• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

HR Management

Help create a more transparent workplace

06/22/2010
When times get tough, tough organizations get transparent. The more connected employees are with the financial big picture, the better they can generate revenue-boosting ideas. Is your C-suite boss seeking new ways to engage front-line employees by keeping them informed? Here’s how you can support his efforts.

OSHA triples fines for serious safety violations

06/22/2010
Saying that the current limits don’t act as enough of a deterrent, OSHA is increasing penalties for serious safety violations. The new policy raises the average fine from about $1,000 to between $3,000 and $4,000 for a serious violation—one that could cause serious injury or death.

Establish an employee policy on responding to shoplifters–and be consistent in enforcement

06/22/2010
Two employees of a Sprint store chased down and subdued a shoplifter even though they were on break at the time. Heroic? Yes. But also a violation of Sprint company policy, and both men were fired. Employers are within their rights to set such policies, but make sure you enforce such policies consistently to avoid discrimination claims.

Can we apply a use-it-or-lose-it clause to our company’s vacation policy?

06/18/2010
Q. Our company’s employee handbook states that workers receive two weeks of paid vacation a year. Some of our employees have accrued significant amounts of unused vacation over the years. Can we require those workers to use their accrued vacation by a certain date or forfeit it?

Firing? Back with complete discipline records

06/18/2010

Employers that keep careful track of which employees are disciplined—and for what reasons—have a leg up if they’re ever sued for discrimination. Before you terminate any employee, take the time to pull up all similar past disciplinary files. If those records show you fired other employees for identical or less-serious offenses, chances are no court will second-guess your decision in the latest case.

Make sure everyone in same job has shot at training

06/18/2010
Here’s an easy way to prevent a discrimination claim: Offer everyone holding the same position the same opportunity for training. Otherwise, supervisors may play favorites, and that can end in litigation if the better-trained employees end up getting the promotions.

The HR I.Q. Test: June ’10

06/16/2010
Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …

6 talking points to get management buy-in for your HR budget

06/15/2010

When it’s time to present next year’s HR budget, get the C-Suite’s attention with these six talking points. They’ll show you mean business.

37 ways to lower your health care costs

06/15/2010
Average employer-paid health benefit costs have increased about 6% per year for the last five years. At least in the short term, the new health care reform law may make the problem even worse. All the more reason to act now to get your health care costs under control. Here are 37 strategies worth trying.

Make sure employees–and bosses and HR–know exactly how to call in FMLA absences

06/14/2010
Make sure your entire staff is on the same page when it comes to responding to FMLA requests. Decide on a contact person and set a policy that lets all employees know. Create a log for recording all incoming FMLA communications. Remember, certifications may come directly from medical providers, who are likely to use fax or mail delivery.