Congress Members Introduce More Paid Sick Leave Legislation
(November 18, 2009)
U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) introduced legislation Tuesday, Nov. 17, that would guarantee paid sick leave for employees infected by the H1N1 virus (also known as “swine flu”). The legislation would take effect 15 days after being signed into law but would end after two years Read on
Giving Thanks: How to Show Employees They’re #1 Without Breaking the Bank
(November 20, 2009)
Next week is Thanksgiving, and every good HR professional knows that it’s important to give thanks and show your employees that you appreciate them. High employee morale has positive effects on productivity and retention and just generally makes your office a better place to work. But what can you do if the economic crisis has cut into your budget and office parties and bonuses just aren’t an option? This white paper will explore inexpensive and free ways your company can show employees they are appreciated and help you build an inclusive culture where you don’t necessarily have to spend big bucks to make employees feel welcome. Read on
New FMLA Regs: Holidays, Joint Employers, Pregnancy and More
(November 20, 2009)
In past issues of HR Hero Line, we've examined the FMLA regs issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) in November 2008. This week, the attorney editors of the Kentucky Employment Law letter examine a few more changes made by the new FMLA regulations including holidays, joint employers, leave for pregnancy and childbirth, and employer contact with health care providers.
Read on
The Truth About Alcohol at Office Parties
(November 20, 2009)
Read this classic tale of the dangers of serving alcohol at office parties and tips for employers to avoid visions of litigation dancing in their heads.
'Twas the night of the office party, and all through the houses,
Employees were getting ready, and so were their spouses.
Ties were knotted and straightened with care.
Women put on dresses and combed through their hair.
Read on
Wishing HR a Litigation-Free Office Party
(November 20, 2009)
Employers often use the holiday season to show their appreciation for employees' hard work and celebrate with employees in the workplace. Unfortunately, however, even an office holiday party planned with the best of intentions can create legal liability for employers or even turn tragic. Drunk driving, inappropriate conduct and behavior, and other events can quickly ruin holiday spirits. Moreover, a bad experience or inappropriate situation easily can destroy whatever goodwill and appreciation a party was designed to demonstrate. Read on
Productivity Got Run Over by a Reindeer During the Holidays
(November 20, 2009)
Hints of the holiday season are tucked away in every corner of the workplace. Cards from customers and vendors are tacked up in cubicles. Uneaten candy canes and tin canisters filled with chocolate-drizzled caramel popcorn continue to make appearances in the break room. The office-party circuit seems endless and, of course, requires a preparty hair-and-makeup gathering in the ladies' room at 4:00 p.m. Most managers expect productivity to take at least a minor dive during the winter months.
Read on
A Season for Giving: How Ready Is Your Ethics Policy for the Gift Season?
(November 20, 2009)
Employee handbooks often include an ethics policy that regulate the giving and receiving of gifts. These "gifting" policies are not intended to regulate gifts among coworkers as much as the exchange of gifts with vendors, clients, and potential customers. The provisions of gifting policies are dictated, in large part, by corporate culture. How restrictive your policy should be will be determined by a variety of factors, including how much direct interaction employees have with vendors and customers. Read on
Holidays 2009 Survey Results
(November 13, 2009)
Each year, we survey our readers about what days they will be off at the holidays and in the coming year. Most of you will have a paid holiday later this month on both Thanksgiving Day and the day after, while about 36% of you will get off on Thanksgiving Day only. Christmas is on Friday this year, and most of you will be off on Christmas Day and about 40% will be off on Christmas Eve, as well. The following week, nearly everyone will be off on New Year's Day, but only 12% will be off on New Year's Eve. Read on
From Swine Flu to Bad Attitudes: How to Fight Employee Presenteeism
(November 6, 2009)
Whether it's the H1N1 virus or the common cold, when one employee comes to work sick, everyone at your organization is at risk for infection. Instead of one sick employee, you may now have half a dozen or more. This behavior is referred to as "presenteeism." Read on
H1N1 Swine Flu Information and Resources for Employers
(October 30, 2009)
HRHero and Employment Law Post offer a number of resources for employers to help them deal with H1N1 swine flu issues in the workplace. You can find a free sample policy, articles written by attorney on legal issues raised by swine flu, a quiz, and a collection of government resources. Read on
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