Thanksgiving: More than a day off work for HR
(November 17, 2017)
As the Thanksgiving holiday nears, many are pausing to reflect on what they’re thankful for in their personal lives. But the season also can be a time for people to consider what they appreciate about their work lives.   Read on

Employers in limbo as government entities
differ on meaning of laws
(November 15, 2017)
When the U.S. Supreme Court opened its new term on October 2, 2017, the legal world was knocked off its axis. In a rarely seen occurrence, the solicitor general, speaking on behalf of the United States, and the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) took opposing positions on the same issue: the legality of mandated waivers of classwide arbitration. Read on

Who's lying?
Avoiding retaliation claims can be tricky
(November 10, 2017)
It’s tough to make employment decisions when you can’t be confident that the facts are known. And facts are often hard to figure out with absolute certainty. Recently, a group of attorneys focusing on employment matters tackled a question from an employer about how to handle an employee who accused his manager of disability discrimination and then said he made up the charge.  Read on

Maryland county passes
$15 minimum wage measure
(November 9, 2017)
On November 7, the Montgomery County (Maryland) Council unanimously approved Bill 28-17, Human Rights and Civil Liberties—County Minimum Wage Amount—Annual Adjustment, which will increase the minimum wage for all employees in the county by 2024. Read on

New General Counsel expected
to set new probusiness agenda for NLRB
(November 9, 2017)
A much more business-friendly atmosphere is expected at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) now that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Peter B. Robb as the Board’s General Counsel.  Read on

More than a hunch: Making better hiring decisions
(November 8, 2017)
Whenever an unexpected vacancy occurs, the hiring frenzy begins. Managers often feel the pressure to hire the first “warm body” with the minimal qualifications for the job instead of utilizing a systematic and thorough approach. Read on

Heaps of paperwork or storehouses of data?
Exploring ways to keep HR records
(November 3, 2017)
No one disputes the importance of proper recordkeeping in the workplace. But what’s the best way to keep that information?  Read on

Conducting unbiased investigations: tips from the Russian probe
(November 1, 2017)
As those of you who conduct internal workplace investigations know, a biased and unfair investigation (or even the perception of such an investigation) is often worse than no investigation at all.  Here are some tips to make sure your investigations are done correctly. Read on

High profile or not, sexual harassment claims require employer action
(October 27, 2017)
Sexual harassment—the subject has exploded in recent weeks as people from all walks have spoken up about a menacing workplace problem. Even though antiharassment efforts are a priority in human resources circles, recent revelations about the actions of some high-profile executives are likely to cause employers to ask the question, “Are we doing enough?”   Read on

Take this off your fall 'to do' list: EEO-1 delayed in part and suspended in part
(October 25, 2017)
On August 29, acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Victoria Lipnic issued a statement indicating that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) plans to delay the effective date of the pay data collection provisions of the revised EEO-1 form in order to review the appropriateness of the revisions under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). Read on

Training done right: Effective communication is key
(October 20, 2017)
Good training has always been important in the workplace, but today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world of work makes training more important than ever. Read on

I'm sorry, so sorry: how to apologize at work
(October 18, 2017)
Humility is a virtue. For most of us, it doesn’t come easily. Owning up to a mistake at work can be a difficult task, particularly for employees who want to be good at their jobs and please those they report to.  Here is some brief guidance on offering a strong apology.  Read on

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