Diversity can bring positive opportunities to any organization. These opportunities include:

• Attracting and retaining high-quality people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Increasing morale because everyone feels that he or she is welcome and appreciated, regardless of background;
• Improved productivity...

Maintaining accurate employee records and legal compliance is critical for all employers. Failure to do so can result in hefty penalties, as demonstrated by a Texas company that failed to maintain accurate time and payroll accounts and did not properly pay employees for overtime hours worked. As a...

Regular attendance at work is an essential function of most jobs. However, there are many legitimate reasons why employees cannot be at work every day. In order to help control absenteeism, employers should have a policy that addresses issues associated with attendance. These issues include...

Data released last month by Quest Diagnostics Inc. (a drug testing company) indicates an increase in American workers and job applicants testing positive for prescription opiates.  This data further shows that employees are two to four times more likely to have opiate indicators in their systems...

A fundamental principle in human resources administration is “if you don’t write it down, it didn’t happen.”  Documentation is critical, in terms of evaluating employee performance as well as defending against allegations of unfair or discriminatory treatment.  It may take a few minutes to document...

In a recent BLR poll, employers agreed that the worst mistake a candidate can make is arriving late. The next two worst interview mistakes a candidate can make are being poorly dressed/groomed and knowing nothing about the company/organization. If applicants make a mistake in an interview, it may...

Although the economy may be showing signs of improvement, employers remain focused on increasing efficiency and holding down costs.  This may include downsizing, eliminating pay raises, and even cutting pay for employees.  While these actions can be justified, employers must be careful.  Top...

Using temporary employees or independent contractors can give an employer a flexible way to respond to changing work demands. Temporary employees can be found through temporary staffing agencies or by direct hire, while contractors are usually obtained directly by the company. Whether help is...

Payroll errors can be costly. Last month, a petroleum company in New Jersey entered into a settlement agreement under which it will pay $4 million in overtime pay, damages, interest, and penalties to more than 700 current and former employees. According to the Department of Labor, the company and...

Every company whose employees have E-mail access should include E-mail use in its human resources policies. This policy should include the employer’s right to monitor E-mails, be signed by the employee, and retained in individual employee records. Additional tips employers should consider...

Employers are generally free to establish HR procedures and policies and impose reasonable penalties on employees who violate those rules. In terms of company property that has been damaged, stolen, or lost by employees, however, employers may run into problems. Employers who want to deduct money...

Last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that 93,277 workplace discrimination charges were filed with the federal agency nationwide during its fiscal year that ended September 30, 2009. More than $376 million was awarded to the complainants. 

Some factors...

Although employers do not want to lose good employees, when one does leave, an exit interview can be an important learning tool for the employer. Properly conducted, exit interviews can provide the employer with the opportunity to:

·                    Discuss and clarify the reasons for...