Author: Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR

Survey Says: You’re Probably in Violation

Yesterday’s Advisor reported survey results that show rampant wage and hour violations among low-wage earners. Today we’ll look at more findings of this important survey, and take a look at how you can do your own survey—before the feds do it for you. Researchers for the Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers survey interviewed 4,387 workers in […]

DOL, EEOC, and Your Employees’ Attorneys Are Reading This Report

A recently released report concludes that a stunning percentage of workers in this country are underpaid and otherwise mistreated at work. The surprisingly widespread incidence of violations suggests that they are probably happening to some extent in your workplace. It’s likely that these figures will spur government agencies (and plaintiffs’ attorneys) to an even higher […]

Why Is a Manhole Cover Round? (And Other Probing Interview Questions)

Just My E-pinion Two weeks ago we suggested, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, that the best way to deal with problem employees is to avoid hiring them in the first place. They don’t get that way over night, and most can be spotted and screened out through savvy interviewing techniques. We suggested some artful questions, and we asked […]

DOL Agrees: With Intermittent Leave, Enough Is Enough

No one likes dealing with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), but every HR manager is doing it. Barbara Dahlen’s approach has satisfied DOL and other agencies while at the same time significantly reducing FMLA time off. Take the case of "Bristol," says Dahlen, one of her employees who tried to wear her out. […]

Hard-Core Approach to Intermittent FMLA Gets Results

It takes a lot of time and effort to deal with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) issues, especially intermittent leave, says HR Manager Barbara Dahlen. Her pragmatic approach works, although she says she’s "not the most popular person" in her workplace. Dahlen says she’s "not a lawyer and doesn’t play one on TV." But […]

Don’t Terminate … Yet

Managers always “want to get it over with” once they’ve decided they want to fire someone. That’s no surprise, but HR can’t let it happen. Step back and assess the whole picture before acting. Yesterday’s Advisor covered the critical termination policy issues that you must address. Today, again courtesy of BLR’s SmartPolicies® program, we’ll look […]

Terminations—Without Good Policies, a Lawsuit Jungle

Terminations—where the rubber meets the road in HR. The most angst, the most tears (or screams), and the most lawsuits. Your terminations policy is critical. Today, courtesy of BLR’s SmartPolicies® program, we’ll review the key elements your policy should cover. Compensation, Benefits, and Financial Issues Severance pay. What are your guidelines (e.g., how many years […]

Bereavement Leave Can Make or Break Employee Loyalty

Just My E-pinionBy Scott Mastley The way you handle bereavement leave could strengthen or sever an employee’s loyalty to your company. A death in the family changes things. When employees lose a family member, they’re worried about how to continue, how to handle the funeral, how to take care of surviving family members, how to […]