Month: August 2014

Disloyal conduct may justify termination

by Mohamed Badreddine There is little dispute that senior employees owe a duty of good faith and loyalty to their employers. But what about junior employees—do they owe their employers the same duty? And if so, can they be fired if they violate that duty? Depending on the situation, the answer may be yes—at least […]

Vacation, Leave, and Time Off—Who’s Offering What?

Please participate in our brief survey and see how what you are doing stacks up against what other successful companies are doing. We’ll get answers to these questions and more: What kind of paid leaves are offered? PTO or separate vacation and sick leave? How much time off for what length of service? Is donating […]

Train Workers on How to Respond to Active Shooters in the Workplace

In 2013, two nurses at a Milwaukee hospital heard gunshots. Instead of taking cover, they ran toward the gunfire. Only when they spotted the armed man running at them did they turn and flee. A police officer cornered the gunman and restrained him with pepper spray. The gunman screamed: “I can’t see! I can’t see!” […]

Get involved or steer clear? What’s HR to do when complaints roll in?

Ahh, the human resources department. The place where compassionate, friendly people solve problems in the workplace. A place filled with intelligent professionals uniquely qualified to turn conflict into comfort. Or maybe that’s not what the HR department should be at all. Maybe HR should empower others to handle certain workplace issues on their own rather […]

Job Hazard Analysis Training in 7 Minutes Flat!

Analyzing every job for its hazards can reduce accidents. The purpose of a job analysis is not to evaluate job performance but to find hazards and then determine ways to reduce or eliminate them. Look at each job you do in detail. Often we look at obvious dangers but ignore the simple, everyday things that […]

HR, Get Out of the Babysitting Business

HR spends too much time babysitting. For example, policing a rule like “Do not abuse sick leave!” How are you going to enforce that? Follow all your employees? Stop! Says consultant Hunter Lott of “Please Sue Me” fame. Get out of the babysitting business and go PTO.