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Offer several ways to complain of harassment to guard against supervisor inaction

09/08/2010

The best sexual harassment policy sets up many ways for employees to lodge complaints. Here’s why: Sometimes low-level supervisors don’t take harassment as seriously as they should. If your sexual harassment policy tells employees to complain to their bosses without offering an alternative, they could become frustrated or angry. Plus, the alleged offensive behavior could very well escalate.

Surprise! Iron Range firm wins EEOC ADA case

09/08/2010
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Will we run into legal trouble if we commit to hiring only ‘careful’ workers?

09/08/2010
Q. Several recent hires have suffered work-related injuries shortly after starting to work for us. As a result, our workers’ compensation premiums have soared. Our CEO, in an effort to avoid this problem, has directed managers to hire only “careful” workers in the future. Is this legal?

What can we do about an employee who has been blasting us on his personal web site?

09/08/2010
Q. One of my employees has created his own web site and has been posting negative comments about our company. Specifically, he has accused the company of failing to provide adequate benefits and paying below-market wages. Can we fire this worker for this conduct?

Cut slack on notification requirement when emergency clearly signals FMLA need

09/08/2010
When it comes to FMLA leave, many employers have internal procedures that are somewhat stricter than those specified in the FMLA. That doesn’t mean, however, that employers shouldn’t be flexible under emergency circumstances. Holding an employee to an impossible requirement won’t fly with courts.

Google’s 5 tools to lure and retain the best

09/07/2010

Stock options and stocked kitchens aren’t the only reason employee turnover is so low at Google. While the online giant is legendary for its financial and “comfort” perks, you need to look beyond these to see its real retention tools. Shannon Deegan, Google’s director of People Operations, explained some of these at the SHRM conference in San Diego:

Calling your employment attorney: When it’s needed, when it’s not

09/07/2010

Say your HR office just received a subpoena for the employment records of an employee. How should you respond? Maybe your company doesn’t have a general counsel. Maybe you don’t even have an HR office—it’s just you! Then what do you do?

Cutting health care costs: The 3-legged stool

09/07/2010

As premiums continue to rise and reforms have added new complexity (and looming new costs), the C-Suite is pushing HR for solutions. With insurance plan renewals fast approaching for many employers, there’s even more urgency. Reducing employers’ health insurance burden requires balancing three strategies: cost shifting, cost reduction and plan changes.

Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati top cities for working moms

09/06/2010

Ohio’s three largest cities landed spots in the top 30 of Forbes magazine’s list of best cities for working mothers. The survey weighed women’s income, cost of living, availability of pediatricians, safety, employment and spending on education.

Self-Quiz: Do you need more ‘think time’ in your day?

09/03/2010
iPhones, e-mail, Twitter … the electronic distractions in today’s society have us moving at a faster pace … and have all but eliminated “silent time” in our day. Researchers say this fast pace of society can hurt your health. Are you leading a “hurried” life? Do your habits show that you need to reserve more “think time” in your day? Take this simple quiz to find out …