Training

Loved, lost: Crafting effective workplace dating policies

07/01/2008

Many companies that otherwise permit co-workers to date draw a bright line that prohibits managers from being romantically involved with those who report to them, either directly or indirectly. There are many good reasons for such a prohibition … Consequently, many companies maintain strict nonfraternization policies between supervisors and subordinates.

Repeating sexual harassment training

07/01/2008

Q. How often should a company conduct sexual harassment training for its supervisors? …

Google it! 7 hiring and retention tips from Silicon Valley’s best

06/24/2008

When you google “best places to work,” you’re sure to find a link to Google itself. The search engine giant—91 million lookups per day—is a perpetual contender for the No. 1 spot on lists that rank great employers. Google’s VP for "people operations" tells how the company stays on top with innovative hiring, retention and collaboration strategies.

Why so few applicants can read: Graduation rates tell the tale

06/17/2008

According to a new study, “Diplomas Count 2008,” only 58% of Georgia students graduate from high school on time. The practical consequence for Georgia employers is an entry-level labor pool with poor basic skills. That means someone—most likely employers—will have to pick up the slack …

Get the most out of your next HR conference

06/17/2008

If you’re planning to attend next week’s Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conference in Chicago—or any business conference for that matter—think about this: The work you do before the conference is just as important as what you do while you’re there. Here are five proactive steps you can take to maximize your conference experience.

Little things can add up to discrimination and harassment

06/10/2008

Do your managers and supervisors understand that ostracizing an employee can backfire? Do they make diligent efforts to train everyone equally and include everyone in work-related social events? If not, it’s time to remind them …

Convince employees to ‘Pay’ for part of their development

06/06/2008

Here’s an all-too-familiar scenario: Your organization invests considerable time and money training an employee with a lot of potential—and then the trainee takes that education to another company that offers a higher salary. Here are three ways to ease the financial blow to your organization—and lower the likelihood that the employee will leave …

Settlement can include clause that bans reapplying

06/03/2008

Not all discrimination claims are crystal clear. Sometimes, employees are treated unfairly, and those situations deserve to be fixed. In such cases, employers may be tempted to settle, offering a small payment along with an agreement that the employee who complained will get additional training or a fair shot at a promotion. But consider the possible aftermath …

Warn about personal liability when conducting discrimination training

06/03/2008

Are you trying to find ways to get employees to listen during your annual harassment and discrimination training session? Here’s something that should get their attention …

Training tests may provide important screening opportunities

05/30/2008

Do your new hires have to complete a comprehensive training and testing program before they’re allowed to start work? If you can show your tests are valid and necessary (and they don’t disproportionately screen out any particular protected class), chances are a new employee who alleges discrimination because you didn’t keep him won’t get far with a lawsuit …