Interactive scenarios are written by the Forum Moderator to stimulate vigorous discussion about difficult legal issues facing HR executives. Each scenario is based on an actual legal case; it describes a tricky situation and invites forum participants to explain: 1) How HR should respond; and 2) Why their recommended response will most likely minimize exposure to lawsuits. Please read the scenario and share your insights into how you’d handle the situation. Also, be sure to review the comments of your peers.

Defining a 'disability' under the ADA

Revisit benefits contracts and score big savings, Tactics that take a bite out of disability insurance costs, 401(k), Telecommuting, Pay for performance

Steps to improving workplace communication

Minimum Wage, Work Hours, Classifying employees, Performance Related Pay, Counter-offers

Handling employee complaints, investigating employee complaints, documenting employee complaints

Make sure your disciplinary policy is not a contract, Avoid progressive discipline traps

Appearance-based lawsuits, Gender, Age, and Religious Discrimination

Fair Labor Standards Act, Understanding the Professional Exemption, Overtime Policy, Nonexempt Employees

FMLA Intermittent Leave Abuse, FMLA and paid time off - guidelines for employers, FMLA Lawsuits

Bost HR’s influence, Help your managers become more 'approachable'

Performance reviews: When you and the employee disagree, individual employee goals

Personnel records policy, No privacy in personal use of company equipment and property, HIPAA Privacy Rule

Common mistakes made by hiring managers, Reference checking policy, 'introductory period' for new hires can protect you

Workplace retention, Noncompete agreements, The 'hidden' reason good employees leave

Clever, low-cost ways to Reward Employees

Most companies vulnerable to sexual harassment lawsuits; Scary nuances of sexual harassment law; The need for tough Dating Policy

Prevent Termination Lawsuits; Exit Interviews, Workplace Violence During Terminations

Employee Training Costs; Why invest in employee Training?