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Employee Relations

Deny a request for time off without coming off like a jerk

03/09/2016
Although most organizations have specific policies on paid leave, they can’t tell a supervisor how to respond to every leave request employees make…

Conduct careful investigation after public employees’ leak of damaging information

03/08/2016
Public employers have a special Constitutional responsibility that private-sector employers don’t have.

Designing a Progressive Discipline Policy

03/07/2016
White Paper published by The HR Specialist ______________________ The most reliable way to protect your organization from wrongful termination charges is to establish and enforce a system of progressive discipline. Having such a structure in place, and making it clear to all supervisors that they are expected to abide by it, is your best defense […]

4 steps to regain control of your bulletin board

02/29/2016
When was the last time you reviewed your break room bulletin board? If it’s a clutter of yard-sale announcements and sign-up sheets for the softball team, clean it up!

Provide formal training on handbook contents

02/25/2016
If all you do with your handbook is bestow it on new employees on their first day, you’re not taking full advantage of it.

10 FBI tricks for effective persuasion

02/24/2016
What can managers, executives and leaders learn from the FBI’s techniques?

Beware boss backlash after complaint–you’re probably looking at retaliation

02/22/2016

It usually happens like this: An employee comes to HR complaining that her boss said something inappropriate—maybe it was a sexually explicit joke, racial slur or offensive comment about someone’s religion. Then the supervisor gets angry at the employee for complaining and retaliates.

Writing the ‘written warning’

02/18/2016
A “written warning” is usually a key step in the process of progressive discipline. It’s purpose, of course, is to effect a change in behavior. But how do you write one?

Unequal discipline for same offense? Be prepared to explain exactly why

02/10/2016
When more than one employee is implicated in a rule violation, make sure all employees are disciplined equally. That’s especially true if they have the same supervisors and similar disciplinary histories.

Speak like a true leader

02/10/2016
If you want other people to take you seriously and follow your lead, you need to speak with power, confidence and authority.