Author: Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR

Dangerous Discussion: ‘Your Disability Makes You a Safety Risk’

What’s the smart move for HR managers who think an employee poses a safety risk? May you ask questions? May you demand a physical? Today’s expert sorts it out. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does limit your freedom to make disability-related inquiries relating to safety risks, says attorney Lindsay E. Harris. However, with proper […]

Who’s to Blame for America’s Economic Disaster? Not HR?!

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady What’s HR’s role with regard to executive compensation and the current economic crisis? BLR CEO and founder Bob Brady asks for your help with a brief poll. WorldatWork, the organization for compensation professionals, recently issued a statement outlining its views about executive compensation for companies getting economic assistance […]

8 Strategies for Retaining Techies (and the Rest of Us)

Recruiting techie talent is all about understanding what they are looking for—and that’s true for recruiting any type of talent. In yesterday’s Advisor, we learned how retention gives a boost to recruiting; today, “techie” retention tips and an introduction to a unique new way to manage the first step of recruiting–job descriptions. Here are techie […]

Court Gives Employee Extra Time to File Bias Charge

When an employee with a discrimination beef voluntarily pursues an internal administrative remedy—such as a grievance or complaint procedure—prior to filing a discrimination complaint under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), does that extend the time the employee has to file a FEHA charge? The California Supreme Court, in a new case, says […]

Recruiting Techie Talent (The Rules Work for ‘Other’ Talent, Too)

Recruiting techie talent is all about understanding what they are looking for—and that’s true for recruiting any type of talent. First, let’s look at a survey that recruiting firm Dice, which specializes in technology and engineering employees, recently conducted among more than 650 passive and active information technology (IT) candidates. What’s Missing from Job Postings? […]

Since When Is Your Office Surf City?

Yesterday’s Advisor offered tips for controlling surfing on company time; today we’ve got a list of key issues to consider when you write your Internet policy. Here, from BLR’s popular SmartPolicies, are particular topics to consider for your policy on Internet usage: Security. Are all files downloaded from the Internet scanned for viruses? Are hard […]

Web Surfing at Work–Can You Stop It?

It seems that no matter how many times you remind employees to stop personal use of the Internet, they keep on surfing. Today’s expert has solutions. Internet usage at work is tough one, says Laura E. Innes, a partner at the law firm of Simpson, Garrity & Innes in South San Francisco. But there are […]

Staggering Economy Dragging Down Pay Raises

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Last week, BLR CEO Bob Brady asked you to take a quick survey to confirm anecdotal evidence that organizations are ratcheting back on pay raises planned for 2009. You did—and did you ever. The current economic turmoil appears to have claimed yet another victim—pay increases planned for 2009. […]

Is Your CEO Owed Overtime? ‘Yes,’ Says Expert

Is the CEO owed overtime? Absolutely, says attorney Phillip Russell. Every employee must be paid overtime unless he or she falls into one of the exemption classifications. While it is hard to imagine a non-exempt CEO, Russell was making the important point that job title alone does not determine whether an employee is exempt. Russell […]

California Supreme Court Will Review Brinker Meal and Rest Period Case; 4 Tips to Avoid Problems in the Meantime

The California Supreme Court has granted review of the recent Brinker Restaurant Corp. decision. In that case, a California appeals court ruled, among other things, that an employer’s obligation to “provide” meal and rest breaks means that the employer must make the break available and not impede, discourage, or dissuade employees from taking it. Employers, […]