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Making Assumptions about Generations

There exists an idea that those who are born of certain generations share similar traits. However, such broad-strokes appraisals of individuals from specific generations is a great way to miss out on a great candidate.

Is the Modern Workplace Killing Us? (Part 1)

In his recent book, Dying for a Paycheck, Jeffrey Pfeffer, professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business, explains how the modern workplace causes all kinds of problems. From chronic illnesses to stress, much about the modern workplace is bad for economies and societies and the success of companies—and, of course, for workers.

Sniffing out an ADA case: Aromatherapy at work sparks questions

The human resources department often finds itself in the position of mediating disagreements about thermostat settings, noise levels, perfume sensitivities, and an array of other workplace issues. But when employee preferences—or even prescriptions—intersect with the law, the job gets more challenging. Recently a group of attorneys was asked whether an employee’s use of aromatherapy at […]

Award Programs? Be Wary of Legal Pitfalls

Yesterday’s Advisor showed how one company handles tiered recognition. Today we’ll look at legal issues and other considerations for award policies, and take a look at a unique program for developing all the policies you need. As with most HR endeavors, employee recognition and award programs come with legal baggage. Here are the three issues […]

rejection

Tips to Reduce the Volume of Unqualified Applicants

When unemployment levels rise, employers that are still hiring may find themselves with an abundance of applicants for any given job vacancy. Unfortunately, this often means a lot of the applicants are simply applying to everything they can rather than only to jobs they’re well-suited for. Employers may have a lot of applicants but also […]

Kanye’s Wife’s Grammy Dress Provides a Lesson in Dress Codes

During the biggest night in music, the 2025 Grammy awards ceremony, Kanye’s wife, Bianca Censori, caused quite a commotion by walking the red carpet when she removed her coat to reveal . . . just about everything. Her dress, if you can call it that, was completely sheer. And after I uttered, “Well, that’s a […]

coworkers

Life Happens: How to Defuse Personal Dramas at Work

Question: We have received several complaints from employees about two coworkers who are having a hard time keeping their personal lives out of the workplace. The employees claim it is affecting their ability to concentrate and feel comfortable at work. One is going through a divorce and supposedly cries to his coworkers. The other is […]

Happy workers

Workers Willing to Compromise on Salary for the Right Benefits, Culture, and Growth Opportunities

Base salary isn’t the sole driving force for most workers when considering a job offer, according to a new report from Hays, the world’s largest specialist recruitment agency. While salary remains the biggest consideration, it is outweighed by the combination of benefits, company culture, and career growth when deciding whether to accept a job offer […]

Ask the Expert: Do We Have to Offer Our HRA with COBRA Benefits?

Question: If you offer a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to your regular full time employees, are you obligated to offer the HRA to people that terminate and elect COBRA? If yes, can you charge the employee for the COBRA premium AND can you charge for a premium equivalent rate for the HRA (or administrative charge)?