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Drugs & Alcohol: Do I Have to Interview an Applicant Who Takes Medical Marijuana?

One of our current employees has referred a friend for employment under our employee referral program, which rewards employees who refer applicants if we end up hiring them. The employee mentioned that the friend uses marijuana for medical purposes. I don’t really want to consider this person because we are a drug-free workplace, but I’m […]

Performance Reviews—Tool Bosses Use to Justify Pay

In yesterday’s Advisor, Samuel Culbert encouraged HR managers to "put the performance review out of its misery." He says HR is the only part of the company that benefits. (Go here for yesterday’s comments.) Today, we’ve got his suggestions for performance previews and an introduction to an extraordinary program for the compensation side of appraisal. […]

DO Check Google and MySpace / DON’T Check Google and MySpace

What do you do when the experts’ advice conflicts? Some experts say run Google searches on every candidate and don’t forget their MySpace and Facebook pages. Others say, stay away, you don’t want that information. So should you surf or not? It’s annoying when the experts don’t agree, but it doesn’t mean you’re paralyzed. Here […]

How a Comic Book Character Can Promote Women in STEM

Diversity and inclusion were once considered “fluffy” company goals that were pursued by bleeding hearts or, more cynically, the PR-minded, but that view has steadily changed over the last few decades.

Illinois same-sex marriage law will spawn employment issues

by Steven L. Brenneman On November 5, both houses of the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriages. Governor Pat Quinn is expected to sign the bill into law. If he does, it will take effect in June 2014. The new law will affect Illinois employers in several ways. Regarding employee benefits, employers […]

'Made in My Image' Is Wrong Way to Assemble a Winning Team

If you’re going to hire someone, why not hire someone made in your image? Let’s face it—you’ve been successful. You’ve climbed the management ranks. You must be doing something right. So, who better to add to your team than someone just like you? Someone who acts like you. Someone who thinks like you. Someone who […]

Retaliation Claims: EEOC Issues New Guidelines Explaining Employee Rights And Your Obligations

It’s no surprise to many employers that discrimination claims have been on the rise over the past several years. But related lawsuits for retaliating against employees who lodge these complaints are also booming. From 1991 to 1997, the number of retaliation charges filed each year with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission skyrocketed by almost 130%. […]

ACA: Expect Flex, Delay, and Some Hassle in 2013

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) involves a lot of moving parts, says Attorney Martin Simon. As the various pieces of the ACA come into play, we can expect some flexibility, some postponing of deadlines, and a delay of penalties, he adds. In fact, the delays have already started, says Simon, Senior Legal Editor […]

Disability Bias: Court Orders United Airlines To Pay $200,000 For Not Accommodating Mentally Disabled Employee; Helpful Do’s And Don’ts

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires you to try to reach an accommodation in cases involving mental or physical disabilities by engaging in an “interactive process” with an employee. But a recent case involving United Airlines highlights several missteps to avoid—and some specific measures to take—to satisfy the ADA.

New Poll Reveals Best and Worst Jobs of 2016

Blogger, general practice physician, CEO, and teacher were voted the best jobs in a new CareerCast opinion poll with 369 respondents. Interestingly, general practice physician and teacher also made the worst jobs list, which highlights the controversy over what people think are the best and worst jobs.