Discrimination in the workplace refers to when an individual or group of individuals are treated less favorably than others solely because of their race, sex, pregnancy or marital status, age, disability, religion, sexual preference, trade union activity, or other class or characteristic protected under federal or state legislation. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals from protected classes in the workplace if they are current or prospective employees, such as job candidates.
Engineering Salaries Continue to Thrive
Once again the ERC Salary Survey demonstrates the strength of the region’s Engineering industry. The 2012 Salary survey reports data on 38 separate engineering positions, with the bulk of the job titles falling into the “Professional” job classification. The strength of the industry is further reinforced by comparing median salaries among engineering positions in lower level job classifications to other job titles outside of engineering. For example, Service Installation Representatives (both junior and senior level) make up 2 of only 9 office/clerical positions with median salaries over $40,000. Similarly, at the supervisory and managerial level, the median salaries for engineering jobs all fall within the top 40%- with Engineering Manager / Chief Engineer near the very top of the list as one of only seven jobs reporting a median salary at $100,000 or above.
Job Descriptions: An Essential How-To Guide
Employers often face challenges in creating new job descriptions for positions that they do not currently employ, identifying essential job functions, and keeping job descriptions updated. For these reasons, members often request sample job descriptions from ERC and consult with us to develop or update their job descriptions.
ERC Forms Partnership with Corporate Screening Services
ERC has partnered with Corporate Screening Services, a leading provider of pre-employment screening products and solutions, to offer its members a free Screening Program Assessment (SPA) and discounted pricing on background screening. ERC members will receive at least 5% off all background screening products.
3 Frequently Asked Questions about FLSA
Employers usually have a number of questions about the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which governs wage and hour rules – when and how employers are obligated to pay employees for time worked or not worked under law. Here are answers to 3 frequently asked questions about issues related to FLSA.
How to Manage FMLA Intermittent Leave: 7 Strategies

There is probably no task more cumbersome for HR professionals than managing intermittent leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Intermittent leave allows qualified employees to take FMLA leave in small blocks of time (such as one hour) versus one block of 12 weeks.
ERC Teams with PartnerShip to Provide Members with Discounted Shipping
ERC has partnered with PartnerShip® (www.PartnerShip.com/09ERC), a leading provider of shipping solutions, to offer its members discounted pricing on shipping. ERC members will save:
Lake-Geauga Fast Track 50 seeking nominations
In its 20th year, the Lake-Geauga Fast Track 50 Award once again recognizes the 50 fastest growing companies in Lake and Geauga Counties. Winners of the award are based on average sales and employment growth from 2007 through 2011. The most current nomination form can be found online at: www.fasttrack50.org.
12 Answers to Common ‘Paid Time Off’ Questions

Paid time off policies (PTO), managing absenteeism, and administering summer holidays like July 4th are always common issues for employers during the summer months. Here are 12 answers to common questions about PTO and summer holidays to help your organization navigate these challenges and create a competitive PTO plan.
New Recognition Program for Northeast Ohio HR Professionals
ERC is very pleased to announce a new recognition program for Northeast Ohio HR professionals in 2013 – The HR Awards. This program is a joint collaboration between ERC and the Cleveland Society for Human Resource Management (CSHRM). The HR Awards recognize Northeast Ohio HR professionals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of human resource management. The awards honor all levels of HR practitioners, from individuals in local SHRM student chapters to HR executives.
An Employer’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Device Policies
As new technology continues to shape the workplace and the use of social media and mobile devices at work becomes more widespread, organizations must create and enforce employment policies to protect themselves from the risks and liabilities associated with these new applications for working. Here’s a short guide which contains important tips and guidelines for creating social media and mobile device policies.
10 Qualities of Remarkable HR Leaders

Remarkable HR leaders can emerge at any level. Whether they are an entry-level recruiter with a strong ability to hire unique talent, a tenured training manager who has a knack for building employees’ skill sets, or a mid-level employee relations specialist with a unique skill for enhancing employee engagement, remarkable HR leaders impact their workplaces in positive ways.
