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firing

HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police

By Lynne Curry Question: My employer fired me this morning for an “offense” so minor it’s laughable—especially since dozens of other employees do the same thing. Here’s what happened. My employer issues meal vouchers employees can use if they have pizza or sandwiches delivered to them at their desks when they’re working through lunch or into the evening. Since I … [Read more...] about HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police

Stay on top of these key HR issues in your law office

Top HR issues in a law office often revolve around the unique challenges of managing a professional, high-pressure environment. Here are some of the most common HR concerns law office managers face and how to stay on top of them: Recruitment and Retention of Talent Challenge: Attracting and retaining skilled attorneys, paralegals, and support staff is crucial but … [Read more...] about Stay on top of these key HR issues in your law office

To avoid a messy workplace theft investigation, can we just fire our prime suspect?

Question: Several years ago, when one of our employees was stealing from other employees’ purses and desks, we called the police. The process—calling the police, alerting our insurance carrier and interviewing multiple employees to show fairness so we wouldn’t get sued for wrongful termination when we fired the one employee—tore apart our office. Some of our best … [Read more...] about To avoid a messy workplace theft investigation, can we just fire our prime suspect?

Employer challenges employee’s social media posts

By Lynne Curry Question: I got pulled into the HR manager’s office Friday, handed screenshots of my last three Facebook posts, and told I needed to take them down. She also said I needed to stop posting any  comments about the Israeli/Hamas conflict. Apparently one of my coworkers complained about my posts. I can’t believe I’m asked to take down posts I create … [Read more...] about Employer challenges employee’s social media posts

Firing documentation that makes sense

By Lynne Curry As an expert witness (qualified in court in management best practices, HR, and workplace issues), I’m often handed documentation by attorneys or employers who ask, “What do you think? Will it convince a regulatory agency or jury this employee needed to be fired?” My most frequent answer: “This documentation doesn’t make the case.” Here’s why. It doesn’t … [Read more...] about Firing documentation that makes sense

Hiring and firing risk factor: careless words

Innocent remarks spawn claims Today's administrators need to be aware of the casual – albeit well meant – words that are bringing on claims of discrimination. Legal risks of both hiring and firing include careless words, says employment law attorney Donald W. Benson, a partner with Hall Booth Smith in Atlanta. The friendly hiring remark The dangers start with the … [Read more...] about Hiring and firing risk factor: careless words

Can your employee handbook help you safely terminate an employee?

If you ever need to terminate an employee, one of the best tools you can have is an employee handbook that sets out clear policies and is kept up-to-date with changes in employment laws, says Chris Lessard, a California attorney who specializes in HR issues. Lessard, who is J.D. Solution Center Advisor to CEDR HR Solutions, says employee handbooks can protect legal practice … [Read more...] about Can your employee handbook help you safely terminate an employee?