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Be Prepared for The Worst Case Scenario – Workplace Violence

With workplace violence attacks becoming more prevalent in the US, organizations need to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Attacks in the workplace average three deaths and up to 12 injuries per attack, and lawsuits average $500,000 with jury awards averaging $3 million. Worse yet, the loss of friends and colleagues in the workplace is devastating…and […]

Dangers of hiring unpaid interns

by Heather L. Devine Recent cases call attention to the risk of using unpaid interns. Employers that aren’t cautious may be found in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Recent decisions In a case many of you may have heard about, a U.S. district court judge concluded on June 11, 2013, that Fox […]

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer’s New Year ‘Tips’ for HR Managers

The act that gained her the most notoriety was her rule that all employees must report to work at the physical office—no more telecommuting. The move was met with disapproval in many quarters (although Donald Trump reportedly approved). Some called it a step backwards for flexibility in the workplace, especially for women, who often count […]

Make Your Safety Training Program OSHA-Compliant

Many industrial jobs require employees to have specialized knowledge and skills, and to be prepared to deal with a special set of serious hazard exposures. OSHA-mandated specialized training requirements are found in a number of standards. For example: Hazard communication of chemical, carcinogen, and radiation hazards (29 CFR 1910.1200) Combustible dust (29 CFR 1910.22, 269, […]

The High Cost of a Bad Hire

Now that the economy has turned around and unemployment is low, employers are finding themselves with fewer applicants for any given job opening. This can be problematic for several reasons, not the least of which is that it may mean the employer is less likely to find a candidate who is well-qualified for the role. […]

Bite, No Bark: 8th Circuit Recognizes Limitations on Certain ADA Accommodations

In attempting to assess the complicated balance between an individual employee’s need for a service animal and the requirements of clients, customers, patients, and the workplace as a whole, the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to all Iowa employers) has weighed in over the last several months with discussions in two […]

What’s Leaving Work Early Really Worth?

By Elaine Quayle A New Hampshire worker with girlfriend problems wanted to leave work early after one of her texts made him anxious. But was his idea to get out before the shift change worth a potential $250,000 fine and up to a life term in a federal prison? Sure, your friends may have pulled the […]

EEOC actions spark employer wrath, scathing report from Senate panel

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)—long tasked with protecting workers from unfair treatment—is now coming under fire for what some claim is unfair treatment perpetrated by the agency itself. Republicans on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions issued the Minority Staff Report  “EEOC: An Agency on the Wrong Track? Litigation Failures, Misfocused Priorities, […]