Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Happy holidays! But which holidays? Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid ul-Adha, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice? All of the above? None of the above? One of December’s chills, at least for HR professionals, can be a little shiver of trepidation over handling employees’ varying religious needs with sufficient sensitivity. Do you put up a tree? What kind of […]
by Craig M. Borowski Employers often use the holiday season to show their appreciation for employees’ hard work and celebrate with employees in the workplace. Unfortunately, however, even an office holiday party planned with the best of intentions can create legal liability for employers or even turn tragic. Drunk driving, inappropriate conduct and behavior, and […]
by Margaret DiBianca Hints of the holiday season are tucked away in every corner of the workplace. Cards from customers and vendors are tacked up in cubicles. Uneaten candy canes and tin canisters filled with chocolate-drizzled caramel popcorn continue to make appearances in the break room. The office-party circuit seems endless and, of course, requires […]
You’ve undoubtedly seen it in the news: Last week, Jing Hua Wu, a Santa Clara engineer, shot and killed three people at work—the company’s head of HR, the VP of operations, and the chief executive—after being let go.
By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Faced with the seemingly endless tide of gloomy economic news, how can you stay in control? BLR CEO and founder Bob Brady says the answer is simple—but not easy. Waiting for 2009 to Be Over The presidential election may be over, and 2008 may be ending, but the […]
Despite the passage of Proposition 8 earlier this month, the issue of same-sex marriage is still very much alive in California. The California Supreme Court announced yesterday that it will address the issues raised by the initiative at the request of advocates on both sides: (1) Was Proposition 8 legally valid, or must it be […]
Yesterday’s Advisor offered advice for HR managers on what to do when there’s a hint of trouble, like harassment or racial teasing. Today, a look at the bigger question—why the problems weren’t reported. Situations such as those mentioned in yesterday’s Advisor — a boss hitting on a subordinate or racial teasing— should have been formally reported […]
HR manager Paul Knoch reviews the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. The review counts this business fiction as a quick, informative read that would be of use to almost any HR practitioner who must work with a team of employees. Have you ever wondered why your team of smart, competent, […]
To address California’s dire budget situation in light of deteriorating economic conditions, Governor Schwarzenegger has called a special session of the legislature and announced a plan to get the state budget on track, invigorate the state economy, and generate jobs for the unemployed here. The governor’s proposal calls for tax increases and spending cuts—plus changes […]
When you get hints of inappropriate activity (e.g., a boss “hitting” on a subordinate or racial teasing) but no evidence, no corroboration, and no complaint, should you act? Yes, says today’s expert. The bottom line is that, when faced with a “hint” of inappropriate activity, you absolutely should act, says attorney Thomas N. Makris, SPHR. […]