Webinar 1: The Do's and Don'ts of Documenting Employee Performance: What Employers Need to Know

Speaker: Diane L. Dee, M.A., SPHR, SHRM-SCP

(President of Advantage HR Consulting, is a certified HR expert with 25+ years' experience across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. She offers HR solutions to small/mid-sized firms, conducts national webinars, and holds credentials from Cornell and SHRM. Diane also supports nonprofits through the Taproot Foundation.)

Description:
Inappropriate documentation can put employers at risk in legal disputes. This session teaches how to properly document employee performance, disciplinary actions, and coaching conversations while avoiding common legal pitfalls.

Key Areas Covered:

• Legal importance of performance documentation
• How to phrase warnings, evaluations, and improvements
• Real-world examples of documentation mistakes
• Guidelines for consistency and objectivity
• Retention and access best practices

Webinar 2: FMLA Extension: When 12 Weeks Is Not Enough – Paid Leave Updates for 2025

Speaker: Susan Desmond Fahey

(Partner at McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC, with over 35 years of experience representing management in labor and employment law. A recognized author and speaker, she is ranked by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Louisiana Super Lawyers as a top leader in her field.)

Description:
Many employers face challenges when employees require leave beyond the 12 weeks guaranteed by the FMLA. This session explores extended leave obligations under ADA and other laws, along with updates in paid leave programs for 2025.

Key Areas Covered:

• When FMLA ends but leave is still needed
• ADA accommodations vs. FMLA obligations
• Intermittent leave handling and documentation
• New paid leave policies and compliance trends for 2025
• Practical guidance on reducing abuse and managing workflow

Webinar 3: Dealing with Difficult People: Strategies for Workplace Conflict

Speaker: Bob Churilla, Ph.D., J.D.

(Partner at Conflict Resolution Professionals Group and a Visiting Professor. He has served as a mediator and consultant for agencies like the USPS, TSA, and EEOC, and has advised various public and private organizations on conflict management and organizational development.)

Description:
Unresolved interpersonal conflict can reduce productivity and morale. This session offers proven strategies for dealing with hostile, passive-aggressive, or non-cooperative individuals in the workplace using communication and behavioral tools.

Key Areas Covered:

• Recognizing toxic traits and behavior patterns
• Communication techniques to de-escalate conflict
• How to set boundaries and maintain professionalism
• Tools for managing team dynamics and difficult peers
• Steps to build accountability and redirect behavior

Webinar 4: Employee Misconduct Documentation: Best Practices for Legal Protection

Speaker: Susan Desmond Fahey

(Partner at McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC, with over 35 years of experience representing management in labor and employment law. A recognized author and speaker, she is ranked by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Louisiana Super Lawyers as a top leader in her field.)

Description:
Misconduct documentation is your first line of defense in employment litigation. Learn how to document disciplinary issues in a way that is fair, factual, and legally defensible, protecting both the employee's rights and the company’s liability.

Key Areas Covered:

• What to include and avoid in misconduct reports
• Language and tone that stand up in court
• Documenting investigations and interviews
• Timelines, consistency, and progressive discipline
• Maintaining privacy and compliance with EEOC, DOL, etc.

Webinar 5: Managing Toxic & Other Employees Who Have Attitude Issues

Speaker: Pete Tosh

(Pete Tosh is the Founder of The Focus Group, a global consulting firm helping organizations drive growth through leadership, HR, strategy, and customer loyalty. With 40+ years of experience, he’s worked with major firms like Exxon and Marriott and co-authored Leading Your Organization to the Next Level.)

Description:
Toxic employees can poison workplace culture and undermine team effectiveness. This session outlines practical steps to identify problematic behavior early and address it through coaching, discipline, or termination when necessary.

Key Areas Covered:

• Traits of toxic and disruptive personalities
• Coaching strategies that inspire change
• Legal considerations when disciplining or terminating
• The impact of negativity on morale and turnover
• HR’s role in fostering a healthy team environment