Month: August 2009

In Future, Hispanics Will Be Key to Older Workforce

According to the Urban Institute report “50+ Hispanic Workers: A Growing Segment of the U.S. Workforce,” Hispanics make up one of the fastest growing segments of the country’s older population, making them an important demographic for employers. In the report, Richard W. Johnson and Maurcio Soto examined the contributions these workers make to employers and […]

Age Discrimination Filings Jump During Recession

Highlighting what it says is the “devastating impact” of age discrimination, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) held a public hearing on July 16 addressing recent developments under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), including the effect of widespread layoffs on older workers, threats to employee benefits, and recent controversial U.S. Supreme Court […]

Gender Stereotyping Not Grounds for Termination

If there’s a critical time to watch what you say in the workplace, it’s when you terminate an employee. If an employee is accused of sexual harassment or other misconduct, ensure that you conduct a fair and comprehensive investigation. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that the allegations are true just because a complaint was […]

Older Hispanics in the United States

Here are some facts about the older Hispanic population from the Urban Institute’s report “50+ Hispanic Workers: A Growing Segment of the U.S. Workforce” by Richard W. Johnson and Maurcio Soto: There were 5.6 million Latinos ages 50 to 69  living in the U.S. in 2007. Between 1980 and 2007, Latinos’ share of the national […]

Can You Fine Obese Employees? Smokers?

Clarian Health of Indianapolis, Indiana, has announced that it will begin to charge employees who smoke, are obese, or fail to control high blood pressure or cholesterol. Management believes that a $5 per-paycheck fine will motivate people to change. But according to expert Lisa Ballentine, wellness rewards do a better job. Most companies sponsor wellness […]

Management Lessons from the Oval Office

Last week, the Wall Street Journal ran a front-page article that discussed President Barack Obama’s management style. Among other things, the article said the President likes to get deeper into the details than many of his predecessors. It also discussed how he uses debate-like techniques to drill into subjects, even having staff members take and […]

Employers Should Prepare in Case Swine Flu Returns this Fall

A swine flu pandemic was a no-show this past spring, but there’s no guarantee it won’t come roaring back when the regular flu season gets under way this fall. Swine flu (also called the H1N1 virus) should be taken seriously because this particular strain hasn’t been seen before, so people haven’t built up natural immunity. […]

Possible Impact of New NLRB on Employers

by Brian R. Garrison By now, most everyone has heard about organized labor’s biggest priority, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) — an unprecedented attempt by labor unions to organize non-union employers. But while the EFCA has garnered the lion’s share of media attention, a recent less publicized change may have a similar impact on […]

Delaware Expands Antidiscrimination Protection in State Government Workplaces

Delaware Governor Jack Markell has signed an executive order that broadens the scope of discrimination protection in state government workplaces. Specifically, the order prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression and extends discrimination protection to all military veterans (instead of just Vietnam War veterans). While discussing the executive order and his administration’s commitment to […]

I Am the Office Manager … With No HR Experience

Just My E-pinionBy Cindy McPherrin Cindy McPherrin, today’s guest columnist, offers her thoughts on the challenges of coping with her suddenly acquired HR responsibilities. (We’d like to hear about the challenges you’re facing as well.) I am the office manager of a two-family owned mid-size design/building firm. We have professional architects, we provide construction management […]