

06/03/2016

No matter how unlikely you think the complaint may be, investigate every hostile environment claim, including allegations of reverse discrimination.

Union: New cellphone rule at college violates privacy

06/01/2016

Instructors, especially adjuncts, often use personal cellphones to do their work. Those devices may now be subject to search by public-college employers in Minnesota under a new rule.

7 situations you should document every time

05/27/2016

Thorough and accurate HR documentation is what wins lawsuits.