Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Variable pay is a powerful communicator of values and directions and changing business needs. However, with nonexempt employees, it is particularly important that: The amount of the incentive be market competitive and significant enough to reward in a meaningful way. The amount of incentive (aka pay at risk) is not so large that missing the […]
As the new year approaches, a number of states will see index-driven increases to their minimum wage rates. Specifically, Arizona, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington will each add around 10 cents per hour to their existing wage rates, based on an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of a little more than one […]
by Albert L. Vreeland ************************ UPDATE 2/26/16 ************************ As expected, on Thursday, February 25, the Alabama Legislature passed a bill preempting any local legislation (city or county) imposing a higher minimum wage or mandating a minimum level of employee benefits. The bill was signed into law by Governor Robert Bentley shortly thereafter, rendering the Birmingham […]
In this short video from BLR’s Advanced Employment Issues Symposium (AEIS), BLR’s Dan Oswald shares his perspective as a CEO on how to talk the C-suite language. “CEO’s talk the language of numbers.” – Dan Oswald, BLR CEO While his presentation is geared towards HR professionals, his advice resonates across professions.
FMLA with cooperative employees is hassle enough, but the challenges compound when employees abuse the system, says Susan Schoenfeld, a Senior Legal Editor for BLR’s human resources and employment law publications. One of the biggest frustrations for employers is trying to deal with an employee who appears to abusing FMLA leave, says Schoenfeld. Fortunately, there […]
A new threat facing employers is an increase in complex and costly litigation over the handling of employee benefit plans. The potential liability can be substantial, as Occidental Petroleum recently discovered when it agreed to pay $25 million, plus another $3.5 million in attorneys’ fees and expenses, to settle such a dispute. The class action […]
As another year begins, you’ll want to discover newer, more practical, and more innovative ways to ensure your learners are excited to participate in both your upcoming and your more mature L&D programs and initiatives.
Hospitals are still resisting transparency, and reacting in unconstructive ways to reference-based pricing. The evidence shows many health care providers have some way to go in embracing changes designed to repair our nation’s cost spiral. We in the self-funding industry can make a difference, and at the same time protect our plan members from unfair […]
by Jackie VanDerMeulen Organizations’ use of independent contractors (often also referred to as consultants) as opposed to actual employees has grown significantly over the years. This trend comes as no surprise in a changing economy where particular skill sets are required at specific times and where flexibility is a key driver of success. In some […]
Summer is near, and with it comes additional workplace hazards, especially for employees who work outdoors in the California sun. High heat and bright sun create special risks—including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sun-related skin damage—for outdoor workers. Certain insect-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus are more prevalent in the summer […]