Tag: procedures

‘Your Honor, the Real Reason Was Performance’ (and I’m a Liar)

In yesterday’s Advisor, we looked at five things you never want to have to say in court; today, three more, and an introduction to the all-in-one solutions website for HR managers. ‘No, really it was performance’ This is the standard “now I’m changing my story” line. Here’s the scenario: you fire someone whose performance has […]

Can an Employer Attempt to Influence an Employee’s Vote?

Yesterday’s Advisor Advisor covered many key issues relating to political discussion and debate in the workplace; today, more on employer policies, and good news on your policies—they’re updated and ready to go. Time Off to Vote There is no federal law that requires employers to give employees paid time off to vote, but some states […]

Heated Political ‘Debates’—Can You Control them at Work?

It’s that time again; employers and their employees are getting ready to vote. It is an exciting time that engenders a good deal of discussion—and probably some arguments—at coffee machines and in lunchrooms. As with many areas of employment law, a patchwork quilt of federal and state laws governs the employer interface with political issues. […]

How Your Supervisors Will Get Hammered in Court

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorney Edward M. Richters offered some salient truths about going to court. Today, how a typical court appearance might go, and an introduction to the best approach for making sure your managers aren’t begging for a lawsuit. Richters’s comments came at a workplace law symposium sponsored by national employment law firm Jackson […]

The Truth About Juries: Court in the Real World

Are juries worried about whether the facts meet the second prong of a prima facie case? asks attorney Edward M. Richters, No, they get to the jury room, and someone says, “Boy, did that guy get hosed.” Or, maybe, “She had it coming to her.” Bottom line, says Richters, “How would I want to be […]

What, Not Another Employee on Jury Duty?

No manager or supervisor wants employees out to serve as a witness or to serve jury duty-for who knows how long-but these appearances are required by law and participation is protected. Any resistance can be viewed as retaliation. As BLR®‘s Family and Medical Leave Act Compliance Guide notes, the federal Jury System Improvement Act of […]

Casual or Seductive? Drawing the Line in Your Dress Code

Skimpy, see-through, midriff-baring, clothing with tattoos and piercings? How do you draw the line? In yesterday’s Advisor, we laid out the legal issues around dress codes. Today we’ll look at best practices for dress code policies, and introduce a unique program just for those in smaller HR departments. In general, an employer’s most prudent approach […]

Scantily-Clad, Pierced, Tattooed: How to Draw the Line

Can’t people just dress right? It’s such a hassle dealing with employees with prominent tattoos, midriff-baring tops, and see through materials. Let’s let the famous HR Red Book® sort it out. Dress codes. Most every company needs one, but putting together a policy that everyone understands, and that complies with government requirements isn’t easy. For […]

Credibility Determinations—Every HR Manager Better Know How

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorneys Michael Soltis and Allison Bogosian shared investigation tips. Today, their take on the ticklish business of credibility determinations, and an introduction to a new training system that will help with all your training requirements. Soltis and Bogosian are attorneys at the Stamford, Conn. offices of nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis. […]

You’re the Investigator? Juries Have High Expectations

Although most organizations are not particularly sophisticated in their investigation policies and procedures, says attorney Michael Soltis, unfortunately, juries have high expectations, especially for bigger organizations. How good must misconduct investigations be? There is, of course, no exact answer, say Michael Soltis and Allison Bogosian, attorneys at the Stamford, Conn. offices of nationwide employment law […]