A growing number of lawsuits is challenging the testing, legal experts say, especially when a minority group is targeted. Insurance companies defend the practice, saying it's best to know beforehand if someone is likely to get sick. Employees at Hewlett-Packard , for instance, are now asked to set annual goals for leisure activities.
Managers say the policy is also a response to high attrition rates for top-level jobs.
At issue was whether the company had adequately protected employees after James Floyd Davis was fired for violent behavior on the job. Employees testified that managers had known of Davis' plans to retaliate if he was fired. Unfairness Eastman Kodak , the nation's largest camera company, has admitted to underpaying 2,000 minority and female workers and has agreed to pay raises for everyone affected. Kodak officials say they will continue to monitor their policies on promotion, training and salaries. On their overseas assignments, most Peace Corps volunteers still go without TVs and phones, but a new survey found that 72 percent use a computer.