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Incentive Pay Isn’t for Nonexempts—Or Is It?

Variable pay is a powerful communicator of values and directions and changing business needs. However, with nonexempt employees, it is particularly important that: The amount of the incentive be market competitive and significant enough to reward in a meaningful way. The amount of incentive (aka pay at risk) is not so large that missing the […]

Alcohol and drugs in the workplace: What to do if you suspect substance abuse

Employers have an obligation to ensure employees are not using alcohol and drugs in the workplace because it could affect the safety of the whole team. There is latitude to discipline employees if alcohol or drugs are being used, but employers need to proceed with caution to handle the situation appropriately if substance abuse is suspected.

Governor signs bill raising California minimum wage

by Cathleen Yonahara On September 25, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed Assembly Bill (AB) 10, which will raise the state minimum wage in stages to $10 per hour. Employers will be required to raise wages to $9 per hour by July 1, 2014, and to $10 per hour by January 1, 2016. The […]

Do Your People Need Training on Return-to-Work Programs?

Let’s talk about easing an employee’s return to work after recovering from a workers’ compensation injury or illness. Rehabilitation programs help employees regain strength or learn to function with a disability. Therapy teaches employees ways to work without reinjury or repeat illness—for example, proper lifting techniques or stress management techniques. Medical professionals will determine when […]

Hiring essentials: tips for applications and interviewing

by Steve Jones Many federal employment laws can apply to the hiring process. Even if you are a small business that may not fall under the rules because of a limited number of employees, it’s always recommended that you follow legally compliant policies from the start. When hiring an employee, you should consider both your […]

Stock-drop Ruling Reminds Pension Plan Sponsors Why Participants Can’t Sue

So-called stock drop cases, in which defined contribution plan participants sue employer plan sponsors for breach of fiduciary duty when the market value of company stock or other equity options in 401(k) investment menus declines severely, have become common. But for defined benefit sponsors, this threat is less onerous. A ruling the U.S. District Court […]

ADA Bipolar—Medication Side Effects Must Be Accommodated

Yesterday’s Advisor offered symptoms of bipolar disorder and how they play out in the workplace; today, bipolar medication side effects, plus an introduction to the updated guide that gives practical advice for dealing with all manner of ADA challenges. Medications for Treating Bipolar Disorder It is often challenging to find the right combination of medications […]

New OFCCP final rules to take effect March 24

by Tammy Binford New rules requiring federal contractors to set benchmarks for hiring veterans and individuals with disabilities are set to take effect March 24, 2014. The new regulations strengthen requirements under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. The new regulations were published in the Federal […]

Bipolar Medication Side Effects? You Must Accommodate

Medications for Treating Bipolar Disorder It is often challenging to find the right combination of medications and the right dosages, says expert Tom Wootton. Typical medications include: Mood stabilizers Antipsychotics Combination of both Wootton, CEO of Bipolar Advantage, whose remarks came in a recent BLR-sponsored webinar, was joined by Maureen Duffy, PhD, a practicing family […]