Author: Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR

Engagement Suddenly a Priority? 6 Universal Drivers

Engagement is an issue for most employers as the economy comes back. How to make it happen? Six factors are required for true employee engagement, says consultant Keith Branham. Highly engaged workplaces score high on all six. Branham, who is founder and principal of Keeping the People, Inc., offered his expertise at WorldatWork’s 2013 Total […]

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 […]

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 […]

Editor’s Choice: Feature Video series – Firing 101

For this edition of the HR Daily Advisor, we present you with our favorite videos of 2013. Today’s Editor’s Choice videos are the Firing 101 Series. Firing 101 Part 1—Stop, Listen and Look From a legal standpoint, terminations are the most dangerous actions managers take. In this video, HR Daily Advisor Editor Stephen Bruce talks […]

Reform Rule Broadens Plans Considered to Be Minimum Essential Coverage

Self-funded student health plans and state high-risk pool coverage will be considered minimum essential coverage for calendar year 2014, but they will have to get approved by a health insurance exchange to gain such consideration in 2015, under rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Carrying minimum essential coverage is required for an […]