‘Attendance point’ policy costs employer $1.7M
It starts out as a simple challenge: Companies need a way to track employee attendance.
Policy
'Cadillac' tax delayed: What it means for HR pros
Employers got an early Christmas present when President Obama signed a budget bill that delayed the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s tax on high-value or “Cadillac” health plans.
'Cell phone OT' lawsuit underscores big pay pitfall
Cell phones are extremely handy, and they can dramatically increase employee productivity. But if your employees use them after work hours, they could be a legal nightmare.
'How can he sue for FMLA interference? He didn't even see a doctor'
Here’s a lawsuit that’s sure to frustrate the heck out of some HR pros. But it also provides a valuable lesson: When a termination involves medical issues, take the time to gather all the facts.
'Men at work' signs to disappear in Atlanta
Anyone in HR who has written a help wanted ad or a policy document knows how to make them gender neutral. You’d never use “men” or a masculine pronoun.
'My wife wants me to get my job back'
Greg Nance resigned from the Nevada State Board of Education in August. Now he says he wants his job back because his wife wants him to have the prominent position.
'No donuts, except on Fridays' and 8 other crazy workplace rules
Every workplace has some annoying or outdated rules, but there are some office rules that are downright ridiculous.
'She never reported harassment': A 3-factor test determined who's liable
Imagine being sued by an employee who claims she was sexually harassed, but she never bothered to report it to anyone. Your company won’t be held liable, right? Well, you’ve got to pass a three-pronged test first, according to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
'She's taking leave where?' Firing for FMLA abuse leads to lawsuit
Behold the perils of dealing with the FMLA in the Golden Age of Employment Litigation: After clearly catching its employee in the act of FMLA leave abuse, this employer still got sued.
'Textual harassment': Should you ban text messages at work?
A total of 46 states have cyber-stalking laws on the books, including penalties for harassment via text message. What’s an employer’s responsibility for monitoring text messages and acting on potentially offensive communication?
'There is no probationary status under the ADA'
HR pros are already well aware that when a disabled employee’s FMLA leave expires, he or she may be entitled to additional leave as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. But a new EEOC lawsuit shows that leave may be an option even when workers aren’t eligible for FMLA protections.
'They wanted what?': 20 crazy things bosses made employees do
Prepare to be alarmed by the kinds of things C-suite executives, managers and supervisors have asked their subordinates to do for them.
'Tis the season — to be extra careful about holiday legal issues
Ah, the holidays. Time for good cheer, love of family and friends, warm memories — and the potential for some nasty legal hassles for HR.
'We didn't know he was disabled: Do we have to accommodate him?'
Here’s more disappointing proof that employees (or rather, ex-employees) will sue you for just about anything these days. The more disturbing fact: Sometimes, seemingly ridiculous lawsuits are found to have merit.
'We'll hire you if get a haircut' — religious bias?
Here’s a recent case that shows the importance of interview documentation.
'We'll pay you more if you work in the buff'
Employees are usually expected to conform to dress codes without incentives to do so.
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