Archives

Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Environment ‘Not Difficult’

Most employers want to offer support for new mothers returning to work, including those who choose to breastfeed. But finding and providing a private place for expressing milk has been a problem in many facilities. Nevertheless, that private place has to be found, because the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the U.S. […]

Performance Appraisal Cartoon

12 Performance Appraisal Best Practices

Performance appraisals are perhaps the best way to not only let your employee know how she’s doing, but also to get feedback about how your organization is doing, whether your employees are committed to your goals, and what you can do to improve morale. A performance appraisal that is mutually beneficial to both an employee […]

And the Survey Says . . . We Have a Problem

The results of a recent survey of our employees here at BLR are in and, frankly, I’m concerned. You see, our survey contained 27 statements about our work environment. The employees were asked whether they agreed with each statement and how strongly they agree or disagree with it. The statements covered individual, departmental, and company-wide […]

Employers Beware: Scope of Retaliation in the Workplace Has Expanded

More retaliation claims were filed with the EEOC in 2011 than any other kind of workplace discrimination claim. Why? In this video, BLR legal editor Joan Farrell explains how court rulings regarding adverse employment actions have expanded the scope of retaliation in the workplace–and what employers should do in response. HR.BLR.com Editor Chris Ceplenski (CC): […]

Andy Goes Soft

Litigation value: $200,000 for Andy’s severe emotional distress. Possible future litigation for his termination. Not subtle. Not subtle at all. Nellie has already usurped Andy’s manager status. Then she hauls Andy and his coworkers into a conference room and writes “IMPOTENCE” in bright red letters on the flip chart. Robert California sits there, amused by […]

Surviving an OSHA Inspection

by John Hall When your friendly Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspector comes a-knockin’, it’s usually too late to get your house in order. Here are some dos and don’ts to prepare you for an OSHA inspection and minimize your chances of citations. Preparation is your best defense Don’t wait until OSHA is at […]

It Takes Three—Creative Type, Business Type, and ?

By Stephen D. Bruce, PHR Editor, HR Daily Advisor I once read that you need three people to run a successful business—a creative leader, a businessperson, and an a**hole says business and leadership blogger Dan Oswald. Now, I’m not sure you actually need three people, but you definitely need all three skill sets in the […]

DOL Audits Health Reform Compliance of Employer Plans

It may seem paradoxical that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) should begin auditing health plans for compliance with the health reform law’s mandates, given that the U.S. Supreme Court could very well strike down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for being unconstitutional in early summer. But it’s better that plans be ready to demonstrate […]

Managers Need Questions—Not Answers

Yesterday, we looked at Dan Oswald’s thoughts on control vs. collaboration. Today, more wisdom from Oswald. He suggests that managers shouldn’t try to have all the answers; the real key to great management is asking the right questions.