Saturday April 27, 2024

What actually makes employees happy? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Sometimes it seems like an impossible task: keeping so many different types of employees happy and working hard. So what actually works for most companies? The folks over at Yast have compiled some research to help point you in the right direction — and no, it doesn’t involve raises and bonuses for everyone. Retention As […]

Abercrombie & Fitch agree to alter controversial ‘Look Policy’

Where do dress codes and religious accommodations meet?   Clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has agreed to change its controversial “Look Policy” after being on the receiving end of two high-profile lawsuits filed by Muslim women. Here are the details of the two cases: Hani Khan had worked at a Hollister store (owned by Abercrombie […]

Is EEOC softening stance on use of criminal background checks?

After getting clobbered by a federal judge a few weeks ago, the EEOC used a query from nine states’ Attorneys General to clarify its position on employers using criminal background checks to screen job applicants.   The Attorneys General had written to EEOC chair Jacqueline Berrien to ask that the agency reconsider the stance it […]

Employee fired for emailing porn – so why’s he suing?

A worker is fired for emailing porn via his company email address. Then he sues, claiming he was really let go so the firm wouldn’t have to pay for his retirement benefits. Read the dramatized version of this real-life case and see if you can determine the outcome.  The scene “Remember Cameron Stump?” asked Steven […]

Defining the two most important challenges HR faces today

Onboarding and engagement. What do those words really mean?  Here’s the long view of both concepts: Onboarding is the buzzword used to describe what should naturally happen with new hires at all companies – a planned, integrated process that not only gets the newbie familiar with his or her specific duties, but gives them an […]

Don’t Hire A Fugitive

Before your company hires a potential employee, you should employ a few common pre-employment screens to verify information. Background checks are the most requested employment verification service. They will typically allow an employer to verify previous education, employment, credit report and civil records. Background check service companies specialize in distinctive fields, so make sure you […]

Don’t expect DOL to let up under new Labor Secretary

Under former Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, the DOL drastically increased the enforcement of wage and hour laws. Now Thomas Perez is running the agency, and he seems poised to kick things up a notch.   Perez, a former Maryland labor secretary and Justice Department civil rights official, took over his new post atop the DOL […]

Another obese staffer wins ADA suit: Is it an epidemic?

Since the American Medical Association officially recognized obesity as a disease earlier this summer, we’ve already seen one obesity-as-disability case pop up. Here’s the second.  Melissa Pennington worked for Wagner’s Pharmacy. She was 5-foot-4 and weighed 425 pounds. She also suffered from sleep apnea and diabetes, which caused her to have dark circles under her […]

Firm tried to avoid race bias — and was sued for race bias

Here’s the latest case to be filed in the “Employers Can’t Win” department.  Edward B. Stimpson, Co., needed to lay off 30% of its workforce in a reduction in force. Department heads made recommendations to upper management on which employees should be terminated. A company VP then put together a spreadsheet of all the people recommended […]

Absenteeism: A no-nonsense approach to a chronic problem

It is rule No. 1 in the workplace: Employees need to show up to do their jobs. In today’s “do-more-with-less” culture, however, absenteeism is a growing concern for many companies.   It’s not uncommon for organizations to deal with absenteeism rates of 10% or more – putting extra pressure on other employees, slowing productivity and […]