Mitzi Branvold

Title VII Ruling: Sexual Orientation Discrimination is Violation of Federal Civil Rights Act

A new federal court ruling has clarified that discrimination based on sexual orientation is included under federal civil rights protections against sex discrimination. This allows employees who are faced with discrimination and harassment in the workplace over their sexual orientation to sue employers in federal court. The heart of the issue is the understanding of what […]

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Human Resources: Hiring Temporary Workers Over The Holiday Season

The holidays are often a busy time for businesses, and human resource professionals. Instead of the usual “permanent” hires, human resource departments often spend their time hiring temporary employees. These seasonal employees come on board during the busy holiday period, to provide necessary extra hands on deck. With the right strategy, seasonal employees are a huge asset

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Keeping Employees Engaged During Training

Every company strives to employ a knowledgeable and successful workforce. Training is one of the ways that employers can accomplish that.  Without training, employees are less productive and happy in their positions which ultimately costs the company money down the road. But how can a company implement training programs that produce great results while still being cost-effective? Keeping in mind your

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Human Resources: Learning About Employee Personalities

In Human Resources, one of the most important aspects of the job is handling conflict between employees and managers. As a mediator of differences that arise, it’s important to understand the differences that arise between people. Everyone has a distinct personality, and they see and communicate differently. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality

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A Challenge to the EEOC’s Employer Wellness Plan Rules

The EEOC Employer Wellness Plan rules are scheduled to take effect January 2017. The rules allow employers to offer both incentives and disincentives for employees who choose to participate or not to participate in employee wellness programs. The new rules do not, according to the EEOC, violate any of the provisions of the Americans with

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Human Resources: Special Considerations During the Holiday Season

November is upon us, and it’s almost time for the Holidays. The holidays bring joy and time with our families and communities, and they also come with special considerations for human resources to consider in the workplace. Here are some factors to consider and ways you can ensure a holiday season that’s enjoyable and festive to all. Throw a

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Can an Employee be Fired over a Social Media Posting?

Can an employee be fired over social media postings? Yes, but there are some laws and rules that need to be considered before a firing decision is made. First amendment rights to free speech means the federal government cannot keep an employee from speaking their mind. Private businesses are not obligated in the same way. But before a business can

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6 Essential Ways to Prepare Human Resources For the New Year

The Human Resources department is a vital component of every business. It cannot be caught off-guard by changing regulations or shifting business goals. With the end of the year quickly approaching, there are six essential ways that Human Resources must prepare for the new year. 1. ACA Reporting Begin compiling information for the year-end reports mandated by the Affordable

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