The economic downturn has driven employers' unemployment insurance costs to record levels. The good news is that employers can control these costs by maintaining sound HR procedures. This includes an effective selection process to avoid hiring poor performers or bad matches who often...

On-line social media, such as social networking websites and blogs, can be highly effective business tools for sharing ideas and exchanging information. However, they can present challenges for employers trying to balance theresponsibility to monitor and respond to employee misuse of social media...

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently proposed a number of regulatory revisions. OSHA’s goal in requesting these revisions is to remove or revise requirements that are confusing, outdated, duplicative, or inconsistent. These proposed changes include a number of revisions...

The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has issued a new interpretation of compensable time for workers changing into or out of protective clothing. This changes the prior interpretation that time employees spend donning and doffing protective clothing was not compensable under the...

Employers that discipline or terminate employees for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons may still find themselves facing discrimination or other legal challenges to the decision. The best way for employers to protect themselves in these situations is to remember – Document, Document, Document!

Ev...

Beginning in June, 2011, the Social Security Administration will begin changing the way nine-digit numbers are issued for Social Security cards. 

The numbers will be chosen randomly and the first three digits will no longer designate where a Social Security card is issued. Card numbers can start...

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...

The U.S. Department of Labor recently said it plans to update recordkeeping rules on a number of issues, including worker classification. As part of this initiative, the Wage and Hour Division plans to propose new recordkeeping rules for employers this August. In addition, the Division is...

Cell phones continue to be a popular means of communication. However, if employees use a cell phone while driving and are involved in an accident, their employers could be liable for significant legal damages. Courts have already imposed huge judgments against drivers allegedly distracted by cell...

While alcohol and drug abuse rates tend to vary over time, surveys consistently find at least 5 to 10 percent of workers admit to illegal drug use; the actual percentage is probably even higher. Employee substance abuse can have many harmful effects on an organization, including:

• higher...

The newly enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires employers to provide “reasonable break time” to employees to allow them to express breast milk for nursing children. The law requires that the break time be provided for one year after the child's birth and that an employer...

Whether a company’s employees are unionized or not, employers must follow certain rules regarding solicitation policies. A policy that prohibits solicitation during “working hours”, “company time” or “business hours” is presumed unlawful. A rule prohibiting solicitation during “working time”,...

On March 18, the Governor of Indiana signed into law legislation that prohibits employers from restricting employees’ possession of firearms. According to the new law, employers cannot have a policy or rule that prohibits employees from “possessing a firearm or ammunition that is locked in the trunk...

Sexual harassment of an employee by a supervisor is not limited to situations involving male supervisors and female subordinates. The 7^th Circuit Court recently provided guidance on how to evaluate these types of situations. According to the court, to determine if sexual harassment of a male...

Employment screening and hiring practices often include background screening of applicants’ credit reports and criminal histories.  These background checks have recently come under increased scrutiny from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Congress.

Acting EEOC...

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. March 14 when clocks are set ahead by one hour across most of the country. A few areas, such as Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa do not observe the time change. This change may prompt employees, particularly overnight...

Turnover can be expensive, and have a significant impact on a company’s profitability. Although many factors could be involved, poor hiring decisions often result in high turnover.  Unless each candidate is properly evaluated, chances are that, if hired, he/she will either become dissatisfied and...

Job descriptions play a critical role in a company’s operations.  Not only do they let employees know what is expected of them in their individual positions, they can be key factors in many situations, such as determining pay, Worker’s Compensation/disability issues and unemployment claims. Many...

Employers often wonder what human resource policies they should implement.  The topics range from discipline, to employee medical benefits, to how long they should retain employee records.  Developing these policies can be a time consuming, difficult task, especially for small employers who are busy...