02/01/2008
Q. I own a small business with 27 employees. Last month I was forced to terminate one of my employees who had been caught stealing. Because I knew he was having some trouble at home, I agreed not to contest unemployment. However, I just received an e-mail from this former employee asking me tell to him, in writing, why I fired him. I cannot shake the feeling that I am being set up for something. After all, I told him during his termination meeting that he was being fired for stealing. Do I have to respond to this request? …
02/01/2008
Q. I was recently hired as the first-ever HR director for a company that has been in business for more than 40 years. While reviewing employee files, I was aghast to find applications from the late ’70s and early ’80s asking very inappropriate questions—the applicant’s political party, religious faith and even family planning goals. I know times have changed, and the company’s applications have been EEO-compliant for more than 20 years. But I worry that the company will get in trouble with the EEOC or other government agencies if the old applications are found in our files. Should I have older employees who filled out the inappropriate applications all those years ago complete and submit current EEO-compliant applications? …
