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Barbara Neisendorf, a vice president at Levi Strauss & Co., had serious performance problems during her 2 years at the company. Supervisor Fred Paulenich documented the deficiencies and discussed them with Neisendorf, but she refused to accept responsibility. Shortly after the performance meeting, Neisendorf began an 8-week medical leave for a panic disorder. At the […]
During the holiday season, many employers shut down their operations for a few days over Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. If you’re thinking of closing up shop for the holidays this year, first make sure you’re up on special pay rules for employees who qualify as exempt from overtime. If an exempt employee performs any […]
The IRS has increased the standard mileage rate commonly used to reimburse employees for business use of a car to 48.5 cents per mile, up from 44.5 cents in 2006. The new rate will apply to miles driven beginning January 1, 2007. Employers who use the IRS standard mileage rate to reimburse employees may deduct […]
We tend to give employees two types of raises. First, everyone gets a COLA raise on July 1. It’s the same percentage for everyone. Then we also give annual merit raises on anniversary dates. My question is, can we start not giving the COLA raise to substandard employees? Is there a better way to structure […]
I need some help with creating a plan for coping with a possible avian flu epidemic. My boss wants a concrete plan—she thinks our operations could be hit hard if the flu comes. A few issues back you gave us a website for avian flu information, which I’ve visited. But now, can you give some […]
Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed S.B. 1441, which expands discrimination protections for individuals in programs or activities conducted, operated, or administered by the state or state agency, or that’s funded directly by the state, or receives any financial assistance from the state. This includes programs such as workers’ compensation and unemployment and disability insurance. Join us […]
I’m so uncomfortable when I have to fire someone.Do you have any suggestions of phrases or techniques I can use to “soften the blow”? Here’s what you had to say: “Softening the blow” can seem like a thoughtful and considerate act, but it’s actually quite dangerous from a legal standpoint, as we found […]
Last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed two separate lawsuits charging Denny’s Inc. and United Airlines with violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In one case, the EEOC alleged that Denny’s, which operates over 500 restaurants in 30 states, violated the rights of disabled workers by maintaining a maximum medical leave […]
When Gov. Schwarzenegger signed legislation last month that will raise California’s minimum wage to $8.00 per hour from the current $6.75 per hour, he put the state on course to have the highest minimum wage in the nation when the full hike takes effect. The rate increase will take effect in two stages: minimum wage […]
Does pregnancy leave have to be paid? Our HR Management & Compliance Report: How To Comply with California and Federal Leave Laws, covers everything you need to know to stay in compliance with both state and federal law in one of the trickiest areas of compliance for even the most experienced HR professional. Learn the […]