Know the Pros and Cons of Severance Packages
In these uncertain economic times, many organizations are experiencing unprecedented levels of financial pressure. Reductions in force (RIFs) are becoming increasingly necessary and common. There are many risks to manage when reducing your workforce by one employee or by many. This article discusses the benefits of using severance packages as well as the pitfalls to avoid.

New Challenges for Your Organization
On September 25, 2008, the President signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), which will become effective January 1, 2009. The purpose of the amendments is to clarify that the Americans with Disabilities Act provides broad coverage to protect those who face discrimination on the basis of a disability.

Managing Customer Conflicts
In our previous article, "Workplace Conflicts—When the Boss Isn't Doing the Job"—the supervisor's performance was impacting the ability of the organization to deliver the product to the client on schedule. Charlie, the supervisor who was not paying attention to his job responsibilities, did not, in fact, sign off on the product on time. It was late. Because the client had promised it to one of its customers by a certain date, the client is understandably upset, disappointed, and threatening to sue for damages caused by the delayed delivery.

Constructive Thinking and Workplace Flexibility
Workplace flexibility has beneficial effects—Workers who said their workplace flexibility had increased from one year to the next logged fewer absences for illness and showed improved commitment to their jobs, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine study has found... The danger of working while you're exhausted— Are you a person who prides yourself in working even though you’re exhausted? If so, consider this: working when you’re fatigued might increase your blood pressure... How to put a lid on your steaming anger— We all get angry. Sometimes justifiably, other times irrationally. Regardless of the situation, there are some things we can do to prevent our anger from escalating into unconstructive thinking and behavior...

When the Boss Isn’t Doing the Job
Effective risk management in the workplace takes teamwork. When all levels of management and the employees are committed to the same policies, procedures, performance standards, and outcomes for the organization’s clients, the organization runs smoothly, experiences fewer conflicts, and better manages conflicts that do happen to arise. When there is a weak link in the management chain, however, it can be a much different story.