HR Tip

With return-to-office in full swing, the private sector continues to take cue from the public sector. President Joe Biden urged federal agencies to return to work, prompting conversations about what RTO looks like in practice.  The pandemic’s imperative for many to work from home “shook up the workplace,” David Barron, an attorney at Cozen O’Connor, told HR …

Do employers need to pay for worker commutes? Read More »

Q: What’s the best way to deal with office gossip and drama? The resulting conflict is hurting productivity and morale.  As we get to the other side of the pandemic and the interruptions COVID-19 caused in the workplace, employees are beginning to come back to work in person rather than working totally remotely. With that …

Nip Office Gossip and Drama in the Bud Read More »

Employers frequently use lead persons who aren’t supervisors with the authority to fire employees. However, problems can arise when employees believe such leads can fire them. A recent case before the Arkansas Court of Appeals illustrates this problem.  Background  In an unbriefed appeal to the court of appeals, Erin Daniels challenged the Arkansas Board of …

It’s Important That Employees Know Who Can Fire Them Read More »

Employees are displaying a renewed desire for career advancement, according to the results of a recent survey. When ADP Research Institute asked workers about important aspects of a job, 40% put “career progression” on their lists, compared to only 23% the year before. That jump was so significant that it overtook “flexibility of hours,” according …

Advancement Overtakes Flexibility on Workers’ Wish Lists Read More »

Every HR professional struggles, sweats, and possibly rips their hair out (if they have any) over what to put into an employment manual and how best to minimize litigation for their company in the future. Worrying exclusively about liability rather than practicality, however, can lead to significant concerns. Here are some common issues with employment …

Four Common Problems in Employment Manuals Read More »

Holidays mean time off from work to celebrate with family and friends. But for many people, the holidays are filled with tension. Although holidays themselves can be exhausting and stressful, your holiday policy should provide a sense of clarity and relief—not anxiety. Which Holidays to Observe? Under federal law, employers aren’t required to give their …

Holidays Can Be Stressful, But Your Holiday Policy Shouldn’t Be Read More »

Aside from the lucky few who truly love their jobs, most people would prefer to be spending time away from work when possible. It’s somewhat counterintuitive, therefore, that Americans spend so much time at work, even when they have PTO available. Employees Leaving PTO on the Table “People were already working long hours before the …

Should Companies Require Workers to Take Time Off? Read More »

Q:      We had to fire an employee after a sexual harassment investigation. The fired employee was dating one of our managers, and now she’s asking all female employees to tell her who reported the harassment. Many employees are uncomfortable with the questions, but the manager won’t let it go. Can we prohibit all employees from discussing …

Stop in the Name of Love! Unwise to Prohibit Workplace Harassment Discussions? Read More »

Ever hear of the rule of three—“life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”? It’s easy to remember, it’s concise, and it rolls off the tongue. You see it all the time, whether in ads or newspaper/magazine writing or in sacred secular documents such as the Declaration of Independence. Let’s add the law to the list …

Rule of Three: Know It, Follow It, Live It Read More »

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in all areas of life and work, including in evaluating and hiring applicants. Although AI can be more efficient in recruiting, evaluating, and weeding through millions of résumés, it can also cause employers to run afoul of best practices—if not the law—of equal employment opportunity. EEOC’s AI Focus …

EEOC Offers Guidance on Discrimination Caused by Artificial Intelligence Read More »