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Is Training the Right Solution for a Performance Problem?

Asking many questions before selecting or designing a training program can help determine whether training is the right solution for a performance problem or whether there is an underlying, nontraining issue that needs to be addressed, says Dave Basarab, a training and evaluation expert and author of Predictive Evaluation (www.davebasarab.com). “Separate what training can provide […]

Healthcare reform and state exchanges

by Gary S. Fealk Employers should be aware that big changes are on the horizon as a result of the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the law as constitutional last year. This article briefly discusses provisions addressing state health insurance exchanges and the mandate that employers […]

Do Great People Make Great Cultures or Vice Versa?

Which came first—the people or the culture? asks business and leadership blogger Dan Oswald. Do exceptional people create an extraordinary culture, or does an extraordinary culture attract exceptional people? It is both, he believes. Oswald, CEO of BLR®, offered his thoughts on leadership, people, and culture in a recent edition of The Oswald Letter. Here’s […]

Train Employees to be Leaders—on the Job and in the Community

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (www.allianzlife.com) has received recognition both for its strong commitment to employee development and to the financial literacy of youths in the Minneapolis area. In addition to providing training and development opportunities for its employees, Allianz Life offers college scholarships for local students and supports financial literacy programs in […]

Risks of Noncompliance with Employment Law Increase Say BLR Editors

For 2013,  it’s likely that the risks of noncompliance with employment-related laws are just going to get higher, BLR editors agreed. First of all, DOL and other agencies are focusing on enforcement. They have more attorneys; they have additional statisticians, inspectors, and investigators; and they have the budget for more staffing. Although the number of […]

Never Say Never, and Never Say This

Yesterday’s Advisor featured the first six of author Darlene Price’s 10 phrases that kill your pitch; today, killer phrases 7 through 10, plus an introduction to the all-HR-in-one-place website, HR.BLR.com. [Go here for killer phrases 1 to 6.] 7. AVOID: “…don’t you think?”  or, “…isn’t it?” or “…OK?”  To convey a confident commanding presence, eliminate […]

Questions and Answers on Reform’s Transitional Reinsurance Fee

Employers are understandably nervous about the transitional reinsurance fee, which health insurers and employer health plans must pay from 2014 through 2016. The fee will be collected by HHS, even though the states will tailor their own risk adjustment programs. It must be paid annually. Plans will probably make their first payment for 2014 a […]

Key Wage-and-hour Language to Have in Your Employee Handbook

To prevent the consequences from imprecise employee handbook language,  employers should regularly review their handbooks and written policies. Since wage and hour lawsuits make up a significant part of  litigation, W&H provisions can make a difference as you draft or review your employee handbook. Wage-and-hour related provisions should include pay details, safe harbor and state […]