EEOC: Near-Record Number of Bias Complaints in 2009
If you think that employees are more hesitant to file formal complaints against their employers or former employers in bad economic times — for fear of retaliation or bad references — think again.
Tag: HR
Three New Federal Leave Laws on the Horizon
There are currently three new federal laws that are poised for approval in 2010. While it is uncertain whether or not each of these laws will ultimately be enacted, California employers are wise to plan ahead for these changes
Court Bars Retaliation Against Employee with Mistaken Overtime Claim
You know you can’t retaliate against an employee who has a valid wage claim. But what about an employee who mistakenly thinks he has a wage claim?
Surprise H-1B Immigration Inspections Are Underway
Earlier this year, the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) announced that it would be stepping up its immigration enforcement efforts. This week, the federal agency began its surprise investigation program, which will result in the unannounced inspection of more than 40,000 employers nationwide.
Fierce Leadership: A Bold Alternative to the Worst “Best” Practices of Business Today
Employment law attorney Michael Maslanka reviews Fierce Leadership: A Bold Alternative to the Worst “Best” Practices of Business Today by Susan Scott, which he finds a useful tool for HR communication. Fierce Leadership: A Bold Alternative to the Worst “Best” Practices of Business Today by Susan Scott is full of good HR advice, and I […]
Document Employee Behavior Today to Avoid Lawsuits Tomorrow
by Eric B. Topel Charles “Slip” Shod has been employed by your company for more than two years, during which time you have received repeated complaints from vendors about his performance. In your capacity as a member of human resources, you begin reviewing the other matters on which Slip has been working and determine that […]
Can You Require Medical Exams for Employees Returning From Leave?
Under both the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers cannot require employees returning from leave to submit to a medical examination unless such an examination is “job-related and consistent with business necessity.”
The Cost of Blowing Off a Baseless Bias Claim? $390,000
How should you respond to a discrimination complaint that appears to be completely unfounded? As GoDaddy, Inc. recently learned, even if the employee’s complaint appears to be baseless, you still must treat the complaint as serious and take all the same precautions you would with other bias complaints. If you don’t, you could be liable […]
iPhone Apps Break into Human Resources
by David Kaufman In April, a Connecticut teenager downloaded the billionth application from Apple’s iTune App Store. An “app” is an application or program that allows a user to play a game, surf the Web better, keep track of caloric intake, or tens of thousands of other things. In just nine months, Apple has created […]
Financially Stressed Employees–Neither Happy Nor Productive
Businesses aren’t the only ones stressed and anxious about these difficult economic times. Employees (and their families) are also feeling the effects—and many employees are facing very serious financial problems such as burdensome debt, lost income, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. Employees experiencing increased financial stress at home are likely to have a hard time keeping their […]