Transparency is one of three words I consider key in the world of employment. The other two are “respect” and “documentation.” Notice I don’t include “fairness.” Being fair is inherently subjective. Fairness varies on your perspective, and your definition will differ greatly from that of your employees, or your kids, for that matter. Who hasn’t…
Category: Best HR Practices
The Controversy Surrounding Workplace Surveillance Software
I was perusing social media this morning (while it was still dark out), and I happened on an article discussing “Bossware.” The term is being applied to workplace surveillance software, which is software that tracks employee keystrokes, monitors internet usage, and even takes random screenshots throughout the day. This software isn’t new, but it’s gained…
Revisiting Attendance Issues – Leaves of Absence, Reasonable Accommodations, and Paid Sick Leave
Managing employee absences is one of the trickiest topics under the human resources umbrella. While we say in our employee handbook that regular attendance is an essential function of the job, the day-to-day task of handling employee absenteeism, and juggling the myriad of related legal issues, becomes a nuanced dance through a minefield. These machinations…
New Year’s Resolutions for 2026
Before we break for the year, I wanted to pass along a wee bit of wisdom I have gleaned from some of my cases in 2025. After all, that is in part why I do these Briefings – to share the lessons I learn from the cases and situations I handle. It feels like the…
The Impact of AI in the Workplace
I started this article by asking Chat GPT to analyze the impact of AI in the workplace. Here is what it created for me, in under a minute. 1. Skill Gaps & Workforce Reskilling AI is changing job requirements faster than many employees can adapt.HR challenge: 2. Ethical Use of AI in Hiring AI-powered recruiting…
Definition of “Uniform” Tested with Starbucks’ New Lawsuit
Last week, Starbucks employees from California, Colorado, and Illinois launched legal actions claiming their employer refused to reimburse them for required shoes and clothing under the Starbucks newly published dress code. Workers complain that despite being paid only minimum wage, the coffee giant is requiring them to use their personal money to purchase…
Substance Abuse Issues in the Workplace
I don’t know if it’s the time of year or just the state of the world, but I have been receiving increased client calls about employees under the influence at work. I thought I had written a prior article on this, but apparently not. It consequently seemed a good time to address the…
Let’s Talk About Payroll Compliance
Retain copies of all payroll documents, especially before you switch payroll providers – This issue seems to crop up on nearly a daily basis for us. My team and I are responding to demand letters from lawyers, asking for the payroll records for an employee. We are defending wage and hour lawsuits, single employee, class…
The Importance of Manager Training
Two different clients in the span of two days mentioned to me the benefits of increased focus on manager training. They both said that they knew I was an advocate, which of course, I am. But I don’t think I have ever specifically addressed the topic before. Employers, especially corporations and partnerships, are entities. That…
Drop the Concept of “Probationary Period”
The concept of a “probationary period” at the start of employment derives from the Union context, where new employees are given a certain period before they are covered under the Company’s cba (collective bargaining agreement). There, it makes sense. After that probationary period, the Company must start making contributions under the cba, and at the…