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John Phillips — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:00:43 +0000

Check ‘em out. (more…)

Corporate BS

John Phillips — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:09:21 +0000

As announced earlier, we’ve moved from daily Corporate BS to weekly Corporate BS. When you think about it, Corporate BS in large doses makes more sense anyway.

So, for you Corporate BSers, he it is for May 11-17 (more…)

Man Gene Leaves Ohio

John Phillips — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:40:08 +0000

The Man Gene, its work done given the resignation of Ohio’s Attorney General amidst allegations of sex, sex, and sex harassment, has left the state. Although it’s unclear what’s next, it could be that TMG is headed back to Detroit, where the mayor is still clinging to his office after allegations of a sexual nature against him and calls for his resignation or forced removal from office. (Check out the Delaware Employment Law Blog for some advice to Detroit’s mayor, which might be useful to you as well.)

Stay tuned for more on TMG’s travels and activities.

Allentown–HR Song of the Week

John Phillips — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:55:26 +0000

Billy Joel sings honestly of unfulfilled potential and the American dream that’s just a dream for some.

Billy Joel - Allentown

Curious George, Obama, and Race

John Phillips — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:44:57 +0000

A bar owner in Atlanta is selling a T-shirt that shows a picture of Curious George peeling a banana, with the words “Obama ‘08″ underneath. The bar owner, known for erecting provocative (some would say, mean-spirited) messages on the marquee outside his bar, has been branded an idiot, a racist, and worse. His explanation that the T-shirt isn’t intended to be racist has fallen on deaf ears.

So, the case is open and shut. A redneck from a red state is caught red-handed. There’s no need for further discussion. I wonder. (more…)

Guns, Laws, and the Workplace

John Phillips — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:32:37 +0000

On May 14, 2008, Georgia’s governor signed the newest state gun law that may–may–make it more difficult for employers to ban guns in the workplace. At one point during the law’s circuitous route through the Georgia General Assembly, it would have prevented employers from banning guns from employee vehicles in employer parking lots. Although business groups sponsored amendments eliminating the parking lot provision, it’s less than clear what this new law does for Georgia workplaces or their parking lots when it comes to guns. Time (and no doubt litigation) will tell.

Guns and the workplace haven’t proved to be good partners. Between 1980 and 2006, there were 16,459 homicides by shooting in the workplace. (Click here and here for more.) Consequently, employers adopted strict weapons policies, banning guns from the workplace and from vehicles employees drive to work. Various state laws made it possible for employers to do this, serving as a welcomed barrier between guns and the workplace. (more…)

The Secret to Motivation

John Phillips — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:03:13 +0000

When we try to motivate others, sometimes we’re successful, sometimes not. If you’re having trouble with your motivation techniques, perhaps the following YouTube clip will give you new ideas. Even in French, this video clip makes its unmistakable point.

Responsable de la motivation au travail

Immigration: Cold as ICE

John Phillips — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:59:09 +0000

If immigration had fallen off the presidential campaign radar, it may be forced back on now. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted the largest single-site raid ever in Postville, Iowa (the state where the first presidential caucus/primary is always held), at the Agriprocessors meatpacking plant, which is also the nation’s largest kosher slaughterhouse.

The number of alleged illegal immigrants detained amounted to 390, consisting primarily of Guatemalans and Mexicans. Hundreds more may be charged with aggravated identity theft, unlawful use of Social Security numbers and other criminal and employment law offenses. Chaos reined at the plant and all across Postville and surrounding communities where there is a large immigrant population. (more…)

Patterson on Convincing Others

John Phillips — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:04:41 +0000

Although there could be debate about this, the founder of modern human resources management is often said to be John H. Patterson, founder and president of the National Cash Register Company. In 1901, he formed a personnel department to manage the grievances of employees after a bitter union strike.

As a human resources professional, part of your job is convincing executives, managers, supervisors and employees to adopt an idea or practice that makes the workplace better. Patterson had some advice for you:

“Before you try to convince anyone else, be sure you are convinced, and if you can’t convince yourself, drop the subject.”

Would you hire Hillary?

John Phillips — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:37:06 +0000

You have a key sales job open. One of the applicants you interview says, “I need to be in a white territory. The territory I have right now with my current employer has too many black people in it. I’m someone who appeals to whites. If you give me a white territory, I’ll make you a lot of money.”

Given our country’s quickly changing demographics and the intensely competitive sales environment that pervades every business, smart employers have no room for a sales employee who can only sell to one race–one ethnic group. Plus, from an employment law standpoint, it’s legally dangerous to have a person who thinks this way in your workforce. He/she is a discrimination complaint in the making. What does this have to do with Hillary? (more…)