Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
COVID-19 and all it brought in 2020 took a toll on the economy worldwide. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded its expected world economic growth in 2021 from 5.4% to 5.2%, we still see hiring being a key area of focus for companies in the new year.
by Kevin McCormick In a recent decision, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland affirmed the notion that discrimination on the basis of race and discrimination based on national origin are distinct legal claims. Moreover, because 42 USC § 1981 only prohibits discrimination based on race, a claim alleging national origin discrimination under […]
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became the law in 1993. That’s more than 30 years ago. You’d think all questions about it would have been answered years ago by all federal appeals courts. But trust me, that’s not how the law works! A 2024 case from one of the largest appeals courts in […]
by John S. Gannon Employers routinely ask employees to provide adequate documentation demonstrating that they can perform the essential functions of a job. That documentation may come in the form of physical or mental examinations—commonly referred to as fitness-for-duty examinations. However, problems arise when an employer disagrees with the physician who certifies the employee as […]
Last week, entertainment powerhouse and former talk-show host Oprah Winfrey announced that Harpo Studios in Chicago will be closing its doors by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of nearly 200 jobs. In typical Oprah fashion, she delivered the bad news to her employees in person, probably ambling around the room, microphone-in-hand, […]
Frontline workers are struggling. From the people on the floor at your favorite brick and mortar store to the warehouse employees ensuring inventory is getting where it needs to go, the challenges they face are largely the same: low pay, inflexible scheduling, and a lack of user-friendly technology. According to recent data, this has led […]
When GE execs wanted to brighten up their black-and-white training materials for their Leadership Practices Program for Women, they did so literally—with color. The program, administered by two women executives (who job share), seeks to address and provide insight into the unique concerns of talented, “high-potential” female employees. The facilitators, Nancy Schumann and Sandy Sullivan, […]
Larger organizations have already been using the lure of better benefits to attract candidates. A new study shows that small businesses are joining the fray of the talent war by rolling out the best benefits they can muster.
by John Vering On Oct. 3, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ reported that over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed has increased by 2.2 million and the unemployment rate has risen by 1.4 percentage points. Total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 159,000 in September and thus far in 2008, payroll employment has […]
I have an employee who has FMLA for headaches. She said she can no longer work more than 8 hours a day. She has also requested to be changed to a different shift and department, saying that is easier on her eyes/for her headaches. We do not have any openings on the shift she requested. […]