Tag: workplace

Diversity

What Does DEI Mean for Employers?

DEI is an acronym you’ve probably seen a lot lately. It stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. While these concepts aren’t new, they’ve taken on renewed focus for employers that want to proactively ensure everyone feels welcome and safe and is treated fairly in their workplace. This country has a long history of marginalizing entire […]

Masks

OSHA Guidance Touches on More Than Masks, Distancing

Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued guidance titled “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace.” The new guidance, which is advisory, addresses not only some of the more commonplace safety practices but also other employment policies and practices not as readily associated with workplace safety.

6th Circuit: Employee May Be Fired Over Facebook Slur

An employer could lawfully terminate an employee who used a racial slur on Facebook, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings cover all Ohio employers) recently concluded after applying a test that balances a public employee’s First Amendment right to free speech against the employer’s interest in maintaining an effective workplace.

Bedside Manners Aren’t Limited to Healthcare Workers

2020 was a challenging year for many, and it’s brought forth the need for several difficult conversations in the workplace. Whether it was having to tell someone he or she had been laid off or telling your boss you didn’t complete that report because you had to help your child with virtual school, one thing […]

resilience

Mental Health Resources for Employees

COVID, protests, and the general craziness of 2020 are turning the business world upside down. With all of the chaos and resulting business impacts, it’s easy to lose sight of the impacts of that chaos on employee mental health and well-being.

drug test

Negative Repercussions of Mandatory Drug Screenings

Employers often feel an obligation to implement a drug screening program in the workplace, typically with safety in mind. It is used as a precaution to ensure people who would be a danger to others aren’t hired.  Random testing is also used to discourage employees from using drugs after hire.

micromanage

Why Micromanaging Is Bad for Morale

Utter the term “micromanagement,” and you’re sure to elicit negative feelings from anyone within earshot, as the term has a firmly entrenched negative connotation. But many managers, though understanding the aversion, may not truly understand why it’s bad to closely monitor and direct the work of subordinates.

Web

Ways HR Can Support Web Accessibility for a Remote Workforce

Web accessibility is a vital component of workplace equity and one frequently neglected in the conversation following the pandemic workforce shift. Now, employers are seeking remote solutions to their workplace needs, but accessibility often goes unaddressed.

COVID-19

Helpful Summary of EEOC’s New COVID-19 Guidance

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released updated guidance for both employers and employees addressing common questions related to COVID-19 and the federal employment laws. The update pulled together information from other agency resources, modified two existing questions and answers, and added 18 new ones. Read on to learn the key takeaways for employers […]