Skipping disciplinary step? Document why

  • August 09, 2018

If you have a progressive discipline system that gives poor performers or rule breakers a chance to reform, be sure your policy includes an escape hatch that lets you...

Terminated worker won’t return property

  • June 21, 2018

The problem: A terminated employee fails to return company equipment, such as a laptop. How do you get it back? You have different options to consider, depending on your...

5 tips for legally safe terminations

  • May 11, 2018

While you can’t expect an employee to leave a termination meeting happy, you can take a few simple steps to calm the person down and reduce the chances that he or...

Retire or get fired? Prepare for lawsuit

  • September 11, 2017

Because the choice between being fired or retiring isn’t entirely voluntary, a forced retirement is sometimes the legal equivalent of being fired. The employee may...

Beware trumped up reasons for firing

  • September 11, 2017

Sometimes, it is up to HR to stop bosses from doing the wrong thing—for example, when he is frustrated because he has to accommodate a disabled worker’s...