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Your HR Department 2009 Survey Results

Each year we survey our readers to find out more about them – and let them find out more about each other. Most of you wear many hats and compared to previous years’ results a number of you appear to have added more in 2009. At the same time, many of you have fewer people […]

When HR Risks Multiply, Training Is Essential

By Patricia M. Trainor, J.D.BLR Legal Editor In yesterday’s Advisor, we began our look at the 12 biggest risks for HR in a down economy, as seen by attorney Allison West. Today, we’ll look at the final six of those risks and see how training is the key to avoiding them. West’s suggestions came during […]

International Day: Give Thanks and Decrease Turnover

November is anchored by the Thanksgiving holiday, but it also contains the United Nations’ International Day for Tolerance  making it the perfect time to thank your diverse group of employees, and celebrate their differences. That’s what Henry Schein’s Indianapolis Distribution Center does every year around this time. “In 2004, in part arising out of a […]

IRS Sets HSA, HDHP Limits for 2013

Employers with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that make it possible for employees to open health savings accounts (HSAs) have plenty of lead time to prepare for 2013. The IRS on April 27 issued Revenue Procedure (Rev. Proc.) 2012-26, which contains the HSA and HDHP limits for calendar year 2013. The HSA annual limits and the […]

Wage and Hour: Software Employees Win Big Settlement

Siebel Systems Inc. has agreed to shell out up to $27.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit charging that the company violated the California Labor Code and Wage Orders by classifying software engineers as exempt from overtime and failing to pay for overtime hours worked. The suit also alleged that the company illegally prohibited […]

Sexual Harassment: Policy Loophole Costs Employer $100,000; Immediate Steps To Take

Recent court rulings have emphasized the importance of having an easy and reliable procedure for reporting sexual harassment incidents. In fact, in many cases, the terms of your sexual harassment policy can make the difference between avoiding liability-or paying huge damages. But in an evolving aspect of the law, a surprising new federal appeals court […]

NLRB’s New Poster a ‘Big Deal’ for Nonunion Employers (Video)

The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) effort to require a new poster explaining employee rights is creating much concern — not to mention legal action — but a key point employers should understand is the rule’s impact on nonunion employers, according to employment law attorney Al Vreeland, who led a session at the October Advanced […]

Workplace Discipline Done Right: What Your Managers Need to Learn

You might think the law’s behind you when you discipline workers, but human factors can change the equation. Employment-at will is a bedrock concept of American business, allowing employers, with few exceptions, to fire anyone, at any time, for any legal reason. No documentation is legally required. But take that concept too literally and you […]

The CHRO’s Evolving Role in the Employee Experience

When I talk to HR leaders, they often mention how frustrated their employees are by how difficult it is to get timely answers to simple questions about corporate policies, benefits, workplace amenities, and other everyday issues.

Next phase of Houston’s equal rights law set

As of June 27, more employers will be covered by the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO). The ordinance adds to the protected classes covered under federal and state civil rights laws. HERO took effect on June 27, 2014, covering employers with 50 or more employees. On June 27, 2015, the law will cover employers with […]