You’re the Expert: How Can I Avoid Family Responsibility Discrimination Claims?
In every issue, we take one reader’s question and ask our other readers to weigh in. Here’s what you had to say about a recent question:
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Benefits: What’s the Extent of Our Risk Following the New U.S. Supreme Court 401(k) Ruling?
I’ve read about the new 401(k) Supreme Court case. How far back can employees sue us if they claim we mishandled their retirement accounts? And how can we protect ourselves now for something that might have already happened? — Anonymous
Employee Travel: What Health and Security Tips Do You Have for Our International Travelers?
More and more of our employees are traveling outside the U.S. and are going to remoter places. What suggestions can you offer in the areas of health and security? — Marcia D., HR Manager in Los Angeles Many companies are regularly sending workers out of the country, which brings up a new set of […]
BusinessWeek’s Bestseller List
BusinessWeek ranks business books that are the most recent bestsellers and provides a short summary. 1. StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup’s Now, Discover Your Strengths by Tom Rath. Are you unsure where your true talents lie? Do you feel that you are both a person who gets […]
You’re the CSI: Will Your Investigation Meet a Jury’s Expectations?
If you carry out misconduct investigations, how good should they be? As good as the jury thinks they should be, say today’s experts. And that better be pretty good, because juries expect a lot from HR. Most organizations are not particularly sophisticated in their investigation policies and procedures, say attorneys Michael Soltis and Allison Bogosian, […]
Leaves: Can We Force Employees to Take Vacation During a Twice-Yearly Shutdown?
We’ve been struggling with keeping production up because of employee vacations. So instead of trying to fight vacation schedules, we want to start shutting down for a week in December and again in July and making everyone take vacation during those weeks. Are there any laws about doing this or any problems that you foresee? […]
Strict Safety Requirements for Teen Workers
Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is just a few weeks away and many employers have started thinking about adding students to their workforce. Here are some issues to consider as those eager, money-hungry youngsters join your workplace. Safety first The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) […]
Corporate Social Responsibility and HR
by Sarah McAdams When it comes to corporate social responsibility (CSR), HR departments have a particularly crucial role to play. “When you strive to be a more responsible company, you are relying on people to make sure you stay true to your values, and HR’s expertise is people,” explains Marcy Scott Lynn, CSR manager at […]
Heat Illness: What Must We Do to Protect Outdoor Workers in the Summer Heat?
We employ a number of workers in outdoor jobs during the summer. With summer heat coming on, are there Cal/OSHA requirements we need to comply with in this regard? —Sarah G., HR Manager in Marina del Rey
Did I Stutter?
LITIGATION VALUE: $450,000 (if Stanley ever quits or is fired) It is with great sadness that I announce that I am leaving “That’s What She Said.” I have taken a new job and am leaving the private practice of law. But don’t despair. Our beloved blog will continue. I have passed the torch to my […]