Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
To address California’s dire budget situation in light of deteriorating economic conditions, Governor Schwarzenegger has called a special session of the legislature and announced a plan to get the state budget on track, invigorate the state economy, and generate jobs for the unemployed here. The governor’s proposal calls for tax increases and spending cuts—plus changes […]
When you get hints of inappropriate activity (e.g., a boss “hitting” on a subordinate or racial teasing) but no evidence, no corroboration, and no complaint, should you act? Yes, says today’s expert. The bottom line is that, when faced with a “hint” of inappropriate activity, you absolutely should act, says attorney Thomas N. Makris, SPHR. […]
Today we look at misclassification—the third of “The Big Three” compensation challenges (see yesterday’s Advisor for the other two)—and a new in-depth audio conference series that will answer the tricky technical questions about exemptions. Misclassification can lead to big-bucks fines and lawsuits. First, if you’ve misclassified one employee as exempt, you’ve probably misclassified many others […]
Wage and hour just shouldn’t be that hard, but the lawsuits keep coming, and the dollar amounts are staggering—especially when class actions amplify fees, fines, and judgments. What’s the problem? A number of factors make wage and hour a challenge: Many of the decisions about overtime, break time, meal time, and hours of work are […]
After much delay and hoopla, the long-anticipated changes to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act have been finalized. They were released early today and will take effect Jan. 16, 2009.
By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Last week BLR CEO and founder Bob Brady asked you to take a brief survey on HR’s role in executive compensation and the current economic crisis. Your responses, as usual, were thought provoking. Poll results HR managers responding to last week’s poll were nearly unanimous in condemning C-level […]
Given the questionable effectiveness of the “suspend without pay” approach, employers should consider Paid Decision-Making Leave (PDML). It’s more respectful—and more effective, says attorney Allison West. West, who is principal of Employment Practices Specialists LLC, an employment law training and consulting firm in Pacifica, California, recommends the PDML program first described by performance management consultant […]
What can employers do when a disciplinary suspension is seen as a gift? Today’s expert offers practical discipline techniques. Most companies have progressive disciplinary policies for the right reasons: to provide managers and HR with the tools they need to make fair, consistent, and legally defensible employment decisions, says attorney Allison West SPHR. But sometimes […]
In a down economy, it’s no secret that it can be hard for jobseekers to find new employment. And, as a result, rejected candidates might be more likely to put up a fight—and file lawsuits. So it’s more important than ever for employers to make sure they’re doing everything right.
Yesterday’s Advisor explored tips for dealing with safety and disabilities. Today, we’ll give you some tips on periodic medical exams for safety-sensitive positions and an introduction to a new wellness system that might help. Thanks once again to expert Lindsay E. Harris, senior counsel at Speer Associates/Workplace Counsel, an employment law and employee relations consulting […]