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7 Business Benefits of Telecommuting

Telecommuting is one form of workplace flexibility that can be beneficial to both employees and employers alike. While many people can quickly name employee benefits such as improved work-life balance, shorter commute times, and increased satisfaction, there are just as many benefits for employers. “Organizations began recognizing that there were business results as a result […]

Employee Rewards: The Importance of Perceived Fairness

Perceived fairness of employee rewards (or the lack thereof) is often at the root of why employees leave organizations. The idea of fairness also determines if an employee will make an extra effort to reach organizational goals or even the objectives of his or her own job. For these reasons, it’s vital for organizations to […]

4 More Safety Precautions for Protecting Contact Lens Wearers

The National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers with chemical operations take these additional steps to keep contact lens wearers safe in chemical environments: 7. Train medical and first-aid personnel in the removal of contact lenses and have the appropriate equipment available. 8. In the event of a chemical exposure, begin eye […]

Feds Provide Form for Companies to Attest Objections to Reform’s Contraceptive-coverage Mandate

New health reform rules finalize policies for non-profit organizations that object on religious or moral grounds to gain an exemption from having to “contract, arrange, pay or refer for” contraceptive coverage.  The final rules reflect public feedback received in response to Feb. 6, 2013 proposed rules (78 Fed. Reg. 8456). In the proposed rule, the […]

Small Business Worried about Retirement Readiness, Not Big on Plans

Most U.S. small business owners think the country’s lack of retirement readiness threatens business and the economy, yet that concern doesn’t necessarily translate to concrete action to address it, a new survey has found. Only about one-third of small-business owners offer a retirement plan for their employees, according to “Poll Report: Small Business Owners’ Views on […]

Employer’s Negligence Results in $1.85 Million COBRA Notice Penalty

A large employer was socked with $1.85 million in COBRA notice penalties, plus still-to-be determined attorney’s fees, for neglecting its duty as plan administrator to ensure that COBRA election notices were sent on a timely basis. The company’s negligence occurred over several years, affecting hundreds of former employees who participated in a class action lawsuit. […]

Do Your Safety People Know the Top 10 Ways To Keep Contact Lens Wearers Safe?

The National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers with chemical operations take these steps to keep contact lens wearers safe in chemical environments: 1. Conduct an eye injury hazard evaluation in the workplace that includes an assessment of the number of contact lens wearers, chemical exposures, and appropriate eye and face protection […]

Workers’ Compensation: Avoid Adverse Action Claims

“Most state workers’ compensation laws provide that it is unlawful for an employer to discharge or otherwise discriminate/retaliate against a worker for claiming worker’s comp or testifying at a workers’ comp hearing.” Adele Abrams explained in a recent BLR webinar. And this goes beyond just standard discipline or firing: “Anything that is an adverse action […]

Telecommuting Basics: Q&A for Employers

Does an employer have liability for injuries that telecommuters incur while in their home office? How can you keep your company culture if you allow people to work from home? Who should pay for equipment for telecommuting employees’ home offices? In a recent BLR webinar, Dayna Fellows answered these questions and more. Here’s a sample […]

Senate immigration vote means employers need to stay tuned

The Senate’s passage of an immigration reform bill gives employers much to think about, but it’s hardly the last word on the issue. The House has been considering immigration measures of its own and is expected to tackle reform in a completely different way after the July 4 holiday. The Senate passed a comprehensive reform […]