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Is ‘Psychological Recession’ Dragging Your Company Down?

Massive layoffs and reduced pension payouts have helped corporate America trim expenses, but there’s been a cost—a disastrous new employee mindset. And the negative effects of that mindset—what today’s expert calls “psychological recession”—go straight to the bottom line. “Psychological recession” is an “emotional state” that includes a “dour view of the present and an even […]

U.S. Supreme Court Issues 3 New Decisions

The first case, Meacham v. Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, involved an employer’s decision to lay off 31 employees, 30 of whom were age 40 or older. The workers sued, claiming the layoffs had a disparate impact on older workers in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The employer claimed it based its […]

Keeping workers safe in hot weather

Keep Workers Safe During Hot Weather

Summer is in full swing so it’s time to make sure employees stay safe in the hot weather. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn’t have a specific standard for addressing heat stress. However, the agency has previously issued citations to employers that have allowed employees to be exposed to a risk of serious […]

What’s an FMLA ‘Qualifying Exigency’?

by Robert P. Tinnin, Jr. Q. In January of this year, amendments to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became effective, adding certain types of leave for family members to help relatives serving in the military. I understand the leave is available for a “qualifying exigency.” What is that? I recently had an employee […]

Harassment: What Is the Best Response When I Get a ‘Hint’ That Inappropriate Behavior Is Occurring in the Workplace?

I’ve gotten hints and heard rumors through the grapevine about inappropriate activity going on in my company. In one case, a manager is allegedly “hitting on” a subordinate, and in another case, apparently employees are making fun of a co-worker on their project team because she is African-American. I don’t have any evidence or corroboration, […]

Your Chance to Have Your Employees Attitudes Surveyed is Here Again … Still at No Cost to You!

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Today, our CEO re-opens our no-cost employee survey program for signups, and reports how last year’s results differ from this year’s, at the nearly 2,500 companies that have taken part so far. Also, how you can join them—if you act by July 7, 2008. Readers of this column […]

The Deposition: Michael’s Secrets Revealed!

In “The Deposition” episode of “The Office,” Michael Scott tries to testify against his employer, Dundler Mifflin, after his girlfriend Jan Levinson sues the company for wrongful termination.  While Michael is being deposed, his e-mail, personal diary, and performance reviews are  used. Employment law attorney Troy Foster reminds us that “that nothing at work should […]

HR Metrics: Don’t Go to Management Without Them

Yesterday’s Advisor covered key problems with HR metrics and suggested several metrics best practices. Today, more recommended metrics, plus a timely audio conference to answer your key metrics questions. Dr. John Sullivan, metrics guru, professor of management at San Francisco State University, and blogger on www.ere.net, adds to his list of recommended human resource metrics […]

The Elements of Persuasion: Use Storytelling to Pitch, Sell Faster & Win More Business

Employment law attorney Michael Maslanka reviews the book The Elements of Persuasion: Use Storytelling to Pitch, Sell Faster & Win More Business by Richard Maxwell and Robert Dickman. Review notes example in book of Ritz-Carlton’s job interview process. From time to time, we read something in a business book that we want to pass along. […]

Skyrocketing Gas Prices Affecting Employees–What Can You Do?

As gasoline prices soar into the stratosphere, millions of Americans are wondering how they can alter their commutes to work in hopes of driving less and lowering their cost of living. Employers can do their part to help employees beat the rising costs of commuting—and help the nation conserve natural resources—and many businesses are already […]