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State Minimum Wage Increases for 2017 (Map)

Minimum wage increases will affect numerous states across the country in January 2017. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but the FLSA does not supersede any state or local laws that are more favorable to employees. Therefore, if a state has a minimum wage that […]

Well, Isn’t That Special!

Last week’s episode of The Office, “Goodby Toby,” sure gave us plenty to chew on.  So, I’m taking advantage of this week’s break to turn to another Dunder Mifflin pickle presented by the finale — Kevin.  As we saw, Dwight planted the seed with Holly that Kevin is mentally disabled.  Kevin’s natural demeanor certainly drove […]

What recourse does an employer have when an ex-employee steals?

Employee theft is an unpleasant reality in the workplace, but when the employee is still on the job, at least the employer can easily confront the worker. But what’s an employer to do if the theft is discovered after the employee leaves the job and moves out of state? Does the errant worker get off […]

Ask the Expert: OK to Waive Benefits Waiting Period for New Hire?

As part of the negotiations for a new hire’s total compensation package, the candidate has asked the company to waive the health benefits eligibility period and start benefits immediately. Can the company agree to this for some new hires and not others? Would this put the company in jeopardy of potential discrimination claims?

onboarding

10 Best Practices for Successful Onboarding

Welcoming a new employee into a long-term positive relationship with their organization requires an effective onboarding. How can you take steps to ensure that the process is as successful as possible from both the employee and the organization’s perspectives? Following are some best practice tips for effective onboarding.

Pros and Cons of Employee Probationary Periods

Does your organization utilize probationary periods for new hires? During a probationary period, it is typically expected that the new hire’s performance will be evaluated, and the individual can be let go for any reason, including if his or her performance does not meet the established performance standards.

4 TIPS for Employers Who Want to Fight Off Unions

Union issues are suddenly on the front burner. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) which enforces the NLRA (National Labor Relations Act) has become particularly proactive in recent months, witness its very strong stand on social media rights of employees. For the legal do’s and don’ts for employers, we turned to attorney Patricia Trainor, SPHR, […]

pay raise

How Much is Enough? Hint: $10,000 Pay Raises Can Backfire

I recently read an interesting article by Kelly Anderson exploring the surge in salary increases for entry-level professionals as top companies try to retain their young talent. Elite law firms and Wall Street companies are paying entry-level associates premium salaries and raises as they attempt to keep people in the fold. At the same time, employees […]

telecommuting

Pros and Cons of Telecommuting

Telecommuting has made the news a lot in recent years. Technology has enabled this growing trend, and more and more companies are taking advantage of it. That said, there are many pros and cons to consider before implementing a telecommuting option for employees. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of allowing employees […]