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FMLA Certification: Getting Clarification and Authentication

What should an employer do when an FMLA certification form is received that is unclear? Perhaps it's filled out completely, but the handwriting is illegible in some places. Or perhaps it appears as though it may have been filled out by someone other than the person who signed it. What actions can be taken without […]

Leaders

Immediately Address and Correct Racial Slurs…or Else

Nearly every Montana employer takes discrimination seriously and strives to keep it out of the workplace. But sometimes even the best intentions aren’t enough. A recent case from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) should serve as a stark reminder that the details are critical. If an employee […]

Made in My Image’ Is Wrong Way to Assemble a Winning Team

If you’re going to hire someone, why not hire someone made in your image? Let’s face it—you’ve been successful. You’ve climbed the management ranks. You must be doing something right. So, who better to add to your team than someone just like you? Someone who acts like you. Someone who thinks like you. Someone who […]

Thoughts on Sexual Harassment—a Personal Perspective

I do a lot of antiharassment training. In the past, much of my training has followed a relatively standard format explaining that employers can be liable for harassment by supervisors even if employees don’t complain and that supervisors can “aid and abet” a hostile work environment by turning a blind eye to problematic situations. I […]

loan

Legal and practical pitfalls of loaning money to employees

by Raanon Gal and Glianny Fagundo Many employers have been faced with a valued employee who is undergoing financial hardship asking for a pay advance or loan to help him get back on his feet. Employers are often tempted to give an employee a loan or pay advance because it seems like the right thing […]

How NOT to Deal with Sexual Harassment Complaints

A recent EEOC lawsuit—just settled for $2.3 million—gives a picture perfect example of how NOT to handle sexual harassment complaints. The harassment was compounded by retaliation and ratcheted up with evidence tampering. In the suit, Fry Electronics worker America Rios complained to her boss, Ka Lam,  that her manager was sexting her and inviting her […]

Key tips to remember when counseling and disciplining employees

by Michelle Lee Flores There is nothing like a gentle reminder or a “cheat sheet” to look at when counseling or disciplining employees. The key thing to remember is that although nothing can absolutely insulate you from claims of discrimination or wrongdoing, there are steps you can take to get to the ultimate goal of […]

Learn important lessons from Lombardi’s eight-hour session

by Dan Oswald Over the weekend, I was watching a piece on legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi. The documentary chronicled Lombardi’s life growing up in Brooklyn through his storied years as a championship coach with the Packers. As a Packers fan, I’ve read biographies on Lombardi and other books that have discussed the […]

HRMS Implementation Checklist: What Data Is Needed?

Implementing a human resource management system (HRMS) can be time consuming and difficult, but there are some key considerations up front to make it more likely to succeed. Here are some tips. Considerations When Implementing a New HRMS When implementing a new HRMS, there will be many steps both before and after selecting the right […]