http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog Human Resources Blog Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:12:02 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en In a recent case in Pennsylvania, an insurance agent was talking on his cell phone while driving in his personal car when he dropped it onto the floor. Bending down to pick it up, he ran a red light and crashed into a motorcycle, killing the operator. The ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=18 After a male employee retired, a female employee was promised a promotion and a raise in pay if she assumed some of the retired employees responsibilities.  While she accepted the new responsibilities and performed them satisfactorily, neither the raise or the promotion ever happened.  After she complained, she was put ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=17 The recently revised Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) now requires overtime pay for previously exempt white collar workers. As a result of these new regulations, HR professionals are confused and lawsuits are increasing. So how do you avoid the problem? Under the new overtime laws, white collar employees ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=16 In many cases, it makes sense to require employees to communicate effectively and clearly in English. The EEOC is warning that overly broad policies may violate national origin discrimination law. While it is clear that you can require a bank teller or salesperson to speak fluent English, the ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=15 Advise hiring managers to refrain from writing ANYTHING on applications and resumes. In most states, applications must be retained for a reasonable period of time. Making notes including secret codes or personal rating systems could create a dangerous paper trail that may be difficult to explain later. For ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=14 It is generally assumed that an employer is not responsible for employees while they are commuting to and from work. Normally, that is true, but an employee who feels ill or is impaired at work, or suffers an on the job injury and either voluntarily leaves the workplace or is ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=13 During a recent job interview, a candidate for a sales manager position, inquired about the possibility of a three year employment contract. The candidate took careful notes of the ensuing conversation with the human resource manager, including descriptions of the salary and employee benefits package. After he ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=12 It isn't enough to give bonuses, stock options and plush offices to keep senior level key employees.  Employees wnat to be educated!  Companies are responding by creating Corporate Universities.  Unlike management training programs, these universities offer employee choices on skill based leaning such as finance accounting, risk management, human resources, ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=11 Recruiting the best - BE CREATIVE!  Be sure ti balance the cost of attracting the best talent with your market.  You may want to consider paying 15 - 20% higher than the market for hard to find employees with high demnand skills, and pay 15 - 20% below market rates ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=10 One of my clients called today to ask if they were required to give a pregnant female employee a promotion, stating that her pregnancy would interfere with her performance of her duties.  He further stated that "The promotion entails too much traveling for a married mother." Another employer called earlier ... http://ebs-consulting.com/human_resources_blog/?p=9