Thorough documentation is important, and it can help you avoid possible lawsuits and prevail in cases that are tried in court. A primary purpose of personnel documents is to help persuade a third party, such as a judge, jury, arbitrator, or mediator, that you made a reasonable and sound business decision based on the information available to you at the time.

The end of the year can be one of the busiest times for employers: performance reviews, policy updates, and planning for next year. But amid the hustle, it’s easy to overlook key HR responsibilities that can come back to haunt you later.

In a challenging business climate, an employer may seek to explore ways to reduce workforce spend. When cuts to compensation and benefits and other alternatives to reductions in force (RIFs) are not feasible due to business conditions, an employer may need to decide on a type of separation from employment.

When people think of common medical issues, they tend to think of physical diseases like cancer or heart disease. But with about  20 percent of US adults experiencing some degree of mental illness each year, managing mental illness in the workplace is a priority for HR and business leaders.

As the back-to-school season has gotten underway, it is crucial for employers to understand the varying state laws regarding school-activities leave. These laws are designed to enable eligible employees to participate in their children’s educational activities, such as conferences, volunteering, and emergencies. Currently, several states and the District of Columbia mandate school-activities leave, including California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Others, such as Louisiana and Tennessee, encourage but do not require employers to offer this type of leave.

Paid Sick Leave

 

Leaders cannot escape the constant headlines focused on AI. From the impact on our daily personal lives to the impact on the workplace, there is no shortage of discussions on what is possible with this innovative technology.

Workplace harassment not only undermines employees’ sense of safety and dignity, but it also erodes morale, productivity, and trust within teams. Victims may suffer emotional distress, anxiety, and decreased job satisfaction, which can lead to higher absenteeism and turnover. For businesses, harassment exposes organizations to costly legal action, damages reputations, and disrupts operations. Ultimately, a culture that tolerates harassment hampers innovation and growth, creating an environment where neither individuals nor the company can thrive.