Author: Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR

Case Study—Poor Job Description Dooms Defense

Job descriptions aren’t just an administrative tool—they’re part of your lawsuit-fighting arsenal. Unfortunately, too many employers don’t realize that until it’s too late. In one recent case, the job description played an important role—one that was devastating to the defense. “Royce Madison,” an avid sportsman who worked at the Oakley Park District Fitness Center (OPFC), […]

Healthcare Reform: 10 Changes for Employers

As everyone knows by now, President Obama has just signed legislation that makes major changes to the healthcare system in the United States. Some of the changes will affect employers in significant ways — 10 of which are discussed below: 1. Employer Responsibilities. Beginning in 2014, the legislation will require an employer with more than […]

Don’t Let Incompetent Bosses Stand in Your Way

By Bob Weinstein Editor-in-chief, Troy Media Corporation Just My E-Pinion According to a study conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management, 21 percent of employees quit their jobs because their boss is incompetent or difficult. It’s been said countless times: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bosses.” It’s hard working for an incompetent boss […]

Wage and Hour—No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

In yesterday’s Advisor, we featured lawsuit avoidance tips from Attorney William J. Anthony. Today, we’ll cover more of his wage and hour tips, and we’ll take a look at a unique one-stop solution for meeting HR challenges. Anthony made his remarks at a recent seminar sponsored by national law firm Jackson Lewis LLP, where he […]

7 Steps to Starting a Workplace Investigation

When an employee complains that a supervisor or co-worker is harassing or bullying them, or engaging in discriminatory or other illegal conduct, an investigation is often required to resolve the matter. However, few managers are trained in how to conduct them.

70% Not in FLSA Compliance? ‘A Gross Understatement’

The feds estimate that 70 percent of employers are not in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). "That’s a gross understatement," says Attorney William J. Anthony. He suspects that it’s more like 95 percent that are not in compliance with either federal or state laws on wage and hour matters. "There are a […]

‘Music to My Ears,’ Says Your Employee’s Attorney

In yesterday’s Advisor, we featured the first nine of attorney Adam Klein’s "Management mistakes that are music to my ears." Today, we’ll add a few more of his favorites, and we’ll take a look at an extraordinary policies program that will help your managers avoid those costly mistakes. Klein usually represents employees in suits against […]

12 Management Mistakes That Make a Lawyer’s Day

There are certain management mistakes that make lawyers rub their hands in glee—but most can be avoided, says Attorney Adam Klein. He usually represents employees in suits against employers, but today he turns the tables and shares typical mistakes he looks for when developing cases against management. Klein, a nationally known expert on class-action suits, […]

360 Reviews: My Medicine for Self-Delusion

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Just My E-Pinion In today’s E-pinion, BLR founder and CEO Bob Brady admits to some humbling moments after receiving 360-degree review results, but recommends using the technique for all managers, especially for CEOs who may be more susceptible than most to self-delusion. Years ago, when BLR was first […]

‘My Medication Makes Me Late’ Means Call Your Attorney

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorneys Tracy L. Cahill and Veronica T. von Grabow illustrated the advantages of an early call to an attorney. Today, we’ll get one more of their scenarios, a helpful checklist, and an introduction to a unique 10-minute training program. Cahill and von Grabow are attorneys in the Los Angeles offices of the […]