Human Resources

By Roy Maurer   While the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) new rule banning noncompete agreements faces legal challenges, workplace experts say employers should prepare for the rule by reviewing existing agreements, exploring alternatives and focusing on retention efforts, which have taken on added importance.   The FTC voted April 23 to prohibit most new noncompete...

By Law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards, including extreme heat.   It is your responsibility to:   Provide workers with water, rest, and shade. Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks during the first week of work as they build a tolerance...

Taking time away from work is crucial for several reasons, both for individuals’ well-being and for maintaining productivity and effectiveness in the workplace.   Physical and Mental Health: Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout, which is characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. Taking time off allows individuals to rest and recharge,...

By Monday.com   Many young workers these days feel so unprepared for office life that they aren’t even lasting long enough to receive their first paychecks. In a ResumeBuilder.com survey, 74% of managers and business leaders said they believe Gen Z is more difficult to work with than other generations, and 12% have fired a...

Reviewing an employee handbook is important to ensure it remains current and compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often it should be reviewed, as the frequency can depend on factors such as changes in laws, regulations, company policies, and industry standards. However, here are some general guidelines:...

By Matt Gonzales   For Kaitlin Howes, the topic of burnout at work hits close to home. Howes, an HR business partner at Reward Gateway, said that at a previous employer, she was “trapped in a rigid role without a lot of flexibility,” where innovation felt out of reach. The monotony of completing the same...

In the context of Wage and Hour Laws in many jurisdictions, there are distinctions between hours worked and paid time off (PTO), both in terms of regulations and how they affect an employee’s compensation. Hours Worked: Hours worked typically refer to the actual time an employee spends performing tasks for their employer. These hours are...

By Allen Smith, J.D.   “Workplace harassment” is more than just sexual harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reminded employers in guidance published April 29. The commission shared specific examples of the kinds of harassment it deems unlawful—including harassment based on race, sex, religion and other factors.   Examples of Workplace Harassment   The...

SHRM executive in residence talks about unlocking human potential in the age of AI By Roy Maurer   HR leaders are uniquely positioned to drive human-centered artificial intelligence adoption in the workplace, according to Nichol Bradford, the AI+HI executive in residence at SHRM. Speaking in a SHRM webcast on April 30, Bradford said that HR professionals have...

There are many templates for employee handbooks available, which can serve as a great starting point for creating your own. Here are a few options to find templates: Online HR Resources: Websites like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), Workable, and Rocket Lawyer offer a range of resources, including templates for employee handbooks. Some of...