Author: Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR

Helping Managers Who Don’t Perform–Practically, Firmly, Finally

Yesterday’s Advisor offered consultant Paul Falcone’s practical approach for dealing positively with poor performing managers. Today, more of his tips, plus an introduction to the guide especially written for the small—or even one-person—HR department. [For Day 1 suggestions, go here.] Day 2 (AM): The 1-on-1 Meeting with Wilma & Fred (Poor-Performing Manager and Supervisor) I’ve […]

Are Your Employees Trained to Avoid Shocking Situations?

The following training points are brought to you courtesy of today’s featured BLR® safety training product, 7-Minute Safety Trainer®. Shock Prevention Inspect electrical equipment before use to be sure insulation is in good condition. Check that plugs have a good, tight connection. Use only wiring that is approved for use outdoors or wet areas, and […]

Can You Dock Exempt Employees for Missing Time?

Employers frequently express frustration with the limitations the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) places on their ability to discipline exempt employees. Many operate under the misconception that they can’t touch exempt employees for not working a full 40-hour workweek. If that were true, then being an exempt employee would be basically the same thing as […]

The 4 Ways to Challenge FMLA Certs

Alexis, who offered his intermittent leave tips during the recent Advanced Employment Issues Symposium in Las Vegas, is with the Kinaga Law Firm in Los Angeles. The certification process is set up to allow you to get the facts that establish the medical necessity or qualifying exigency that qualify employees for leave. If you doubt […]

On the Brink of Failure: HR to the Manager’s Rescue

It’s tough to confront a manager’s failure, but there is a system that can result in a turnaround, says consultant Paul Falcone, who is known for his detailed and practical guidance for HR managers. Falcone, author of a number of SHRMStore best-sellers, including 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees and 101 Sample Write-Ups for […]

HR on the Move—What Are Best Practice Companies Doing?

Please participate in our brief Your HR Department Survey and see how what you are doing stacks up against what other successful companies are doing.   We’ll publish the survey results in a future issue (or we’ll send them directly to you, if you prefer).   Do you “sit at the table”? What’s being outsourced? […]

Bonuses and the FLSA: Overtime pay considerations

Overtime pay obligations under the FLSA can get hairy when non-discretionary bonuses or other incentives are brought into the picture. The main issue at hand is that employers must review non-exempt overtime costs for the incentive award period if the award is non-discretionary.

Train Supervisors to Manage Challenging Employees

To review the four scenarios, click here. Here are the recommendations for dealing with these challenging employees as presented in one of the training exercises in the BLR® PowerPoint® training session, How to Manage Challenging Employees. GUIDANCE Sit down with the employee and examine each of his recent complaints. If a complaint has merit, ask […]

Keys To Selling Your Ideas: Consider Context; Make It Personal

Pink’s best-selling titles include Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us and To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others. Pink’s remarks came at SHRM’s Annual Conference and Exposition held recently in Chicago. [Go here for takeaways 1 and 2.] 3. Don’t forget the importance of context. To illustrate the importance of […]