Employer Resource Institute Audio Conference

Originally presented on February 13, 2008
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon (Pacific Time)

Order Option       Price   CD Recording Only       $219

As an additional benefit, you will receive a no-risk trial subscription to California Employment Law Answers when you register for this audio conference (or purchase a CD recording). You will receive 3 evaluation issues. If you want to continue to receive the newsletter, simply pay the invoice you will receive in the mail. If you decide the newsletter isn't for you, just write cancel on the invoice and return it. You will owe nothing, and all issues you receive are yours to keep. As with all ERI products, your satisfaction is guaranteed 100%. (Offer good for new subscribers only.)

Mix men and women together in your workplace, for eight hours or more a day, week after week, month after month — it's not surprising that Cupid pays a visit now and then. In fact, workplace romance is much more common than you might think. Surveys conducted in 2007 found that 55 percent of U.S. employees have dated someone who works for the same employer — and one in four of those romances will end up at the altar!

The dark side of love on the job, however, is the fallout when a workplace romance goes sour. You could be caught in the middle as the employer, dealing with claims of sexual harassment, emotional distress, and even physical violence. You could also face complaints from other workers who don't appreciate the turmoil caused by the unhappy couple — or, even if the couple is happy, the impressions of preferential treatment that arise when managers date their subordinates.

As a California-based employer, how far can you legally go to monitor and manage workplace romances, without violating your workers' rights?

During this practical 90-minute audio conference on Feb. 13 (just in time for Valentine's Day), you'll learn how to spot the signs that workplace romances may be causing problems with productivity and morale. Our expert — an experienced California employment lawyer — will discuss strategies for setting and communicating effective policies on this issue, dealing with the fallout of failed romances, training your supervisors to take appropriate steps, and protecting your organization against legal claims and lawsuits in the process. Plus, you'll have the chance to pose questions anonymously — via email or live on the phone — for quick answers to your specific questions.

YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES WILL LEARN:

• How to spot the red flags that romance is causing problems in your workplace


• The costly legal risks involved in workplace romances, from sexual harassment to physical violence


• What details should be included in your no-dating, non-fraternization, and nepotism policies


• Why manager-subordinate relationships cause problems — whether they're blissful or rocky


• When you should investigate a workplace romance (and how to do it properly without making matters worse)


• How you can handle awkward conversations with your employees about romantic relationships on the job, without violating their privacy or other legal rights under state and federal law


• When it's critical to get your legal counsel involved in these issues


• What steps you can take to fix morale and productivity problems affecting other workers not involved in on-the-job relationships


• How to shield your organization against legal claims and lawsuits that may result from workplace romances

ABOUT YOUR SPEAKER:

Jolene Konnersman, Esq., is an associate in the Los Angeles office of the law firm Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP. She represents managers and employers in many different labor and employment matters, ranging from sexual harassment and employment discrimination claims to wage and hour disputes and wrongful termination issues. Also, she helps clients draft employee handbooks, workplace policies, and employment agreements and counsels them on handling sensitive personnel matters. In 2007, Konnersman was named a "Rising Star" in the current edition of Southern California Super Lawyers. She earned her law degree from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Approved for Recertification Credit

This program has been approved for 1.5 recertification credit hour toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org.

How Do Audio Conferences Work?

An audio conference is remarkably cost-effective and convenient. You participate from your office using a regular telephone. You have no travel costs and no out-of-office time.

Plus, for one low price you can get as many people in your office to participate as you can fit around a speakerphone.

Because the conference is live, you can ask the speakers questions' either on the phone or via e-mail.

With your registration, you also receive conference materials with additional practical information from California Employer Advisor sent to you via e-mail shortly before the conference.

Why You Can Sign Up To Attend This Event with Confidence

As with all California Employer Advisor products, you're completely protected. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with this audio conference, simply let us know and we will return your entire registration fee.