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High court upholds Michigan’s ban on affirmative action in higher education

Michigan voters’ right to prohibit preferential race-based admissions programs in the state’s university system was upheld today by the U.S. Supreme Court in Schuette v. The Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration and Immigration Rights and Fight for Equality by Any Means Necessary (BAMN), 572 U.S. ___ (2014). In the 6-2 opinion written by Justice […]

The DNA of Successful Leadership Programs

In yesterday’s Advisor, we discussed results of a study by Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) Corporate Learning that showed that very few organizations consider their leadership development programs “best in class.” Today we present more findings from the survey.

Are You Training Your People to Avoid Age Discrimination?

Age discrimination in the workplace can be subtle. Yes, we’re all aghast when we read about direct evidence of discrimination, like the manager who allegedly said he fired an employee because she was “old and ugly.” But most age discrimination claims are based on circumstantial rather than direct evidence. Take for example the age discrimination […]

FMLA

Ivanka Trump, senators advance ideas on paid family leave

by Tammy Binford As the idea to make paid family leave mandatory continues to gain attention, employers may be wondering what various paid leave proposals might mean for their businesses. A June 20 meeting between first daughter and presidential adviser Ivanka Trump and a handful of senators doesn’t draw a clear picture of what may […]

Quick Hiring Decisions Can Backfire

Are you a buyer rather than a shopper? You may fit this mold if you know precisely what you want, go directly to it on the store shelves, grab it, and head immediately for the cash register. While this strategy may make for efficient purchasing, it can also make for disastrous hiring.

Consistency counts

One of the traits I think is important in a leader is consistency. It’s not always easy to assess in job candidates, but it certainly shows itself (or not) over time. Webster’s defines consistency this way: “steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.” A consistent leader has a steadfast adherence to the same […]

Miscimarra announcement called ‘great loss’ but ‘no reason to panic’

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Chair Philip Miscimarra’s reported decision to leave the Board when his term expires on December 16 rather than allow himself to be considered for another term has probusiness Board watchers looking ahead and lamenting the loss of his contributions to NLRB decisions. Kevin C. McCormick, an editor of Maryland Employment […]

Grade Inflation, Essential Functions—More Mistakes Managers Make

In yesterday’s Advisor, we covered basic mistakes managers make; today, more expensive mistakes in performance management and job descriptions, and an introduction to a job description program that will eliminate those mistakes.  [Go here for mistakes 1 to 5.] Mistake #6: Grade Inflation Too often, managers give satisfactory or higher ratings for poor performance. This […]

Supreme Court Ponders Scope of ERISA Plan Recovery Rights

U.S. Supreme Court Justices questioned parties in a case that could further clarify when an ERISA plan fiduciary can recover settlement funds that a plan participant or beneficiary once acquired in a personal injury action but no longer possesses. This case involving the scope of equitable relief under ERISA has significant implications for plans that […]

$15M in DOL Grants Provides Training Opportunities for Disabled

Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, New York, and Washington are being awarded grants as part of the Disability Employment Initiative, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Administration and the Office of Disability Employment Policy. The DOL announced that these six states will receive grants totaling $14,911,243 to improve employment […]