Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) would see a nearly 21 percent reduction in funding under the White House’s proposed 2018 discretionary spending budget, which was released March 16. “A 21 percent cut is very substantial,” according to H. Juanita Beecher, of counsel with Fortney & Scott in Washington, D.C., and an editor of Federal […]
Pay equity, parental leave, and criminal history are hot topics that have been grabbing attention for some time, and employers in California now need to prepare for three newly signed laws addressing those issues. The new laws include restrictions on employers asking applicants questions related to salary history and criminal history and impose new parental […]
Additional (Hypothetical) Litigation Value: $225,000 to Michael Scott for workers’ compensation benefits and medical expenses. Neck deep in an August hot enough to boil cement, and we’re dealt yet another repeat. In fact, I extensively covered this episode last October (see Acting Koi), and I’m unsure what else can be said of Michael Scott’s unrelenting tomfoolery. […]
by Jonathan C. Sterling If an employee whose job involves talking on the phone and using a computer states under oath that he is unable to perform those tasks because of a disability, it’s logical to assume he can’t do his job. However, as a recent federal appellate court decision demonstrates, that may not always […]
The chatbot technology landscape isn’t nearly as overwhelming as you might think.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled March 22 that the use of statistical evidence to create a class action lawsuit against Tyson Foods was proper, an action that may make it easier for employees in certain situations to band together to sue their employers rather than suing as individuals. The Court ruled 6-2 in Tyson Foods […]
The California Supreme Court issued a recent decision on whether courts may vacate (toss out) an arbitration award in which the arbitrator applied the “honest belief” defense to uphold the employer’s termination of an employee for engaging in outside employment in violation of company policy while on an approved leave of absence under the California […]
Employee productivity and satisfaction are closely linked in both positive and negative ways. Data have repeatedly shown that employees with high levels of job satisfaction tend to be more productive. Employees who enjoy their jobs tend to work harder, longer, and smarter. At the same time, many efforts to boost employee productivity can have a […]
On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, which, given the subject matter of the case, impacts employers nationwide. The Ames decision confirmed that all Title VII plaintiffs alleging employment discrimination – regardless of whether they belong to a majority or minority group – […]
By Renée Robertson There are three qualities that HR professionals should have in order to shift from a tactical role to a strategic role. Let’s take each one and discuss how these qualities create a shift in capability and perception and change the HR Brand. Click here to read more.