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What is the Workflex in the 21st Century Act?

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) worked with input from HR professionals and with Congress to help create the Workflex in the 21st Century Act, which was introduced in the House of Representatives in early November 2017.

Employer Violated COBRA by Not Sending Notice After Reduction in Hours Hikes Premium

An employer/plan administrator erred by thinking that because it automatically kept employees covered under its health plan when their hours were reduced, there was no need to provide a COBRA election notice, a federal district court in Maryland ruled. The fact that the reduction in hours resulted in an increase in their premiums constituted a […]

Lack of Secrecy Dooms Employer’s Suit to Stop Former Sales Reps’ Use of Customer Lists

The Illinois Trade Secrets Act (ITSA) prohibits misappropriation of trade secrets and allows recovery of attorneys’ fees in suits to enforce the Act. A recent decision by the Appellate Court of Illinois is a cautionary tale for employers wanting to protect customer lists and other information.

How to Market Effectively to Generation Z

Generation Z will make up about 20% of the workforce and 40% of consumers by 2020. Here are 5 key differences between Generation Z and Millennials, and our perspective on how these differences will impact your business

Adventures in extreme workplace team building

by Michael P. Stafford Does your company have a workplace morale problem? Do you want to foster improved collaboration and cooperation among employees as they work together to solve a problem? Have you ever considered addressing those concerns by simulating life-threatening crisis situations? And no, I don’t mean the annual company fire drill! If you […]

Ask the Expert: Can Positive Drug Tests Be Cause for Termination?

Question: If we have a drug-free workplace policy and implement random testing, can we fire an employee who tests positive even if the employee simply used marijuana outside the workplace and wasn’t impaired? Answer: The short answer is yes. Employers in Wisconsin specifically are allowed to conduct random drug testing of their employees. If an […]

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Freshman 15: Work-from-Home Edition

If you aren’t familiar with the freshman 15, it’s the average amount of weight a college freshman gains in his or her first year. Many attribute the weight gain to a combination of unprecedented freedom and the availability of copious amounts of food. The work-from-home situation has some parallels.

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Should Nonexempts Get Incentive Pay?

Yes, pay for performance applies to all levels of jobs, says consultant Katie M. Busch, but there are some caveats when you offer incentive programs to nonexempts. Variable pay is a powerful communicator of values and directions and changing business needs, says Busch. However, with nonexempt employees, it is particularly important that: The amount of […]