Issue: Many states require organizations to allow public access to their restrooms. Risk: You, like many employers, may be unaware of this code. One complaint can...
A new court ruling gives you more reason to consider a "no-dating" rule among your employees or a "no-dating subordinates" rule for your supervisors. At the very least,...
Issue: One in 20 employees moonlights, and a hot labor market offers employees in your shop new opportunities to work second jobs. Risk: Moonlighting can create tired,...
The best way to prevent employees from rallying support for a union in the workplace is to write and enforce a specific no-solicitation policy. To make sure it passes...
Issue: How to handle employees' vacation leave left over at year-end or when they leave your employ. Benefit: A clearly written policy can protect you from disputes and...
If you have a vague (or nonexistent) vacation policy, you're simply asking for a lawsuit. That's why it's important to make sure your organization clearly spells out...
You don't need to let an employee set a bad example by trying to force concessions from you that aren't required in a collective-bargaining agreement or employment...
Issue: When can you refuse to rehire a former employee who may be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? Benefit: You don't have to rehire people who...
Issue: Poorly managed disability-management programs and rising costs can reduce your organization's profits. Benefit: By making disability programs more efficient, you...
Issue: The Staten Island Ferry crash in October raised the issue of when you can investigate employees' prescription use. Risk: You could spark an ADA suit by asking too...
Issue: Personal relationships between employees and their bosses are ripe conditions for legal trouble. Risk: Any form of quid pro quo ("this for that") exchange of...
Two recent court cases help draw the boundaries on how far you can go with a razor. Federal Express recently settled a lawsuit involving its no-beard policy and a Muslim...
If you have a policy that bans hiring employees' spouses, consider dropping it, or at least rewriting it. Reason: 14 percent of dual-income married couples now work in...
