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Is AI Prompt Engineering a Must-Have Training Need in 2024?

One of the big trends in employee learning and development heading into 2024 is the growing importance and potential of generative AI. According to some estimates, 60 percent of workers will receive training on prompt engineering next year. For managers, trainers and HR professionals who have only recently become acquainted with or even aware of […]

Baby, It’s COVID Outside: Tips for Returning After Holidays

It’s just after the holiday season, when the kids came home from college, the Griswolds took vacation, and Santa Claus came to town. But for many, the most wonderful time of the year will have become a cause for concern. With COVID-19 cases on the rise and family gatherings inevitable, you may be worried the […]

When Workers Take Part in Violent Protests: What Are an Employer’s Options?

The siege of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and the strong possibility of more riots, violence, and protests across the nation bring up a legal and ethical dilemma for employers: Can a company terminate or discipline a worker because he or she participated in a riot or even the protest preceding a riot? Employers […]

Tips for Making Changes Ahead of the New Overtime Rule

As of December 1, 2016, the changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime exemptions will go into effect. The main change facing employers is the salary level required for an employee to be considered exempt. Previously, the minimum salary required to meet the exemption requirements for most white-collar exemptions was $455 per week. […]

The Coup

LITIGATION VALUE: $65,000 Somehow I don’t think that having Dwight stand on his desk with the word “liar” hanging from his neck is exactly what Jan meant when she told Michael to get control of his branch. Nevertheless, while Michael’s reaction was extreme, it will probably not expose the company to significant legal liability. Being […]

Harassment Policies Still #1, But Social Media Biggest Challenge (Policy Survey Results)

Thanks to all who participated! Here are the detailed results: Most Common HR Policies The most widely implemented policy, according to our survey respondents, is harassment and/or discrimination with 94.5% having such a policy, followed closely by employee leave at 91.1%. Also above the 90% mark are computer and Internet use, confidentiality and proprietary information, […]

Humana Adopts Policy Against Hiring Smokers in Arizona

By David I. Weissman Many employers are seeking to control escalating health care costs and improve worker productivity by implementing policies that promote employee wellness. As a result, policies that discourage employees from smoking have become increasingly popular. Some companies have gone a step further and decided they won’t hire smokers at all. This includes […]

Can Employers Apply USERRA Differently for Workers Who Volunteer for Service?

Q: Our Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) policy is administered differently for employees ordered into military service or leave and those who volunteer for military leave. The policy states that for ordered military leave shorter than 31 days, the company will pay the employee’s normal rate of pay. For voluntary military leaves, […]

Cross-Training Case Study Continued

To read the details of this case, please click here. The Rest of ‘Rose’s’ Story One business day before Rose was supposed to return to work, she was instructed, via a voice-mail message, to contact a supervisor to retrieve her employee badge privately, so she could avoid doing so in front of other employees in […]