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FMLA

Wayfair PFML Verdict: Five Lessons Every HR Professional Should Take Seriously

Recently, a Massachusetts superior court jury awarded $4.75 million to an employee in a case against her former employer, Wayfair. The verdict has become one of the most significant employment law developments for Massachusetts employers since the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law took effect in 2021. The substantial verdict under PFML’s antiretaliation provision […]

Equal Pay

8th Circuit: ‘Economic Conditions’ Did Not Allow Unequal Pay

The U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota) recently affirmed a jury’s decision that a furniture manufacturer was liable for sex-based wage discrimination under the Equal Pay Act (EPA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Taxes

What HR Needs to Consider About their Business Vehicle Program During Tax Season

While there is still a short window of time for individuals to file and close out on last year’s taxes, for most companies, tax season is already in the rearview mirror. An often overlooked way to reduce employer taxes is within the business vehicle programs. By using this year’s tax season as a time to reevaluate, businesses can implement sound policies and programs to ensure the organization and the employee are in the best position come tax time next year.

4 Heat Illness Myths to Train Against

The dog days of summer are here, and if any of your employees perform work outdoors, heat can quickly become a safety issue. Your workers may realize they need to protect themselves, but some of what they’ve heard about preventing, identifying, and treating heat illness might be just plain wrong. Bust these myths in your […]

Are You Cross-Training Your Employees?

The following information comes from BLR’s 10-Minute HR Trainer session, "Cross-Training to Promote Better Productivity." How Does Cross-Training Benefit the Organization? Cross-training involves teaching workers job duties other than the ones they normally perform. It develops skills and knowledge so that employees have more to offer the organization. It helps you cope with absences and […]

4 Tips For C-Level Leaders to Manage Teams in Crisis

In 2007, Nokia was the leading manufacturer of mobile phone devices; its annual revenue was $75.83 billion, and its market share was 49.4%. But in 2008, when Steve Jobs walked onto a stage and pulled an iPhone out of his pocket, Nokia’s market share plummeted. The era of smartphones requires managers to lead processes and […]

Preventing independent contractors from becoming full-fledged employees

by Michael J. Spooner Businesses’ use of independent contractors is a growing trend in the American economy, and many observers believe the trend is here to stay. Independent contractors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Well-known companies like Uber and Lyft rely almost exclusively on independent contractors, but there has been a significant […]

Now Hiring: Avenger Experience Preferred

Even if you’re not a devoted follower of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), you likely were aware that Avengers: Infinity War just opened this past weekend.  While it is no surprise that the movie shattered a litany of box office records over its opening weekend, no one could have predicted the unparalleled success the MCU […]

seizine opportunity

Seizing opportunities

Recently, I wrote about the importance of consistent, dedicated effort on a daily basis, quoting Woody Allen, “90 percent of success is showing up.” Some might ask, as they have, “Doesn’t it take more than having your butt in a chair?” Of course it does. Consider a student with perfect attendance. She’s at school each […]