We took an informal poll of our Doerner Employment Law attorneys – based upon our most common issues in 2012, what are the tips about which they would like to remind employers. Here they are:

10. If you provide performance reviews, ensure they are accurate and detailed.

9. Documentation can save you or be your worst enemy. If you create documents, realize they might be read by a judge or jury. So, read it before you put it in that file.

8. If you create documents, do your attorney a favor and sign and date them so everyone will know who wrote them and when.

7. You are the boss / HR Rep – not their parent, friend, or counselor.

6. Honesty is the best policy. Be honest with your employees. Tell them the real reason for your actions, adverse or otherwise.

5. Train everyone who deals with subordinates, from your execs to your first line supervisors. They each need to know something about managing employees.

4. Be consistent. Do what you say you’re going to do.

3. It is okay to expect people to do the job for which they were hired and are paid.

2. Make a decision – not deciding is deciding.

1. Call a qualified employment attorney if you have questions. An ounce of prevention and all that . . .

By Kristen L. Brightmire, kbrightmire@dsda.com