If you ever need to terminate an employee, one of the best tools you can have is an employee handbook that sets out clear policies and is kept up-to-date with changes in employment laws, says Chris Lessard, a California attorney who specializes in HR issues. Lessard, who is J.D. Solution Center Advisor to CEDR HR Solutions, says employee handbooks can protect medical practice … [Read more...] about Can your employee handbook help you safely terminate an employee?
Policies
An HR ghost story
By Lynne Curry bio My client asked me to find him the one "right" applicant for a critical management position in his company. Out of more than 50 resumes, I chose my favorite. "Jacob" did a great job on his phone interview, so I called him in for an interview. Ten minutes before the interview, he called saying an uninsured motorist had rear-ended him and the police … [Read more...] about An HR ghost story
Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference
Employees are more likely to report sexual harassment they witness at work when there is a zero-tolerance policy in place, according to a new study conducted by Florida International University (FIU). The study's findings show that companies where zero-tolerance policies are a top-priority are particularly effective in increasing the reporting of the most common forms of … [Read more...] about Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference
Defuzzifying dangerous company cultures
By Rex Conner bio Google's recent events have called into question its company culture, and the cultures of others in Silicon Valley. The questions swirling around the company culture will continue long after the current situation is resolved. With that news and other high-profile company cultures in the spotlight, it's strange that no one is talking about the roots … [Read more...] about Defuzzifying dangerous company cultures
Model Policy: Moonlighting
Why you need this policy: Employees may hold other jobs that have the potential to interfere with their work at the practice. How this policy helps you: This policy reminds employees about their responsibility to the practice. How to use this policy: Modify this policy for your medical practice, as needed. Note: In some states it is illegal to prohibit moonlighting—and in … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Moonlighting
Model Policy: Dress code and appearance
Why you need this model policy: Employees affiliated with a medical practice are representatives of the practice and are responsible for creating a positive experience for patients, families, visitors, clinical staff, and fellow workers. How this model policy helps you: This model policy allows a practice to address all aspects of employee appearance, including clothing, … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Dress code and appearance
Model Policy: Employee resignation
Why you need this model policy: Establishing a formal policy for employee resignation will help ensure that staff transitions go smoothly; the practice treats employees fairly and consistently; and legal requirements are followed. How this model policy helps you: Use this model policy as a guide to establish a formal, written policy for employee resignation. How to use this … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Employee resignation
Model Policy: Workplace bullying
Why you need this policy: Workplace bullying is a serious and common occurrence, and your practice has a responsibility to make sure it does everything possible to prevent it. How this policy helps you: This policy helps define workplace bullying, and provides guidelines for what will not be tolerated. How to use this policy: Customize this policy for your medical practice, … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Workplace bullying
Model Policy: Catastrophic leave program
Why you need this policy: A leave-sharing program appears to be a win-win-win solution for employer, donating employee, and receiving employee. But employers need to be careful when implementing a program like this to avoid some potential administrative, managerial, and tax problems. How this policy helps you: Rules regarding an employee's right to various types of leave … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Catastrophic leave program
Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos
Why you need this model policy: This model jewelry and tattoos policy establishes guidelines for staff wearing jewelry or displaying tattoos. How this model policy helps you: This policy recognizes the value of personal self expression and establishes parameters for when personal appearance enhanced by jewelry or tattoos exceeds appropriate and reasonable workplace … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos