Category: HR Management & Compliance

There are dozens of details to take care of in the day-to-day operation of your department and your company. We give you case studies, news updates, best practices and training tips that keep your organization fully in compliance with ever-changing employment law, and you fully aware of emerging HR trends.

Ban Raises Texting-Driving Issues that Go Beyond Big Rigs

The federal Transportation Department’s announcement banning texting by drivers of commercial vehicles is sure to make employers think twice about their policies even if they don’t have trucks or buses on the road. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made the announcement January 26 that an interpretation of standing rules prohibits texting by drivers of commercial […]

PIPs + Progressive Discipline = Caution Required

Performance Improvement Plans — or PIPs — have become a common part of progressive discipline programs. After an initial verbal counseling, many employers use formal PIPs to set specific goals for employee improvement, and to document employee progress or lack of progress in relation to future discipline.

Obesity Epidemic in Your Workplace? CDC Can Help

There’s an "obesity epidemic" in the U.S., and that means there’s probably one at your workplace, too. Obesity is a natural target for wellness programs. The effects of obesity—from cardiac problems to diabetes—are dire, but they are reversible through exercise, diet, and nutrition. What works best to reduce obesity? The Centers for Disease Control and […]

2 Reasons Why You Must Do Exit Interviews

In yesterday’s Advisor, our experts recommended an exit interview for every separating employee. Today we’ll look at two reasons why exit interviews are important from a legal standpoint, and we’ll take a look at an extraordinary program that will help you generate an exit interview protocol and dozens of other critical HR policies. A well-thought-out […]

Fast Company’s Best Business Books of 2009

These are the best business books of 2009, as ranked by Fast Company. 1.In CHEAP We Trust: The Story of a Misunderstood American Virtue by Lauren Weber. This history of frugality in America–why it’s been stigmatized and whether there’s a sustainable alternative to a purely consumption-based economy–is consistently surprising and clever. A very worthwhile indulgence. […]

Shabby Treatment at Termination Begs for a Lawsuit

The way you treat the people you terminate can make the difference between an ex-employee who is upset but moving on, and an ex-employee who is angry and calling 1-800-LAWYER. Lin Grensing-Pophal, writing in Human Resource Executive, cited several tales that highlight what disgruntled employees might do: One made a false accusation of harassment that […]

New COBRA Notices You Must Use by 2/17

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was enacted in February 2009. Among other things, the ARRA provides a COBRA premium subsidy for employees who are laid off or terminated. The subsidy requires employers to pay for 65 percent of a separated employee’s COBRA premium, which the federal government then reimburses to employers.

Survey: 80% of Employers Have Maintained 401(k) Benefits

A survey of compensation and HR professionals indicates that 80% of employers have maintained their matching contributions to employee 401(k) plans throughout the recession. What’s more, of the organizations that suspended their match, half say they will consider reinstating it this year. Those are just two of the significant findings revealed by the survey, the […]

Supreme Court Overturns Restrictions on Corporate, Union Political Activities

After a 5-4 ruling delivered January 21 by the U.S. Supreme Court, corporations and labor unions will now be permitted to spend as much as they wish on independent activities in support or opposition of presidential and congressional candidates. The restrictions on campaign expenditures had been in place for decades. In Citizens United v. Federal […]

3 Keys to Avoiding Hiring Hassles—Train, Train, Train

In yesterday’s Advisor, we covered legal issues related to contact management, or how to avoid turning “contacts” into “applicants,” courtesy of Peopleclick ® Research Institute’s Lisa D. Grant Harpe. Today, we’ll cover the rest of her discussion and take a look at a unique training system for supervisors and managers. Harpe, an industrial psychologist and […]