Yes. In fact, I often recommend this course of action to my clients when they are firing someone for poor performance or for some other reason such as not being quite as capable in the role as... (more)

I do entire seminars on how to effectively recruit and build a great team. It is not a one-sentence or one-paragraph subject. But here are the basic steps involved: Step 1: Start by really... (more)

There are only three scenarios that would require you to post or publicly advertise a job opening: 1. If you are a governmental agency required to publicly advertise job openings. 2. If you... (more)

If the person was convicted of a sex offense, you can tell him the truth. After all, he knows that he was convicted and is a registered sex offender. You have a right to let them know that for... (more)

The best way to do this is to simply be prepared for the meeting and then to be straightforward but in a kindly fashion. Being prepared means having the reason for the cutback clearly defined... (more)

This employee is acting out an emotional reaction with behavior that is inappropriate for the workplace. He is attempting to transmit a strong non-verbal message. Unfortunately, you are unable... (more)

Not knowing in what state your company does business, I cannot unequivocally tell you precisely whether you can simply terminate "for any reason or no reason" as is the case in Florida... (more)

If you have more than 15 employees, you are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendment Act. These laws require you to offer reasonable accommodation to someone who is disabled.... (more)

In most cases, the actual verbiage turns out to be that the insurance for which you choose to enroll starts the first day of the month after your first 30 days of employment. However, it does not... (more)

Group health insurance premiums are calculated for each company on the basis of the demographics of the workforce and eligible dependents (age, location, etc.) and the history of claims made by... (more)

Yes, it can. In fact, many companies now are refusing to hire anyone who smokes. The reasons vary but, regardless, it is legal to not hire smokers. (more)

Most well-prepared contracts/agreements made by companies with contract workers include a requirement that the contractor carry sufficient insurance to cover him/herself and all of their... (more)

Legally, as your company is so small, you are not obligated to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (15 or more employees). So, you do not have to provide reasonable accommodation for this... (more)

What you describe is legal in an employment-at-will state, but not advisable. That is, the employer may terminate employees for any reason or for no reason in an employment-at-will state and most... (more)

You cannot deduct the cost for the continuing education course from the employee's final paycheck unless your employee manual specifies that you do so routinely in such circumstances. Your... (more)

Having started businesses of my own, I really understand how you feel. From my perspective, you and your husband need to do some strategic planning to set ambitious but realistic goals of what... (more)

In my opinion, the greatest motivator is a feeling of being valued. When an employee believes that she is valued by her employer, the employee values the employer in return. Additionally, you... (more)

I cannot see any benefit you would derive from confronting this employee. What the employee did was not illegal or immoral. S/he is just doing what s/he believes is in his/her best interest.... (more)

Here is my advice: Put a policy into effect on all of these types of issues and FAST. - Personal Use of Cell Phones - Computers, and PDAs At Work - Video or Audio Recording Devices - Use... (more)

From a conflict management perspective I can tell you that this situation is loaded with potential conflict. Asking an employee about any private conversation puts up a bunch of red flags.... (more)