Archives

A Man of Great Confidence

With summer officially upon us, we resume the daunting task of helping the search committee sift through the would-be successors to Michael Scott. Turning our focus to outside candidates, this post evaluates a man whose ego is as big as the state for which he is named: Robert California. Delivering a Walken-esque performance, James Spader‘s […]

Playing hooky from work

Curb Summertime Blues with Good Absence Policies, Effective Rewards

Holy Ferris Bueller! Is it possible that some of your employees are calling in sick to have fun in the sun? It’s hard to quantify how many people play hooky from work just to enjoy beautiful, warm weather, but according to a recent CareerBuilder’s annual survey on absenteeism, 29 percent of workers took a faux […]

NLRB Proposes Quicker, Easier Path for Unionization Elections

As if union elections weren’t a hassle already, the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) has proposed new procedures to “fix the flaws” in the current system. Here’s what they want to accomplish: The proposed amendments are designed to fix flaws in the Board’s current procedures that: build in unnecessary delays encourage wasteful litigation reflect old-fashioned […]

Public Comment Period Open on NLRB’s Union-Streamlining Rules

Earlier this week, we reported that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has proposed amended rules that would streamline the union election process, making it easier for employees to unionize. The regulations, which appeared in Wednesday’s Federal Register, firmly divide the pro- and antiunion factions, being lauded by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka as “a commonsense […]

Supreme Court Raises Bar for Class Actions

In a ruling that will make it more difficult for employees to mount massive class action lawsuits against employers, the U.S. Supreme Court has reversed class certification previously granted to 1.5 million female Wal-Mart employees alleging sex discrimination against the retail chain. Overturning a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals opinion, the Court found that […]

An End To ‘Blaming, Denying, Ignoring’ at Work

Yesterday’s guest columnist was Hank Triplett, General Affairs & Human Resources Manager at Idemitsu Lubricants America Corp. in Indiana. Today, Triplett’s thoughts on the “Oz Principle” — plus an introduction to a can’t-miss webinar on leadership.

Daily Dangers in Development and Discipline

In yesterday’s Advisor, we hit several daily danger zones for managers and supervisors. Today, more danger zones, plus an introduction to a unique guide for HR managers in small—or even one-person—departments. [Go here for Danger Zones 1 to 5] Danger Zone #6: Managing Training and Development As far as training and development are concerned, avoiding […]

No Escape From the Long Arm of DOL

Even state agencies are not immune from the U.S. Department of Labor’s ongoing aggressive enforcement actions, as reflected in a recent lawsuit filed against the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Child Protective Services Division (CPS). The lawsuit is seeking more than $1 million for back overtime pay that DOL claims is owed 800 […]