Archives

Bonus Compensation: A Matter of Discretion

By Angelo D. Catalano, Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP Incentive or bonus-based compensation can create many thorny issues. While some year-end bonuses resemble gifts from the boss, especially if they’re paid around holiday time, other bonuses are intended to be incentives tied to performance by a group or an individual.

Ask the Expert: What Are the Rules for Work Travel?

I have a company that does lighting designs for events that require employees to travel from their homes to various locations. Sometimes travel is required out of state. Typically the travel time is one to two hours. Sometimes employees meet at the warehouse and ride in the company van. Do we pay for the time […]

Recognition Matters

By Sharon McKnight, CCP, SPHR Recognition programs award employees for past behavior rather than drive future behavior and, as a general rule, have no predetermined goals or performance levels that employees are required to achieve. Also, they’re usually budgeted at the organizational level instead of being budgeted by individual departments and focus more on recognizing […]

Cybersecurity bill gives employers plenty to consider

The U.S. House and Senate have both passed versions of a cybersecurity bill that would enable companies to voluntarily share information on cyberattacks. The likelihood that some form of the measure will soon become law means employers need to consider whether or how they should participate. The Senate passed the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act on […]

Proposed GINA rule clears up issue on wellness programs

A new proposed rule from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) settles the question of whether employers are justified in seeking medical information on covered spouses participating in wellness programs. The proposed rule, published in the October 30 Federal Register, would amend regulations implementing Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). The proposed […]

Per Liar Liar, performing background checks on minors can be major issue

Because I’m a lawyer and because my friends know I love movies, people frequently ask me to identify my favorite lawyer-related movies. My personal favorites are My Cousin Vinny, A Few Good Men, and Liar Liar. To the extent you agree or have lawyer-related movies you like as well, feel free to weigh in. As luck would have […]

Keeping Telecommuting Productive and Aboveboard

Telecommuting is quickly growing as a viable means to improve flexibility for employees while reducing costs for employers. If your business opts to allow it, it’s important to think through how best to implement it to ensure the success of the program. Here are some best practices to consider when implementing a telecommuting program in […]

Referrals Still King: Jobvite® Recruiting Survey

In a competitive and complex job market, relationships reign supreme, says a recently-released survey from recruiting technology provider Jobvite. Seventy-eight percent of responding recruiters said they found their best-quality candidates through referrals. Highlights of the Jobvite Survey Recruiters are facing an increasingly demanding and competitive talent market. 95% of recruiters anticipate the job market to […]