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Lead With Leadership Training

For 18 years, Brandon Hall Group, Inc., has recognized companies for their learning programs. The organization awards gold, silver, and bronze awards in 48 categories. “This year’s winners should be very proud of their achievements especially based on the rigorous judging process all submissions underwent,” said Mike Cooke, CEO of Brandon Hall Group. “We are […]

Control the Office Thermostat to Save Money, Environment

Although some parts of the country still feel like summer, this week we officially begin the fall season. The Farmers’ Almanac recently released its winter forecast for 2009-2010 predicting that three-fourths of the United States will experience colder than normal temperatures on average. When temperatures plunge, what can human resources do to reduce energy bills […]

Do You Train Workers Not to Shake When the Earth Quakes?

Because earthquakes can occur at any time of year and happen suddenly, without much if any time for advance preparation, having and practicing a plan is key to helping your workers stay safe. To raise awareness, OSHA has launched a new Earthquake Preparedness and Response page. According to OSHA, most earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing […]

When is overtime pay due in California?

When must you start paying overtime to a nonexempt employee? The answer depends on what state you’re operating in. Overtime pay rules in California differ from the federal overtime laws. If you’re an employer in California, it’s important to understand when your overtime obligations begin.

Are Your Employees Also Customers?

Being a user of your company’s products or services isn’t a prerequisite for employee engagement, but it doesn’t hurt.

Wage and Hour: BMW to Pay for Donning and Doffing Time

Luxury automaker BMW has agreed to pay $629,000 in overtime back wages to workers at the company’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to settle a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) lawsuit alleging the company violated federal wage and hour law. The settlement, which will be shared by 1,224 workers, covers the period from April 2003 […]

Appeals Court Upholds Award for Teacher with Seasonal Affective Disorder

A school district failed to accommodate a teacher with seasonal affective disorder, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has determined, upholding a jury’s award of damages. The 7th Circuit had already heard the case, Ekstrand v. School District of Somerset (No. 11-1949, June 26, 2012), once before. Renae Eskstrand filed suit against her employer, […]

The Dangers of Hiring Friends and Family

Hiring those from within our close personal network—i.e., friends and family—has been a common practice since the earliest days of specialized work. We feel like we can trust people we know, want to give them a means of income, and want to groom someone to take over after we, or other employees, leave the company. But […]

Excessive Absenteeism: When Enough is Enough

By Keri Bennett Employers everywhere often wonder when an employee’s “innocent” or no-fault absences reach a level that warrants termination. Can these employees ever be fired? Yes, is the answer from one New Brunswick labor arbitrator in Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1252 and Vitalité Health Network. Facts A nurse at a hospital in […]