Author Archives: awest

Social Media Policies – Managing Risk in Light of the NLRA

Posted on May 14, 2012 by awest

Like it or not, many of your employees likely are accessing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites on and off the clock. Telling them not to may be impractical. But not managing the associated risks properly can put … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Social Media | Leave a comment

Yikes! 2d Circuit Finds Title VII Does Not Protect Internal Investigators

Posted on May 10, 2012 by awest

Every internal HR investigator’s nightmare came true for HR Director Karlean Grey-Allen when she was allegedly fired in retaliation for investigating a receptionist’s allegations of harassment against the company’s vice-president (who happened to be married to the president of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Investigations, Legal Issues | 1 Comment

AT&T hit for $5M Religious Discrimination Verdict

Posted on May 7, 2012 by awest

In 1999, when Susan Bashir began working for Southwestern Bell, a unit of AT&T, she was Christian. In 2005, she converted to Islam and, well, her world changed.  Bashir alleged her managers and co-workers began calling her a “terrorist” as … Continue reading →

Posted in Discrimination, General, Investigations | Leave a comment

Ever wish you could use an Etch A Sketch to change something you did or said?

Posted on March 22, 2012 by awest

“I think you hit a reset button for the fall campaign. Everything changes,” Fehrnstrom responded. “It’s almost like an Etch A Sketch. You can kind of shake it up, and we start all over again.”  These words were recently said … Continue reading →

Posted in Investigations, Sensitivity Training, Training | Leave a comment

Do you have trouble getting your investigation witnesses to talk?

Posted on March 20, 2012 by awest

One of my favorite subjects to train on is investigations. As an investigator I know how hard it is at times to get a witness to open up and give me the valuable information they may have (or not.) Yet, all-too-often, … Continue reading →

Posted in Investigations, Webinars | Leave a comment

Tough Talks: How to conduct difficult employee discussions (webinar)

Posted on March 12, 2012 by awest

Do you dread engaging in a difficult workplace conversation such as telling an employee they have body odor or wear too much perfume? Or dealing with the ubiquitous whiners and complainers? How do you start the dialogue ? Come join … Continue reading →

Posted in Webinars | Leave a comment

A RUSH to Court?

Posted on March 7, 2012 by awest

You really can’t escape reading or hearing about Rush Limbaugh’s attacks on Sandra Fluke. Many people are waiting to see if Sandra will sue Rush for defamation.  What if we change the scenario a bit and Rush’s comments were said … Continue reading →

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You Want Me to Investigate WHO?

Posted on September 26, 2011 by awest

If you have ever been asked to investigation the CEO, VP, or other high level employee you know it can be quite challenging. On Wednesday, I will be delivering a 90-minute webinar on the practical and legal implications of investigating a … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Investigations, Webinars | Leave a comment

Dig deeper during your investigation interview

Posted on September 8, 2011 by awest

I will be delivering a three-hour session on How to Conduct a Legal, Thorough Work Workplace Investigation at the annual California Employment Law Update Conference in Berkeley on November 2.  As part of the promotion, I was asked to share … Continue reading →

Posted in Investigations | Leave a comment

Me, too!

Posted on September 6, 2011 by awest

Put your seatbelts on, it’s going to be a rocky ride – it just got a little easier for a plaintiff to make his or her harassment case. On August 9, 2011, the California Court of Appeal ruled in Pantoja v. … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Investigations, Training | Leave a comment

HR = Customer Service

Posted on July 21, 2011 by awest

I really don’t mean to rub it it but I am writing this blog entry from Paris. Yes, France. I am on a two week vacation with my 8 year old son. I don’t speak French and although I have … Continue reading →

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Document, Document, Document

Posted on July 10, 2011 by awest

Everyone knows the importance of proper documentation. The only problem is…it’s hard to do. If you missed seeing my presentation on documentation at the Annual SHRM Conference, it’s not too late… Please join me on Thursday, July 14 at 1:00 … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Webinars | Leave a comment

Is there a Weiner in your workplace?

Posted on June 20, 2011 by awest

Ok, the jokes are everywhere about now former Sen. Weiner.  But, as professionals focused on workplace issues, I encourage you to sit back and ask yourself if you could have an Anthony Weiner in your midst.  Many of you provide … Continue reading →

Posted in Investigations | Leave a comment

Welcome

Posted on June 17, 2011 by awest

Welcome to my new blog and the first of many blog posts.  This post is dedicated to what I love to do: speak.  Give presentations. Train. I love it all. I am very excited that I will be heading to … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment