WIRTW #486 (the “all apologies” edition)

Accused of sexual harassment? Don’t know what to do?

Thankfully, the Celebrity Perv Apology Generator has you covered.

Example?

As the father of daughters, I am deeply ashamed (but not “sorry” because that means I’m guilty of something). At the time I believed that my sociopathic manipulation of the 22-year-old in my office was consensual, and of course now I realize my behavior was wrong. In conclusion, I will get the help I so desperately need because this isn’t actually my fault, I have a problem so I’m not responsible for my actions.

(I’ll take this over Matt Lauer’s “apology” 10 times out of 10; at least this one is honest.)

Thank you, Dana Schwartz, Rob Sheridan, and Scott McCaughey, from bringing some much needed levity to an otherwise awful situation.

Here’s what I read the past two weeks:

How not to harass women, in one easy step

Last night we went to dinner at our favorite local restaurant. Donovan ordered his favorite dish—gluten free penne alfredo. He is not a great eater. Usually, despite this dish’s “favorite” status, he will eat two bites and proclaim, “I’m full.” Last night, the general manager, who was covering chef duties, decided to have a little fun at D-Man’s expense. Instead of a full plate of pasta, he sent a small dish with two lonely noodles. We howled. Donovan was not amused. We explained that sometimes teasing is an expression of affection, which was the category into which this little joke fell.

I’m happy to report that Donovan got over the good-natured joke, and, for the first time I can recall, cleared his full plate (after it was delivered to the table).

That was funny.

What’s not funny?

The Worst Employer of 2017: The Finalists

I started this journey all the way back on January 12, 2017, in a post discussing an employer who fired a man absent while attending his son’s birth.

This poll of the year’s worst employers seemed like a fun way to illustrate how employers shouldn’t act. Your response suggests that I might be on to something.

Almost one year and nearly 600 votes later, we’ve cut the 23 nominees down to these three finalists (in alphabetical order):

In the spirit of #GivingTuesday, here are 7 considerations for your charitable donations policy

Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of charitable giving, which symbolically kicks off the season for those who choose to focus their holiday and year-end giving.

How does your company support employees’ charitable endeavors?

Timing is everything when defending a retaliation claim

Miriam Valle worked as a ticket agent for Frank Martz Coach Company, until it fired her on January 27, 2016.

Two weeks prior, she had advised her immediate supervisor, Edward Steltz, that she needed to apply for FMLA leave for breast cancer surgery. Martz approved the leave to begin on January 19, and was scheduled to return to work on January 25 following her surgery. Complications pushed that return dated back by four days. Before she could return, however, Martz fired her following an investigation into complaints by co-workers that she had made violent threats (allegations which Valle denied).

In Valle v. Frank Martz Coach Company (M.D. Pa. 11/16/17), the court denied the employer’s motion for summary judgment and held Valle’s FMLA retaliation claim for trial.

Today is your last day to vote in the preliminary round for the “Worst Employer of 2017”

Today is your last day to vote in the preliminary round for the “Worst Employer of 2017.”

Voting in the cut-down round has been robust, with nearly 600 votes cast to date.

That said, there have been three clear leaders since day one.

Yet, several others are within a few votes of squeaking into the finals.

So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t voted, click here and vote.

Polls close at 11 pm, and will re-open next Wednesday for one final round of voting on the three (or more?) finalists.

Your employees are your brand ambassadors; train them accordingly

“Dad, can you take me to the craft store?”

My 6th grader has a diorama due the day after Thanksgiving break.

So, off Norah and I went to the craft store last night.