Three very interesting blog posts for Thursday.
As I occasionally do I point out some interesting and informative reads to you in order to educate you and give you a break from my writing. Today, I have three great posts that cover training, ergonomics and the changing workweek.
#1
The first post comes from Kristine Sims at Constangy, Brooks, Smith and Prophete, LLP. Kristine writes about the actions the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) took against several federal contractors. These contractors found out that you have to follow the guidelines of the Uniform Guidelines on Enmployee Selection Procedures when administering a test. Basically you cannot use a test that is not job related nor discriminatory. While Ms. Sims wrote just about federal contractors these standards are applicable to all companies. Don’t make up tests is the lesson. You can learn more by reading OFCCP takes contractors back to school on pre-employment testing.
#2
The second comes from Jennifer Suich Frank of Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun, P.C. This interesting post appeared as a question in a newsletter. The company had an employee who brought her own chair, actually an exercise ball, to sit on. She was trying to be proactive and prevent back problems. The company was worried they might be responsible if she fell off of the ball (most companies are concerned that their employees are not on the ball). See what Ms. Frank told the company by reading On the ball? Employee wants to bring her own seat to work.
#3
The third comes from The HR Specialist in the Business Management Daily. The HR Specialist reminds us of the changing workplace and the gradual disappearance of the standard 9 to 5 work week. (I have never personally worked 9 to 5. My days always started at 8, even now. Though I am reconsidering my schedule.) With new overtime rules people working longer hours may have financial repercussions. You can read As 9-to-5 dies, implications for overtime grow.
Special thanks to Jon Hyman of the Ohio Employer Law Blog for suggesting these fine posts.