Author: Heather Hunt

Looking for Answers on OSHA Training Requirements?

Q. Are there any regulations on how often you must have safety meetings? A. Federal OSHA has no regulation that states how often you must have safety meetings. There are regulations that mandate training on a schedule such as Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030) training, which is required annually. Other general industry standards that require […]

You’re Going to Ban Political Discussion? (Good Luck …)

In a BusinessWeek article, Bruce Weinstein, PhD., who calls himself “The Ethics Guy,” says that most political issues are by their nature highly divisive. At stake in this year’s presidential election, he adds, are such questions as these, all guaranteed to have the potential for controversy: Should abortion continue to be legal? Should same-sex marriage […]

‘You’re Not Attractive Enough to Work Here’ (Lookism)

Special from Atlanta—SHRM Annual Conference and Exhibition People can’t admit to their own performance failures, says attorney James McDonald, so when they are fired, they wonder, What could it have been? And they come up with: “I must have been discriminated against based on my looks!” McDonald, who is a partner in the Irvine, California office […]

Are job counter offers ever a good idea?

Without question, a job counter offer can be a useful tool if the situation fits. Under the right circumstances it might save a key employee from leaving—at least temporarily. However, in most cases they may create more problems than they solve, so employers should take care in assessing whether a job counter offer is truly […]

Recognizing the Red Flags of Retaliation

Special from Atlanta–SHRM Annual Conference and Exhibition In yesterday’s Advisor, attorney Dana Cotham offered suggestions for avoiding retaliation claims—the most common type of claim. Today, the red flags that signal potential problems, plus an introduction to the new, comprehensive training solution—TrainingToday. Here are Cotham’s “Red Flags for Retaliation.” The actions listed below are those that […]

Rising Caregiver Responsibilities Fuel Push for Extra Worker Protections

The increasing need for employees to care for an older relative or friend should prompt an expansion of federal legal protections against workplace discrimination, according to a recent report by the AARP Public Policy Institute. In what the AARP report authors dub as the “new normal,” Protecting Family Caregivers from Employment Discrimination says discrimination in […]

HR Department Survey Results–How Does Your Department Compare?

For years, BLR® has surveyed HR and compensation/benefits professionals to find trends in policy and practice. We appreciate your participation in our series of brief, targeted surveys. Today’s survey topic: Employee Leave Survey. We’ll publish the results in a future issue, and we’ll also send you a PDF report. (Be sure to include your contact […]

Stupid Money for Stupid Acts (Retaliation)

Special from Atlanta—SHRM Annual Conference and Exhibition Retaliation means the employer is paying stupid money for stupid acts, says attorney Dana Cotham. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much these days to rise to the level of retaliation. Here’s what happened with retaliation as the result of a 2006 Supreme Court decision, says Cotham: BEFORE 2006 (before […]

Feds Freeze Per Diem Rates for FY 2013

Reimbursement rates for lodging, meals and incidental expenses for fiscal year 2013, which begins Oct. 1, will be frozen at FY 2012 levels, the U.S. General Services Administration announced Aug. 27. GSA is the arm of the federal government that sets travel policy for federal employees. The reimbursement rates, commonly called per diems, determine the […]

Best Practices for Leave, Vacation, Sick, and PTO? Let’s Find Out

Employee leave—whether it’s vacation, sick time, or PTO—is frustrating enough, without worrying about what your competitors are up to. You need facts about best practices, and our Employee Leave Survey will ferret them out. But only if you help. For years, BLR® has surveyed HR and compensation/benefits professionals to find trends in policy and practice. […]