How to deal with a non-disclosure agreement

Dear WW: Recently I got a recruiting call from a giant software company that I’d kill to work for. But they insist that I sign a nondisclosure agreement before they’ll even meet with me. What are the risks of signing? T0 SIGN OR NOT TO SIGN
Dear Sign:
These days nondisclosure agreements seem to be breeding faster [...]

How to deal with a non-compete

Dear WW: My department was part of a big company-wide layoff. They offered the standard severance package and then suddenly called me in and offered more money if I signed a non- compete agreement. My friends tell me that I should take the money and not worry, that I can still take a job with [...]

How to deal with Sarbanes-Oxley

DEAR WW: I’ve got a small company, and I’m struggling to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley. What a waste of time and money. TOO FARDEAR TOO:
Your e-mail reminded me of something I recently read. A Lake City, Mich., man called Emergency Services claiming that a neighbor had stabbed him in the chest. Authorities later learned that, in [...]

How to develop a privacy policy at work

DEAR WW: We’ve had a lot of questions recently about privacy in our company. I’ve decided to develop a policy, but I’m not sure where to start. SNOOP
DEAR SNOOP:
With privacy polices, it’s usually the case that you spend your time looking at it from one direction (what is best for the company) and you end [...]

How to fire someone

Dear WW: I’ve got to fire one of those employees who fights everything. He even challenged a verbal warning I gave him a few years ago. How can I fire this guy without ending up in court? COUNTER PUNCHER
Dear PUNCHER,
Given the heightened security concerns in Washington, D.C. the headline was embarrassing-an intruder had breached the [...]

How to provide reasonable accommodation at work

Dear WW: I’m hoping to hire a person who is blind but I’m afraid my boss will resist because he’ll think it will require costly changes to the office. I know the ADA requires workplaces to do certain things for handicapped people. Can you explain what’s required in plain English so I can convince my [...]

How to decide if you should sue your company

Dear WW: I think I have a good discrimination lawsuit against my company. But I once saw a coworker sue and lose everything-his job, home and marriage. Is there any way to tell when it’s worth the risk? A BOY NAMED SUE?
Dear SUE,
Speaking of lawsuits, did you hear about the Scottish woman who recently sued [...]