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HR Management

Not every poor litigant gets a free lawyer

06/19/2017
It adds insult to injury when a court appoints a pro bono attorney to help an employee pursue a lawsuit. The good news is that not every disgruntled former employee or disappointed job applicant gets the benefit of such official generosity.

Never fire to avoid paying expensive benefits

06/19/2017
Here’s advice if you’re ever tempted to fire an at-will employee because she is about to start racking up expensive claims using your employer-provided benefits: Don’t do it!

English-only rule must have legit business purpose

06/15/2017
Two cashiers at a Forever 21 retail store in California were allegedly forbidden to speak Spanish at work and then threatened with termination for filing a discrimination complaint.

Make sure employees know you’re monitoring

06/15/2017
Few HR pros relish the thought of playing Big Brother. However, safeguarding sensitive data relies on being able to monitor employees’ use of your computer systems. In turn, you have an obligation to notify employees that you are watching what they read, write, download and upload.

Secret formula for firing can be challenged in court

06/13/2017
Public employees may have constitutionally protected property interests in their jobs and the right to due process before losing their jobs. A federal court has now ruled that using a secret algorithm to determine whether a public employee will lose her job may violate that right to due process.

Employee drug use hits 12-year high: How you should respond

06/12/2017
Illicit drug use by American workers is climbing fast, leading to a 12-year high in positive workplace drug tests. If you don’t have an employee policy on the use and abuse of illegal drugs, establish one and promote it.

You can only stuff so much detail into a handbook

06/12/2017
A Pennsylvania court has ruled a former state employee’s firing was justified after he was spotted gambling at a casino when he was supposed to be at work.

Snapshot: Who is most responsible for giving workers what they need to succeed?

06/12/2017
HR, IT and top brass all have some effect on employee success, but none matter more than immediate bosses.

Walmart enlists store staff for home delivery

06/08/2017
Walmart, the nation’s largest bricks-and-mortar retailer, is launching a novel delivery service to help counter competition from online retail giant Amazon.

Liability is murky, but employers should still take measures to protect personal data

06/07/2017
Can an employer be held liable for any damage that results from a data breach that leads to identity theft?