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The FBI investigation of the federal Office of Special Counsel intensifies calls for reform. The FBI searched the home and office of the organizations' leader this week looking for evidence of misconduct. The raid may prompt Congress to enact new whistleblower legislation.

An employee-assistance provider recently settled a lawsuit stemming from a fatal 2003 workplace shooting. In addition to enacting proper policies and procedures, HR leaders should make sure their EAPs clearly communicate and address issues of violence when workers are referred.

Bypassing a qualified white candidate to hire a minority candidate as a way to increase minority representation may lead to a successful reverse-discrimination claim. Diversity efforts should be grounded in the business aims of an organization, not in numbers.

The cost of connectivity could be a class-action wage-and-hour lawsuit. It's just a matter of time, experts say. Written policies -- and paying employees for time worked -- are crucial.

Business groups support the purpose of the law but worry about the unintended consequences that may ensue from the restrictions on information about genetic information. The bill leaves open the possibility that employers can be sued for just receiving -- not acting upon -- a worker's genetic information.

More than half of top executives feel a "less than ideal emotional connection and alignment" to their organizations, according to a recent survey. With a clear link between executive engagement and organization success, HR needs to take an active role to reverse that situation.

A Pizza Hut driver, who was fired after shooting an armed robber, adds to the controversy over employer zero-tolerance gun policies. As some states enact laws permitting gun possession at work, a recent court case suggests companies need a policy on the matter.

While anecdotal evidence abounds, a new study has found no evidence to back up the contention that conflicts of interest between executive comp consultants and companies are to blame for lucrative CEO pay -- although it did find higher pay at companies that use consultants.

Adding fun to the workplace may increase retention and productivity. HR leaders should ensure that fun events are linked to corporate achievements -- and make sure the humor is not hurtful in any way.

Most Americans want an improved standard of living, universal healthcare and less outsourcing of jobs, but while HR needs to address those issues, there's probably little they can do to satisfy their employees. Improving lines of communication may offer the best hope.

More U.S. companies are disclosing the specific goals used in their executive-compensation plans, but roughly one-third still don't provide enough information in their proxies. HR executives should be watching developments -- and taking a leading role -- in this area.

Some military veterans are struggling to find employment upon returning home from duty. How critical is the veteran unemployment issue, and what can HR do to help?

Corporate wellness initiatives may run afoul of the law and offer more potential liability than benefits, experts warn. Careful crafting of policies and procedures is crucial, and focusing on incentives -- instead of penalties -- is key, proponents say.

Advice for analyzing whether HR business-process outsourcing is right for an organization, views from the EEOC -- by one of its commissioners and three of its administrative judges -- as well as ways to initiate a pay-for-performance plan in healthcare were on the conference agenda.

The importance of right-brain capabilities when recruiting, the state of HR in healthcare, the benefits of offshore outsourcing and other sessions were part of the first day of a conference encompassing HR issues in healthcare, outsourcing and the federal workplace.