Releases

Tiger Woods' highly publicized firing of long-time caddie Steve Williams, and a potential Williams-penned "tell all" book about the golfing great's personal indiscretions, should spark discussion on the treatment of workers and the need to maintain professional boundaries, says Houston employment attorney Neil Martin of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. "Subordinates' loyalty following discharge by a highly visible executive is always a concern for any business that promotes the public posture of that executive, especially if the executive has a history of questionable lifestyle choices," says Martin. The use of confidentiality contracts can help limit the risk of embarrassing exposés, but it is just as important to avoid adopting an "imperial" disposition toward staff so that you do not destroy employee loyalty by inappropriate treatment, adds Martin. "Advance planning and appropriately conducted staff reductions or terminations can minimize possible embarrassing disclosures by unhappy employees." For more information, contact Rhonda Reddick at 800-559-4534 or rhonda@androvett.com.