Author: Chris Ceplenski

Alcohol and drugs in the workplace: What to do if you suspect substance abuse

Employers have an obligation to ensure employees are not using alcohol and drugs in the workplace because it could affect the safety of the whole team. There is latitude to discipline employees if alcohol or drugs are being used, but employers need to proceed with caution to handle the situation appropriately if substance abuse is suspected.

Do Your People Need Training on Return-to-Work Programs?

Let’s talk about easing an employee’s return to work after recovering from a workers’ compensation injury or illness. Rehabilitation programs help employees regain strength or learn to function with a disability. Therapy teaches employees ways to work without reinjury or repeat illness—for example, proper lifting techniques or stress management techniques. Medical professionals will determine when […]

Stock-drop Ruling Reminds Pension Plan Sponsors Why Participants Can’t Sue

So-called stock drop cases, in which defined contribution plan participants sue employer plan sponsors for breach of fiduciary duty when the market value of company stock or other equity options in 401(k) investment menus declines severely, have become common. But for defined benefit sponsors, this threat is less onerous. A ruling the U.S. District Court […]

ADA Bipolar—Medication Side Effects Must Be Accommodated

Yesterday’s Advisor offered symptoms of bipolar disorder and how they play out in the workplace; today, bipolar medication side effects, plus an introduction to the updated guide that gives practical advice for dealing with all manner of ADA challenges. Medications for Treating Bipolar Disorder It is often challenging to find the right combination of medications […]

Bipolar Medication Side Effects? You Must Accommodate

Medications for Treating Bipolar Disorder It is often challenging to find the right combination of medications and the right dosages, says expert Tom Wootton. Typical medications include: Mood stabilizers Antipsychotics Combination of both Wootton, CEO of Bipolar Advantage, whose remarks came in a recent BLR-sponsored webinar, was joined by Maureen Duffy, PhD, a practicing family […]

6 Tips for More Effective Training Lectures

Lectures are still probably the most common classroom training method. That’s because they are an efficient and cost-effective way to convey information and general knowledge to large groups of employees at one time. For example, lectures are a particularly good way to explain new policies, train employees in the requirements of laws and regulations, and […]

Bipolar Employees: Brightest Star One Day, Worst Nightmare the Next

Bipolar disorder presents one of the trickiest challenges in accommodation. It’s doubly ticklish because it often combines your greatest star with your biggest problem—all in one person, says expert Tom Wootton. We have no accurate statistics regarding the prevalence of bipolar disorder in the workplace, especially because it is often hidden due to stigma, says […]

Employees with Bipolar Disorder: Great One Day, Nightmare the Next

We have no accurate statistics regarding the prevalence of bipolar disorders in the workplace, especially because it is often hidden due to stigma, says Wootton. However, we do see a prevalence in creative departments, sales, legal, and management. Frustratingly, he adds, it’s often a tough call whether the employee with bipolar is an asset or […]

How Can You Boost the ROI of Your Training?

With continuous pressure from management to demonstrate the ROI for corporate training, trainers need to deliver programs that give the company the most bang for its buck. One way to accomplish that goal is to tailor sessions to the audience by considering their: Learning styles and learners’ experience, Knowledge, and Personal characteristics. Accommodate Different Learning […]