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HVBF Monthly Meeting - Human Resources Roundtable Host: Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union Attending: Buddy Alves, M T A Buddy Alves of MTA provided each of us with some information about the Commuter Choice Maryland Program which provides enhanced tax incentives to employers who are enrolled. Please contact Buddy for more information. Shirley suggested that in view of the predicted weather report for today, we adopt a policy of canceling meetings when the Baltimore County Schools are closed or opening late because of expected weather conditions. We will use this policy for all Roundtables and Forums. Please listen for those announcements when the weather presents a risk. John Beever asked all to note the date of March 26. Please see the announcement at the end of this report. Shirley introduced Debra Milstein Gardner of Workplace Dynamics to lead our discussion on Employee Handbooks. Although there is no legal requirement for a company employee handbook, many employers use one to disseminate certain policies required by law and to define company procedures. The handbook may establish the culture, mission and the philosophy of the company, define employer expectations and formalize work rules. Properly prepared, the handbook can protect the employer against erroneous claims. Debra emphasized the importance of the employee reading and understanding the handbook. The employee, in writing, should acknowledge this after they have had sufficient time to read the handbook. Asking the employee to acknowledge this at the time the handbook is presented does not fulfill the condition of “understanding”. The handbook must contain a clearly identified statement that the company is an “at will” employer and that there is no contract of employment with the company. The handbook should not contain statements that can be construed to invalidate that statement. Reference to a “probationary period” can invalidate the “at will” rule. Debra then took questions from those attending. For a copy of this presentation or for additional questions about it, please contact Debra at debragardner@home.com until February 15; after that date at debragardner@comcast.net. A pair of black ladies Totes gloves with suede palms was left behind after our meeting. The Hunt Valley Business Forum will partner with the Greater Baltimore Alliance to bring to the Forum and guests a panel discussion to explore the issues involved in retirees returning to the workforce. Whether the cause is early retirement, disenchantment with retirement or a need for additional income, we find an increasing pool of young seniors with years of experience eager to return to work. Join us and our panel of industry, government and association authorities as we explore this resource and learn more about its unique needs. We will meet on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 8:00 AM at Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn, 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031. Please advise me if you plan to attend. |