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Counter Offers–Does the Bad Outweigh the Good?

Bob, a valuable employee, has just resigned! What can we do? A counteroffer is always an option, but should you or shouldn’t you? Caution, says consultant Chuck Csizmar CCP; you may succeed, but you may not like the result. It’s important to recognize that if you’re considering a counteroffer, it means that you missed the […]

New Limits Placed on ‘Bad Faith’ Damages in Terminations

by Helen Gray McCarthy Tetrault A recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal places new limits on a trial judge’s ability to award damages for conduct on the part of an employer during the termination process that is said to amount to “bad faith.” While it’s an Ontario decision, it can be expected to […]

Is Work/life Balance the New Retention Solution?

Demographics and generational attitudes are coming together to make substantial flexibility demands on employers. That’s why work/life balance, once a nice-to-talk-about concept, has moved to the front burner in many organizations. Boomers have the skills you want to retain, but these days they want more time off. Gen X and Gen Y workers, similarly skillful, […]

Dangers of Excluding Unemployed When Searching for Workers

By Reggie Gay Employers that need workers often find themselves inundated with applicants — especially in today’s down economy. Some employers have even resorted to limiting the applicant pool to currently employed individuals as a way of dealing with a deluge of resumes. But that can be a legally shaky strategy. Mastering HR Special Reports: […]

You’re the Expert: Inappropriate Comments

That radio character, Don Imus, who got fired for his inappropriate comments? I think I’ve got a few Imuses in my company. How do I get the “good ol’ boys” to toe the line and stop with their insensitive jokes and actions?

Holiday Bonuses Result in Good Cheer — But Can Cause FLSA Overtime Problems

As the holiday season approaches, employers and employees are beginning to anticipate holiday bonuses. Whether they come in the form of material gifts, cash awards or other benefits, employers should be careful in providing them, because sometimes bonuses must be included in the employee’s pay rate. Although “improper bonus” cases are not common, they still […]

Colorado law restricting use of credit checks takes effect July 1

by Mark Wiletsky Colorado employers need to make sure their background check policies comply with the state’s Employment Opportunity Act, which takes effect July 1. The new law bans employers from obtaining and using credit history information when evaluating applicants and employees. Certain jobs are exempt from the prohibition, but the exemptions are very narrow. […]

Minnesota 12th state to recognize same-sex marriage

by Michael G. McNally The Minnesota Marriage Equality Bill, HF 1054, was signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton on May 14, 2013. Effective August 1, 2013, Minnesota will allow individuals of the same sex to marry. Employers need to review their policies relating to employee health and retirement benefits to reflect this change. What […]