Human Resources: Business and marketing 2

This chapter and our discussion questions include the topics of employee rights, responsibilities and the discipline issues that can arise when employees and employers differ. All too often employers - and employees - are eager to point out, "This is within my rights!" They sometimes forget the associated responsibilities that go hand in hand with those rights!. The section describing E-Mail Privacy is a timely and a very interesting segment of this chapter. Currently, many states have been reviewing their electronic transmissions, employee rights, and labor laws concerning this area. Further, many organizations have been developing and implementing policies on electronic monitoring. Another key topic discussed in this chapter is the employee handbook (paper, web, electronic document) and the elements that go into making the handbook efficacious. The employee handbook is a major part of an organization's documentation/guidelines. If it is designed, developed and implemented correctly, the handbook can be a major resource for the organization. Always remember that employee handbooks need to be updated regularly. The failure of organizations to revise handbooks regularly can be troublesome to say the least and expensive when lawsuits are lost. What are the differences between contractual and statutory rights? - What is employment-at-will? - Does it exist in some states? What states are employment-at-will states? If so, can you name at least two employment-at-will states, commonwealths or jurisdictions? - What is due process? - What are some components of an alternative dispute resolution process? For discussion, please share what you think are the possible issues that arise for employees when their employers establish the following practices: surveillance cameras, background investigations, workplace monitoring and drug testing?