By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sure you've seen advice regarding employee bonuses and incentive systems, including some that are quite complex. The idea is that to achieve a high-performance workplace, you need to motivate employees and achieve maximum efficiency. None of this is wrong, but I often suggest another strategy that surprises a lot of people: get rid of the … [Read more...] about Reward good employees by removing bad ones
Termination
22 questions a manager should ask before firing an employee
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio The final revenge of the fired employee: The manager makes an unwitting but critical mistake that unravels the firing decision or results in a painful payout to the employee. If you'd like to fire an employee without backfire, you need to consider good faith and just cause, then ask yourself twenty-two questions. Good faith … [Read more...] about 22 questions a manager should ask before firing an employee
How to hire the right employee for your firm
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio According to a Gallup poll, thirty percent or less than one-third of American workers describe themselves as "engaged" in their jobs and committed to their employers. A larger number, 54% percent, describe themselves as "disengaged" at work and not committed to their employers. These employees report feeling trapped in dull jobs and admit that … [Read more...] about How to hire the right employee for your firm
How to keep the office safe from employment law claims when a staffer gets fired
Terminations are what spark the vast majority of today's employment law claims, says employment defense attorney Shari Lane. That's one area where managers can't afford to make mistakes. Step back before pulling the trigger Safety starts with two obvious precautions, Lane says. First, review the record. Make sure it explains what has led to the decision. If there's not … [Read more...] about How to keep the office safe from employment law claims when a staffer gets fired
Seven guides for a safe and somewhat pleasant firing
Firing is the most dangerous action a manager ever takes. "Yet almost everybody does it poorly," says Joseph Godwin, a management consultant with F&H Solutions Group, a human resources consulting firm in Asheville, NC. Any fired employee is depressed and fearful of the future—and not averse to calling an attorney. Every manager needs to know how to fire without asking … [Read more...] about Seven guides for a safe and somewhat pleasant firing
When employees behave stupidly outside of work
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
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?