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Is a 3% Merit Increase the ‘New Normal’?

Most companies are looking at around 3 percent for their merit budgets, says consultant Terry Pasteris, but they’re wishing they had 5 percent. In today’s Advisor, how she makes that (appear) to happen, plus an introduction to the all-comp-in-one-place website, Compensation.BLR.com. Salary Increase Budget Surveys Most employers are working with 3 percent for merit, as […]

Why You Should Establish a Bereavement Leave Policy

In the past few months, I’ve spent every week, if not every day, updating or creating employee handbooks for businesses of all sizes. During that time, I’ve often found myself answering questions about bereavement leave. Most often, employers ask whether their state requires them to offer paid bereavement leave. When I answer their questions, I […]

Are coworkers out to get paranoid employee?

by J. Steven Massoni Mental impairments are some of the most challenging disabilities to accommodate. Read on to learn about how one company managed a difficult situation with an employee who suffers from a mental health disorder and how your company should respond in similar circumstances.  Imagine this Kenneth Tyler has worked for the company […]

Can Individual Managers Be Held Liable for Wrongful Discharge? The Answer May Surprise You

By Jonathan Mook Virtually all states recognize a common law tort claim of wrongful discharge in violation of a state’s established public policy. In most instances, a lawsuit alleging such a claim is brought solely against the plaintiff’s former employer. But may a suit be brought not only against the employer, but also against the […]

FMLA —Never Easy, But These Pre-Written Forms Will Help

In yesterday’s Advisor, we covered FMLA fitness-for-duty certifications and offered a handy form for requesting the certifications. Today, two more FMLA forms plus an introduction to the “FMLA Bible.” FMLA is never going to be easy, but with forms ready to go for most FMLA situations, you can make it a little easier. Here are […]

401(k) Fiduciary? There’s Personal Liability If You Get It Wrong

The changes, which take effect July 1, 2012, are big. As a plan sponsor, you will receive new information about fees paid by the plan. You will also need to give participants some new information. For guidance, we turned to a recent BLR publication, the 401(k) Fee Disclosure Compliance Download Report. Your Role As Fiduciary […]

Work from Home Is Not FMLA Leave

Yesterday’s Advisor offered guidance for several tricky FMLA situations; today, again turning to the “FMLA Bible” for help, we cover FMLA and home work, FMLA and overtime, and state FMLA laws. Work at Home During FMLA Leave Frequently, an employee who is physically unable to come to work will perform some work for the employer […]

Goal-Driven Profit-Sharing? Sure

[Go here for 1. Straight and 2. Hurdle-Rate Profit Sharing] 3. Goal-Driven Profit-Sharing Plans In a goal-driven profit-sharing plan, profits are used to establish an incentive opportunity, but employees also must earn that opportunity, based on achieving other goals. These other goals are broad corporate goals, rather than unit operational goals, which are used to […]

trends

Workplace Trends to Watch in 2017

Maternity leave is so 2015. Like resolutions, trend forecasting has become a rite of passage around the arrival of each New Year. Through safe bets and bold predictions, we look ahead to what the year will hold. Over time, these trends cease to be trends—they become entrenched in our workplaces, and they mature.