Symmetry provides outstanding human resource advice, support, and advocacy to start-up and small companies who do not have an in-house human resource team.
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Posters and Postings: What is Required?
Posted by Karolynn on October 8, 2013 Under | Tags: HR, Legal, Records
One of the most frequent questions I get concerns the required signage and posters in an office. This is one of those areas were both federal and state departments get in on the action. Different states have different signage requirements, so in the interest of simplicity, I will only discuss what is required federally. If you have any questions concerning what your state may require of you, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.
25 Off-Limits Interview Questions
Posted by Karolynn on October 5, 2013 Under | Tags: Employees, Firing, HR, Legal
Job interviews present a minefield of legal problems. One wrong question could spark a discrimination lawsuit. That's why you should never "wing it" during interviews. Instead, create a list of interview questions and make sure every question asks for job-related information that will help in the selection process.
Call of the Day: Banning Personal Cell Phones
Posted by Karolynn on October 2, 2013 Under | Tags: Employees, HR, Legal
Can we ban personal cell phones at work? Many of our employees spend work time on personal calls and text messaging. Can we require that they leave their cell phones in their cars or at home?
Call of the Day: Cancel Job Offer?
Posted by Karolynn on October 2, 2013 Under | Tags: Employees, HR, Legal
We offered a job to a woman who was great until she signed all her paperwork and now she is being challenging and difficult and she hasn’t even started work yet. Can we change our mind and not hire her?
Call of the Day: Late Employees
Posted by Karolynn on October 2, 2013 Under | Tags: Employees, HR, Legal
We have an employee who is consistently late. We’ve talked to her numerous times, but she is still late. We don’t know what to do!
Employee Recognition
Posted by Karolynn on September 25, 2013 Under | Tags: Employees, HR
Now that is officially Fall, we start thinking about what we are thankful for. One thing, as business owners and managers we can do is remember to be thankful for our employees. I know that sometimes they can be true challenges, but honestly employees who feel appreciated are more positive about themselves and their ability to contribute are potentially your best employees.
Call of the Day: ObamaCare & Healthcare Reform
Posted by Karolynn on September 19, 2013 Under | Tags: Employees, Hire, Records
I hear there is something we are supposed to send to all of our employees for Healthcare Reform on October 1st. What is it and why?
Call of the Day: Change an Unwilling Employee's Shift?
Posted by Karolynn on September 19, 2013 Under | Tags: HR
We would like to change an employee’s shift. The employee doesn’t want the change. Can we require it?
Call of the Day: When to Complete a Background Check
Posted by Karolynn on September 19, 2013 Under | Tags: HR, Legal
When should we do our background checks – before an offer is made? After the offer is made and before employment starts? Of after the employee begins working?
How to Deal With a Violent Employee
Posted by Karolynn on September 18, 2013 Under | Tags:
Legally, employees are entitled to a violence free and safe work environment. As an employer you can’t prevent all acts of violence, but you can create and follow a policy that is consistently implemented that ensures early warning method for addressing potential threats of violence in the work environment.