Author: Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR

HR’s 5 Minutes with Attorney Can Save Thousands

HR managers can often save their companies thousands of dollars in litigation fees by spending just 5 minutes consulting with their attorneys, say Tracy L. Cahill and Veronica T. von Grabow. Sounds like a bargain. Cahill and von Grabow are attorneys in the Los Angeles offices of the law firm Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp LLP. […]

Monthly Bonuses for Employees Out on FMLA?

In yesterday’s Advisor, we tackled vexing FMLA questions on counting days and “critical roles” or “key employee” exceptions. Today, BLR’s editors take on more questions, and we introduce the FMLA “Bible.” Q. Are we required to approve FMLA leave for a father who would like to take up to 7 weeks to care for his […]

Real-World FMLA: Some Vexing Questions

No sooner do we think we’ve got FMLA figured out than another baffling question comes along. Today’s Advisor takes a look at some vexing FMLA questions recently sent to BLR’s team of experts. Counting FMLA Time Q. Are we required to approve FMLA leave for a father who would like to take up to 7 […]

2010, The Year of the Connector: Is Social Media the Best Way?

By Maribeth Kuzmeski Just My E-Pinion Looking for a way to increase your bottom line without increasing your budget? Author Maribeth Kuzmeski says that the secret lies in your ability to connect. Read on to learn the keys for connecting that could make 2010 your most successful year yet. In today’s business world, social networking […]

7 Questions to Answer Before Writing Severance Checks

Like most everything in HR, severance programs have their pitfalls. Here, with a tip of the hat to Compensation.BLR.com®, are seven key questions you must address before cutting checks. Every business should have established guidelines concerning severance pay. Guidelines are critical to protecting the employer from lawsuits based on claims of unfair business practices or […]

Spending More on Separation May Cost Less

Employers conducting layoffs often seek the least expensive way. After all, saving money is the whole purpose, right? But recent research suggests that spending some money to do it right may pay off way more than it costs. DBM, a leading outplacement and career management firm, recently released the results of a study titled “Global […]

Keep the Reins on HR to Preserve Privilege

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorney James Boudreau warned about the "phantom class action." Today, we’ll get more of his tips, and we’ll take a look at a unique HR audit program that will help you to find potential legal problems before the lawyers—or the feds—do. Boudreau’s remarks came at a Littler Mendelson Employer Conference in New […]

Beware the Phantom Class Action

Demand letters masquerading as class action suits are threatening organizations across the country. You haven’t heard about phantom suits, says attorney James Boudreau, because they don’t get filed. But these insidious attacks are costing employers plenty. Boudreau’s remarks came at a Littler Mendelson Employer Conference in New York City. Boudreau is a partner in the […]

COBRA Subsidies Extended

President Obama has signed legislation extending the deadline for COBRA continuation coverage subsidies, allowing workers who are involuntarily terminated in March to qualify for the program. The Senate approved the legislation, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (H. R. 4691), late on Tuesday.