By Lynne Curry bio Question: After an investigation, we fired one of our employees for threatening and stalking two co-workers. He now demands a positive letter of reference, which I'm writing. I tried to appease him with an innocuous letter that gave the dates on which he'd worked here along with what his job duties were. He refused to accept this, and frankly he scares … [Read more...] about Don’t write a positive reference for a problem employee; instead…
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Why it’s harder to focus during a pandemic
By Indira Totaram bio The uncertainty and worry surrounding the coronavirus appear to have no end in sight—and it’s affecting the way we think and function. Since the onset of the pandemic, many of us find ourselves troubled by the inability to focus on even simple tasks. It’s as though our attention span is shorter or we are more distracted and overwhelmed than usual. And … [Read more...] about Why it’s harder to focus during a pandemic
8 ways to cut the chaos on Zoom
By Lynne Curry bio Question: Our department’s weekly Zoom meetings are a train wreck. One coworker’s kids pop their heads in front of the screen and wave “hello.” Another guy’s kids are on the other side of the table from where he sits, and they interrupt him when he’s talking to argue with him. I’m obligated to attend these meetings. Any advice would be … [Read more...] about 8 ways to cut the chaos on Zoom
EEOC charges down but lawsuits rising
By Mike O'Brien bio EEOC data for FY2020 show dip in charges filed The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its Fiscal Year 2020 Enforcement and Litigation Data report on Feb. 26, 2021. The EEOC reports that 67,448 charges of discrimination were filed in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2020, compared to 72,675 charges filed in the previous fiscal year. The … [Read more...] about EEOC charges down but lawsuits rising
How to create an enhanced cleaning and disinfection policy for your office
In the age of COVID-19, complying with the rigorous hygiene requirements of OSHA and other standards may not be enough. That’s because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health guidelines mandate that work facilities still in operation undertake special enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures. Here are the rules and how to comply. There’s … [Read more...] about How to create an enhanced cleaning and disinfection policy for your office
Here’s why the NLRB hates your no gossiping policy
By Paul Edwards bio I keep running into this problem as we evaluate pre-existing employee handbooks across the country. The issue is that, as an employer, you want to address employees standing around and gossiping. Or standing around and not being productive, or standing around and distracting those who are being productive. In fact, you don’t want employees standing, or … [Read more...] about Here’s why the NLRB hates your no gossiping policy
Model Law Office Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Policy
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and other public health organizations mandate that employers take additional cleaning and hygiene measures during the pandemic. Here’s a Model Policy you can adapt for your own use based on your specific circumstances and applicable local and specialty rules. … [Read more...] about Model Law Office Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Policy
How to help employees at peak burnout
By Indira Totaram bio It’s the feeling of being drained but unable to recharge, the frustration of a tiring routine, the everyday distress in response to the current state of the world—employee burnout is now more widespread than ever. As the pandemic endures and its effects trickle down, many are struggling to keep up with workplace demands, longer hours, and remote work … [Read more...] about How to help employees at peak burnout
Exit interviews: You might be surprised by what you learn
By Lynne Curry bio “Good riddance” the supervisor mutters the day his employee leaves. As the practice manager, however, you have doubts. “Kate” is the third employee who’s resigned from your practice in the last 18 months. All three worked for “Jim.” If you want to learn the truth, you need to talk to these employees who’ve chosen to leave—before they carry away the answers … [Read more...] about Exit interviews: You might be surprised by what you learn
Mandatory COVID vaccination: new guidance & update
By Lynne Curry bio Can employers require their employees to receive COVID-vaccinations? While vaccination is one of an employer’s best tools for preventing COVID-19 outbreaks at their worksites, requiring employees to be vaccinated and disciplining them if they refuse comes with legal risks. Although the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s December 2020 … [Read more...] about Mandatory COVID vaccination: new guidance & update