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gender

COVID-19 Has Compromised Gender Inequality—Now, Organizations Must Stem the Tide

There is no question that COVID-19 will go down in history as a preeminent event that completely disrupted corporate culture. The moment the “shelter in place” ordinances took hold in spring 2020, the workplace as we knew it disappeared, and our homes became the bedrock of, well, everything, including office and classroom space.

Masks

To Wear, or Not to Wear: Managers’ Compliance With Face-Covering Mandates

Most managers are committed to the success of their organizations, employees, customers, and communities. They work hard to provide safe and healthful workplaces. They give their best efforts to manage in good-faith compliance with the myriad of federal, state, and local laws applicable to their organizations. They are generally mission critical to protecting their organizations […]

employer

Continuing Pandemic Blurring the Line Between Furloughs, Layoffs

Back in the spring when businesses across the country first fell victim to COVID-19, many employers chose to furlough workers temporarily rather than lay them off permanently. But now, with the pandemic dragging on, some furloughs are extending much longer than originally expected, triggering employer obligations under federal and state laws.

Feedback

Gathering and Using New Hire Onboarding Feedback

Onboarding new employees is one of the most critical functions of HR and training departments. Whatever their impressions, insights, or knowledge of the hiring company before their start dates, new employees’ onboarding is their first in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how the company operates—its culture, internal tools, processes, etc.

2021

Predictions 2021: The Future of the Workforce

Whether you view the world of work through the lens of optimism or pessimism, the future of work is uncertain. And this year, change in the world of work was accelerated by the repercussions of COVID-19.

Whistleblower

OSHA Whistleblower Charges Surge During COVID-19

Whistleblower charges alleging workplace safety retaliation have surged dramatically during COVID-19. Approximately 30 percent more charges have been filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) over the same period last year, according to a recent audit from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General.

morale

Boosting Employee Morale in the Time of COVID: An HR Exec’s Tale

In the business world, we often hear the word “pivot” being used to describe a significant change in strategy or direction. It would be an understatement to say this word was used over and over again to describe what every business went through following COVID-19. But as a Human Resources executive at a tech company, […]

workplace

Rumors, Innuendo Lead Wyoming Highway Patrol to Face Sexual Harassment Trial

Most people know overtly sexual comments are likely to violate their employer’s rules and could lead to sexual harassment claims. But many don’t understand the comments are a problem not just because they’re sexual. That’s because the sexual content can be used as evidence to show other nonsexual negative treatment was motivated by discriminatory intent. […]

You Must Take Calculated Risks to Grow Yourself

As a very cautious person, I have always been fascinated by the risk-takers out there who put it all on the line to progress themselves. In this issue of “Faces of HR,” I met one such person. She was willing to take a different path to achieve her goal, even if it was risky and […]

Input

Should You Be More Judicious with Your Input?

Some people always have something to say. Regardless of the subject matter or their personal involvement, they feel the need to chime in at every opportunity. Although this may simply be someone’s personality, others may see it as a deliberate strategy to get noticed and have an impact in the office.