New NLRB Guidelines for Social Media in the Workplace

New NLRB Guidelines for Social Media in the WorkplaceNew NLRB Guidelines for Social Media in the WorkplaceNew NLRB Guidelines for Social Media in the Workplace Berkowitz, Esq.You may think you are ahead of the game if you have already drafted a socialmedia policy that regulates social media in the workplace. After all, you are just protecting your investment and your businesss good name if you forbid employees from bad-mouthing their jobs on their facebook inc pages or prohibit them from Tweeting about their latest compensation plan, right?Not so fast.According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), employers attempts to control or limit what employees post on social media websites and their personal accounts often violate the employees rights to engage in protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act.The NLRA protects employees who band together to try to make changes to their employment conditions, even if all they wish to do is complain as a group.The so-called Facebook Firingscaused particular concern to the NLRB, which immediately stepped in to warn employers that in many cases, workers had the right to say negative things about their jobs in public forums without risk.June saw theissue of a series of NLRB guidelinesurging employers to use specificity and provide examples when instructing employees about appropriate social media use its bedrngnis just a question of being able to discipline employees for their postings employers written policies can get them in trouble even if they have not yet been applied.For instance the NLRB rulingsaid that Costcos employee handbook contained a number of policies that had the potential to stifle employees rights to free speech and restrict their rights under the NLRA.What do the NLRB guidelines and its recent Costco decision have to say about social media? Take a look at your employee handbook and talk to an employment lawyer to insure that you follow these recommendationsAvoid general, blanket prohi bitionson any employee actions with respect to social media. This includes banning employees from talking about their job, complaining about their boss or co-workers or disparaging company policies, among others.Instead of generally banning employees from revealing confidential company information or trade secrets, be specific about what employees may not reveal. While it may be okay to protect trade secrets, formulas, customer lists and technological data, the NLRB has found that employees may have the right to discuss certain aspects of their confidential employment situation (such as salaries or bonuses) via social media.Give employees specific examples of inappropriate postings. Acceptable limits include prohibitions on bullying, discrimination and retaliation. Talk to a lawyer before disciplining an employee for defaming or otherwise lying about the company via social media.Do not restrict employees ability to friend co-workers on their personal social media pages.Unless you ha ve a legitimate and defensible business purpose as part of your social media guidelines, do not ask employees (or worse, applicants) for their social media account information or passwords.Be consistent in how and when you review the social media accounts for prospective employees.Read more Employment Law Small Business Updates

The Best Colors to Wear to a Job Interview

The Best Colors to Wear to a Job InterviewThe Best Colors to Wear to a Job InterviewIn todays job market, in which companies might interview dozens or even hundreds of people for one position,first impressionsare more important than ever.Interviewees need topay attention to everything from what they wear and how they are groomed to theirbody language. One important, and often overlooked, aspect of an interviewees first impression is color. The color of your clothing sends a subconscious message to the interviewer about your personality. Read below for tips on what colors to wear to an interview to make the best first impression. Tips for Choosing the Best Color to Wear for an Interview The right colors can help convey your confidence, professionalism and your ability to fit into an organizations environment. Below are a few tips for choosing the right colors for yourinterview attire. Choose SolidsOver PatternsAn important rule of thumb is to try bedrngnis to be remembered for you r attire you want to wear something that allows the interviewer to focus on your skills and qualifications rather than your wacky style. Wearing solid colors helps ensure that your clothes will not distract. Solid navy, dark gray, and black suits and dresses, in particular, look professional without being distracting. Small patterns, like thin pinstripes, are okay as well. The rule of thumb is to select a pattern that is small enough that it looks like a solid from across a room. Choose Neutrals Over BrightsAgain, you do not want to be remembered for your attire if you wear a very brightly colored suit or dress, you will almost certainly be remembered for your outfit (rather than your job qualifications). Neutral colors navy, gray, black, and brown are the best colors for a job interview. White is also an excellent color for a blouse or button-down shirt. You can certainly add a pop of color to a neutral interview outfit. For example, a pale blue blouse under a womans dark gray su it can subtly soften a look. A splash of bright, bold color (such as a red scarf or tie) conveys authority and can be great for managerial positions. Limit the number of brightly colored items to one, and make sure it is not the dominant color of your outfit. No bright orange suits Know the Office EnvironmentDo a bit of research on the companys work environment before your interview. You want to wear colors that show you will fit in with the companys culture. In an office that tends to dress more conservatively, you should definitely stick to neutral, solid colors. However, in morecasual offices, such as some startups and non-profit- organizations, you can feel comfortable wearing a bit more color. Softer colors (such as a pale blue blouse) in particular work well for more casual offices, because they convey a bit of personality without being overwhelming. If you are applying for a job in fashion, or a sales job at a unique clothing store, you might feel free to be a bit more creati ve in your coloring to show your sense of style. If you are in any doubt about the companys culture, it is best to dress conservatively, with neutral, solid colors. What Different Colors Say Different colors evoke particular human responses, whether or not we are conscious of them. Below is a list of different colors you might want to wear for an interview, and the emotions they can evoke. Picking the right colors can help you present yourself in a particular way. BlackBlack is a very popular color for suits and dresses in interviews. However, black is a very commanding color that conveys a lot of power, authority, and even drama. This is a good color for a job in a conservative environment like a law office, or for an interviewee applying for a high-level executive position. However, black can be a bit overwhelming in a more laid-back office environment and can make you appear unapproachable. Using black as an accent color (for example, in a scarf or tie) can give you a sense o f authority without being overwhelming. WhiteCrisp and clean, white is a great color for shirts and blouses. The color conveys truth and simplicity and adds a bit of brightness without being too overwhelming. GrayGray is another great neutral color for interview outfits. It evokes sophistication and neutrality. Gray is agreat color to wear as a suit or dress it allows you to look powerful but is not quite as domineering as a black suit or dress.? BrownBrown is a neutral color that evokes feelings of calm. It is a great solid, neutral color for an interview. RedRed is a bright, powerful color that conveys energy and passion. A pop of red (for example, in a scarf or tie) can convey just the right amount of passion without making you appear too emotional. BlueBlue, particularly navy, is another great neutral color for interview outfits. Blues convey feelings of calm, trust, and confidence great qualities for an interviewer to sense in you. Blue is also many peoples favorite color, and wearing an interviewers favorite color will always make a great first impression.

ZALP to Offer Free Employee Referral Webinar

ZALP to Offer Free Employee Referral Webinar ZALP to Offer Free Employee Referral Webinar It is universally accepted that the most important factor most certainly is employee participation, ZALP says. If you would like to know how to motivate employees to find time and participate in these referral programs, you shouldnt miss this.And to help businesses in this area, ZALP is conducting a complimentary webinar designed to assist companies in boosting their employee referral program output by maximizing participation from their employees.Who Dr. John SullivanWhat Employee Referrals Motivating Employees to Produce Quality ReferralsWhen Thursday, July 10, 2014, 200 pm ETThe webinar will give attendees tips, action steps, best practices and a complete check list to ensure a successful employee referral program. It will also highlight effective steps to consider for an employee referral strategy of maximum participation designed to increase the referral output.Participants will learn ab outAction steps to boost employee participation in a referral programHow to use creative rewards and recognition to motivate employees to referLearn about strategies and best practices to ensure excellent referral hire quality and volumeUnable to attend on this date? No problem. All registered parties will automatically receive a link to the webinar recording to view at their convenience.