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Leave: Can We Change Our Policy to Limit Carryover of Accrued PTO Time?

We thought managing PTO was going to be easy, but we’ve found some problems with carryover of PTO hours. We currently allow unlimited carryover, but that’s going to cause some problems down the road (like three-month vacations). So we’d like to limit carryover. Is there a carryover rule? We really want to force employees to […]

Is a ‘No Jerks’ Rule a Boost for Business—or a Fatal Mistake?

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady BLR’s founder ponders whether a “No Jerks” rule for hiring (and managing) would be a boon for the organization … or an excuse for turning away the people who might benefit it the most. Several years ago. Robert Sutton, a well-known Stanford University Business School professor, published an […]

Well, Isn’t That Special!

Last week’s episode of The Office, “Goodby Toby,” sure gave us plenty to chew on.  So, I’m taking advantage of this week’s break to turn to another Dunder Mifflin pickle presented by the finale — Kevin.  As we saw, Dwight planted the seed with Holly that Kevin is mentally disabled.  Kevin’s natural demeanor certainly drove […]

DOL’s Top Independent Contractor Trouble Spots

As seen in yesterday’s Advisor, the determination of independent contractor status can be tricky. Today: DOL’s top contractor problem spots, and a guide that picks up your FLSA problems before the feds do. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) points out the following particular problem areas for employers when it comes to determining whether a […]

I Can’t Believe She Did That! Why Women Betray Other Women at Work

Resources for Humans managing editor Celeste Blackburn reviews the book I Can’t Believe She Did That! Why Women Betray Other Women at Work by Nan Mooney. Review summarizes book’s theory of why women don’t get along in the workplace and suggests how HR can learn a lesson from the book. For her book I Can’t […]

Sexual Harassment: Recent EEOC Victories Underscore Need for Training and Vigilance

In recent weeks, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a string of victories on behalf of employees in sexual harassment lawsuits. In one case, Specialty Restaurants Corp., based in Anaheim, agreed to pay $625,000 to settle a class action lawsuit charging that female workers were subjected to inappropriate touching, indecent and offensive […]

Are They Really Independent Contractors?

A company has an agreement with workers that labels them “independent” contractors. That means they are, right? These days, the answer is a definite … maybe. These days, organizations frequently try to increase their workforce flexibility and decrease their benefit costs by hiring independent contractors to do required work. All well and good … unless […]

Supreme Court of Canada Broadens Dismissed Employee’s Duty to Minimize Damages

By Rachel Ravary and Philippe Lacoursière McCarthy Tetrault Chalk one up for employers! In an era when the courts seem to be on a slippery slope of broadening employee rights, Canada’s highest court has given employers a break when it comes to assessing the costs of dismissing an employee without cause. In its decision earlier […]

HR Recordkeeping: Bor-ing–But Critical to Fighting Off Lawsuits

Yesterday’s Advisor offered tips for keeping hiring and employment records. Today we tackle termination records and introduce an upcoming audio conference that will answer your specific recordkeeping questions. As mentioned yesterday, attorneys Allen Kato and Trey Wichmann stress the importance of good records in fighting lawsuits. Today, their tips on terminations and termination records litigation: […]

HOT LIST: New York Times Bestselling Paperback Business Books

The following is a list of the bestselling paperback business books as ranked by the New York Times on May 19. 1. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell. How and why certain products and ideas become fads. 2. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by […]