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Designating FMLA— First Place Employers Fail

When the employer has enough information to determine whether the leave is being taken for a FMLA-qualifying reason (e.g., after receiving a certification), the employer must notify the employee whether the leave will be designated and will be counted as FMLA leave within 5 business days, absent extenuating circumstances. The employer is always responsible for […]

Do You Train Your Leaders to Lead Like Lincoln?

President Abraham Lincoln appointed the best and brightest to his Cabinet, individuals who were also some of his greatest political rivals. He demonstrated his leadership by pulling this group together into a unique team that represented the greatest minds of his time, according to historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Lincoln demonstrated an ability to withstand adversity […]

2014 Performance Management Survey Results—What Are Supervisors’ Most Common PA Errors?

Supervisors’ Role in Performance Appraisals Management’s top responsibilities when it comes to performance evaluations are writing evaluations of their direct reports for 85.6% of survey participants, followed closely by setting goals for/with employees for 78.3%, conducting review meetings for 75.3%, and coaching employees for improved performance for 75.3%. Finishing out the field is reviewing evaluations […]

‘Tomato’ Keeps Employees Productive and/or Hungry

These days life can become pretty distracting, especially with all the text messages, e-mails, and social media posts that happen to cross our computers or phones in any given minute. Of course, you could always wait to “like” your friend’s status until after you’ve finished the expense report, but work can wait, right?! It’s no […]

The keyboard is mightier …

This past Friday, LeBron James announced his return to Cleveland after four years of displaying his talents at South Beach. One of the biggest clues that something was in the works was when the open letter written by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert in 2010 to the then-departing LeBron suddenly went missing from the team’s website. In […]

New Arizona law spells out employees’ victim leave rights

by Jodi R. Bohr An amendment to Arizona’s law addressing leave rights for victims of juvenile offenses goes into effect on July 24, making the law on juvenile offenses mirror the law addressing leave rights for victims of criminal offenses. During its second regular session, the 51st Arizona Legislature amended Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § […]

UAW trying different approach to unionize Volkswagen plant

Despite two failed attempts to unionize the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the United Auto Workers (UAW) on July 10 announced the creation of Local 42, a local that Chattanooga VW workers can join voluntarily. “We’ve had ongoing discussions with Volkswagen and have arrived at a consensus with the company,” Gary Casteel, the UAW’s secretary-treasurer, […]

Two New Tools from OSHA that Train Workers to Avoid Heat Illnesses

Extreme heat during the summer months poses a risk to outdoor workers, in particular, and creates a potential liability for their employers if steps are not taken to protect workers’ health and safety. The risk is real. Two years ago, there were 31 heat-related worker deaths, as well as 4,120 heat-related worker illnesses, according to […]

10 Sins of Termination (#1 Time to Prevent Lawsuits)

Terminations are no picnic for anyone, but since they are the genesis of many lawsuits, it’s worth learning how to do them right. Handling them carefully can save cash, calm frayed nerves, and maintain morale and productivity. (As long as you don’t commit one of these 10 sins.)