09/07/2010
Many lawsuits result from relatively small, manageable disputes that weren’t dealt with directly, often because HR simply didn’t know what to do or feared making it worse. Kathy Perkins, one of the presenters of our upcoming webinar "How to Resolve Workplace Conflict," offers these proactive strategies for dealing with disruptive conflict.
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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 last month’s SHRM conference in San Diego:
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09/07/2010
A survey of 500 HR professionals asked how often their organizations conduct formal performance appraisals of employees. The old-reliable yearly performance appraisal is still the standard. Find out other time frames that work for some organizations. Plus, tips for employees on how to get the greatest value from performance reviews.
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08/31/2010
In this week’s HR Specialist Forum, a reader asks a question we never expected: What should she do about an upsurge in office supply pilferage that seems to coincide with back-to-school season? Here’s an idea for starters: Institute a policy saying it’s wrong to steal stuff!
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08/31/2010
The Supreme Court may rule on the pay discrimination lawsuit everyone is watching. Walmart last week asked the High Court to overturn a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in April that allowed a class-action suit alleging widespread discrimination against women to proceed. At stake: $1 billion or more.
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08/31/2010
Q. “Are there any legal issues with having some of our full-time permanent employees also having contracts to do subcontractor work (1099) for the same place they are employed?" -- S.M., Wisconsin
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08/24/2010
DHS has issued final regulations clearing the way for employers to electronically sign and store the I-9 employment eligibility verification forms that must be on file for all employees. Here are the links you need to capitalize on this initiative, which should reduce your paperwork burden.
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08/24/2010
When President Obama signed health care reform legislation in March, the clock started ticking on a series of changes that HR professionals will be dealing with for at least the next eight years. Here’s your timeline of what to expect.
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08/24/2010
Anyone with responsibility for health, benefit, disability, severance, education or other benefit plans is a “fiduciary” and can be held personally liable for plan errors under ERISA. Sherwin Kaplan, an attorney with Nixon Peabody in Washington, D.C., says employers should take these steps to avoid errors that could subject a fiduciary to liability:
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08/17/2010
The U.S. Department of Labor has overturned years of past guidance with new rules on when employers must pay workers for the time they spend “donning and doffing” certain work clothes. Guess what: It's not good news for employers. Read the new DOL interpretation letter here.
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08/17/2010
Approximately 70% of employers sponsor wellness programs designed to drive down health care costs, reduce absenteeism and promote better employee health. But now, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act has muddied the wellness waters. Learn how to comply while still offering incentives for employees to participate in your wellness program.
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08/17/2010
September brings with it a “back to school” feeling that can be sated only with a seminar or course. And there’s no easier, more affordable source for online learning than iTunes. Find out about this new, free training resource that just might work in your organization.
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08/10/2010
Andrew Kurtz, part of a crew of guys who dress as hearty snacks and race around the Pittsburgh Pirates' stadium at every home game, was canned after criticizing team executives on Facebook. There's a lesson in here somewhere—perhaps on social media, perhaps on the tricky decision about who to fire when things aren't going well.
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08/10/2010
Every employee needs a Form I-9 on file to establish his or her identity and legal work status. Now the Obama administration is pushing hard to get employers to adopt the online E-Verify employment eligibility verification system. Learn what this shift means for your HR shop.
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08/10/2010
One of the trickiest parts of administering FMLA benefits is figuring out whether an employee’s health condition qualifies for leave. Who makes that decision … and how? Follow these steps to verify and certify an employee’s right to FMLA leave.
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