Month: October 2012

8 Do’s/Don’ts for Work-Ready Job Descriptions

Here are the BLR editors’ do’s and don’ts for worthwhile job descriptions that will really support HR operations. 1. DO give specifics For example, rather than stating that a maintenance worker "keeps up equipment," it is better to spell out the position’s requirements, which might include performing routine maintenance on assembly machines, including adjusting settings; […]

Telecommuting: A Reasonable ADA Accommodation?

You may think that the federal, state and local courts move at a glacial pace, but they often deliberate and resist change of opinion on employment law matters because, well, the modern workplace is a living, breathing, complex organism. Telecommuting is one such complexity, as are the multitude of situations that employers need to consider […]

Telecommuting: A VIP Benefit?

Employees often view the telework option as a form of recognition. They may see it as a privilege earned through good performance. Unfortunately, they also may see the work-life perk — offered to some, but not all — as an entitlement, or worse, they may see lack of telecommuting privileges as an inequity caused by […]

Top 10 employment handbook mistakes

California’s strict and complex employment laws make it more important than ever to have an effective employment handbook. Policies that are clearly written and effectively spell out the rights and responsibilities of both you and your employees can reduce your risk of liability and protect your business. But if you don’t get your employment handbook […]

Is Your Training Award-Winning?

Johns Manville of McPherson, Kansas, which produces fiberglass insulation materials, was honored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its commitment to safety. In 2007 Johns Manville earned membership in OSHA’s prestigious “star” Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The star designation is the highest level in the program. “Johns Manville has exhibited excellence in […]

Minneapolis shooting a reminder to be on guard against workplace violence

by Tammy Binford The September 28 shootings that killed six at a Minneapolis business put employers on notice that workplace violence can occur with no warning. Other times, though, there are signs that employers should heed. The October issue of Minnesota Employment Law Letter contains an article titled “Employers look anew at preventing violence in […]

Distracted Driving–Are Employees Talking and Texting Behind the Wheel?

Special from Atlanta–SHRM Annual Conference and Exhibition Yesterday’s Advisor featured the first five of attorney Joseph Beachboard’s 11 risks of e-data. Today, the rest of his risks, plus an introduction to the premier HR website, HR.BLR.com. [Go here for risks 1 to 5.] 6. Physical Use of Personal Devices Suits against employers involving cell phone-related […]

IRS Issues Alternative Per Diems for 2013

Employers and plan administrators have more options now in choosing a way to reimburse the expenses their employees incur for lodging, meals and incidentals during business travel. The IRS in Notice 2012-63 issued per diem rates that are an alternative to the CONUS per diem rates the U.S. General Services Administration issues. The notice also […]

Yes, Better Job Descriptions Will Prevent Lawsuits

Specifically, how do job descriptions protect against lawsuits and money damages? Here are several ways job descriptions help. 1. Promote Proper Classification Recent multi-million-dollar lawsuits should be a wake-up call that good old wage-and-hour issues are worth a little attention, and job descriptions are a key factor. When job descriptions have proper detail, they help […]

Funding Changes May Embolden Pension Investors to De-emphasize Risk

Many retirement plan sponsors and administrators are cheering the phase-in of reduced funding requirements that tie future company contributions to a 25-year average interest rate. Nonetheless, some experts predict that the changes may encourage investors in these plans to think less about hedging risk. A report Towers Watson issued, “The Implications of Funding Relief: What […]