Lately, we’ve noticed employees using wearable devices while working. We have a policy that limits personal cell phone use at work. Can we expand that to include wearables like smartwatches?

by | Dec 19, 2022 | Business Tips, Human Resources

Yes, you can expand your policy to include wearables or other smart devices that might cause distractions to your employees while they are working. Here are a few things to consider when revising your policies: Focus your policy on the employee’s actions and not the...

Can employers provide feedback on a potential hire’s or current employee’s clothing?

by | Dec 4, 2022 | Business Tips, Human Resources

Answer from Eric, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: If an employee’s clothing does not conform to your personal appearance rules or dress code policy, you can certainly let the employee know, ask them to change, and discipline them for violating the policy. Regarding job applicants, we...

What are the best practices for disciplining employees?

by | Nov 13, 2022 | Business Tips, Human Resources

Answer from Kim, SPHR, AAM, CPIW: Discipline is an act on the part of the employer to address and correct inappropriate behavior or a policy violation by an employee. Discipline functions both as an incentive for employees to refrain from bad behavior in the first...

Can we promote an employee to a newly created position without giving other employees a chance to apply for it?

by | Nov 1, 2022 | Business Tips, Human Resources

Answer from Kyle, PHR: Generally, and as long as you’re not a federal contractor, you don’t need to post an open position for all employees to see. That said, if your company has an established policy or practice of posting internally, you should be consistent. Of...

What Employers Should Know About Trauma in the Workplace

by | Oct 26, 2022 | Business Tips, Human Resources

2008 was a difficult year. The Great Recession was underway. People lived in a constant state of worry. In workplaces across the country, employees informally gathered after official meetings, trying to decipher what their leaders had shared and what information...

HR’s Role in a Recession

by | Oct 23, 2022 | Business Tips, General News, Human Resources

The prospect of a recession has many businesses and their employees worried. During an extended economic decline, sales drop, jobs disappear, and productivity decreases. Companies have less revenue to invest, and their customers have less money to spend. With their...