Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
When a company first meets with a prospective candidate, it’s not just the interviewee who needs to be on his or her toes. Interviewers must be careful to ask the right questions, not just to ensure they’re making the right hire but also to avoid legal entanglements.
Isolated remarks related to an employee’s national origin may not be enough to support a claim of discrimination, but they can lead to costly lawsuits. During training, be sure that managers and supervisors understand the negative consequences of making “politically incorrect” comments. What Happened “Akila,” an Egyptian dentist, enrolled in a 2-year dentistry program […]
Two recently filed EEOC lawsuits reveal that severance packages are even trickier than we thought, says Attorney Joel Van Parys. It’s fine to use a template for these agreements, but it is also important to look at them individually.
Does your organization provide antiharassment training for employees and managers? One of the main reasons antiharassment training is important is that employers have an obligation to provide a safe workplace—one that is free of harassment. If an employer does not take proactive steps to ensure such an environment, that employer will find it much more […]
There are many legal issues employers face during the interview process. Job interviews are a potential legal land mine for discrimination complaints and lawsuits. Numerous federal laws prohibit discrimination in hiring practices, including the interview process. For example: The Civil Rights Act of 1964, commonly known as Title VII, is the grandparent of employment discrimination […]
Van Parys, who is with Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP in Sacramento, offered his tips at the SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition held recently in Orlando. Recent EEOC Actions Two recently filed lawsuits, in which severance agreements were called overly broad and unenforceable, may help employers fashion their own severance agreements, says Van Parys. EEOC […]
Does your organization provide anti-harassment training for employees and managers? One of the main reasons anti-harassment training is important is that employers have an obligation to provide a safe workplace—one that is free of harassment. If an employer does not take proactive steps to ensure such an environment, that employer will find it much more […]
The information in today’s issue first appeared on HR.BLR.com. Background for Trainer The disciplinary response to a problem or incident should never come unexpectedly to a worker like a bolt from the blue. The employee must be able to see, at least in hindsight, that the way for a supervisor’s action was clearly paved. And […]
No employer wants to be accused of discrimination. Employers strive to treat employees fairly and act without improper bias. To do this and also remain in legal compliance, it’s more important than ever to understand the various laws that protect employees from different types of discrimination.
At-will employment is something most U.S.-based employers are familiar with. But what does this term really mean? Can an employer actually terminate an employee without any reason at all? What are the exceptions?