By Steve M. Cohen bio I often end up addressing some of the sadder aspects of human behavior in and around the workplace. I have frequently been called by clients to help deal with issues such as sexual harassment and bullying, an employee who uses the n-word at work and someone who gets so drunk after work that they become incredibly obnoxious in public. In all of … [Read more...] about When employees behave stupidly outside of work
Termination
How your personal posts on social media can hurt your career
A Vermont State Police trooper was recently forced to resign as a result of comments he posted to his personal Facebook page. Could this happen to you or a member of your staff? The story in Vermont An unidentified concerned citizen notified the Vermont State Police about the trooper's Facebook posts, according to the Rutland Herald, and the agency proceeded to … [Read more...] about How your personal posts on social media can hurt your career
Explaining due process and the DOL—a three-tiered safety net
By Steve M. Cohen bio As a law firm member, you're no doubt familiar with due process. You should also remember that it is involved deeply with employee relations, including issues up to and including termination. As in baseball, your office can also involve a three-strike situation. What's important for you to know is that ultimately the umpire is the … [Read more...] about Explaining due process and the DOL—a three-tiered safety net
Mental illness in the workplace and protections for employees
By R. Scott Oswald bio When we think of "mental health" problems, many of us envision obvious symptoms. But mental health presents challenges precisely because it can be almost impossible to observe. This can become a problem in the workplace when an employee experiences intense anxiety or panic due to the stress of the position, and management simply expects these … [Read more...] about Mental illness in the workplace and protections for employees
Anybody over age 40?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is waiting and watching for a violation. Age discrimination can creep in quietly and unexpectedly. It can come even from some well-intentioned remark such as, "You're overqualified for this job"—the term "overqualified" being taken as a euphemism for old. Here Alix Rubin, an employment law attorney in West Caldwell, NJ, … [Read more...] about Anybody over age 40?
Remember what they say about assumptions
By Steve M. Cohen bio Both managers and employees should remember the old saying about what happens when you assume. And assuming your employees are happy and your job is safe are good examples. Here are four common signs that someone is taking their job for granted and what those actions inadvertently say to others: 1. Tardiness = "It really doesn't matter to me … [Read more...] about Remember what they say about assumptions
Tight training budget? Try reading with your staff
By Steve M. Cohen bio Many offices place a low priority on training. It's an understandable situation, but one that rarely leads to positive results. Whether you're dealing with office technology, procedure or specialized skills, training is not something managers should take for granted. Training can also be related to good morale, professional development, and team … [Read more...] about Tight training budget? Try reading with your staff
Here’s what to do when you suspect a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse
When the firm suspects a staffer of alcohol or drug abuse, an overriding concern is how to address the issue with that employee, says Jeffrey M. Schlossberg, a partner and chair of the employment law group at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek in Uniondale, NY. The wrong words can open the door to a discrimination claim. Don't mention the obvious Whenever there's suspicion of an … [Read more...] about Here’s what to do when you suspect a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse
Three errors that can cause wrongful termination problems
Though every employer knows – or should know – the rules for safe firing, mistakes still happen when it comes to showing an employee the door, says Peter Golden, a business and employment law attorney with The Golden Law Firm in Atlanta. In his own practice, he finds that employers most often fall down on three points: missed documentation, unfair employee comparisons, and … [Read more...] about Three errors that can cause wrongful termination problems
How can I rein in a runaway staff?
Question: The previous manager let staff get away with everything. I’m the new manager. How do I change the staff behavior? Answer: Take the bull by the horns. Hold a staff meeting and spell out the new expectations. Call them rules or call them pet peeves, but make it clear that everybody is expected to follow them. Cover all the items the previous manager let slide so staff … [Read more...] about How can I rein in a runaway staff?