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New rule simplifies FMLA administration

by Lauren E.M. Russell The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in United States v. Windsor created a lot of uncertainty in federal employment benefits. Because the federal government’s definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman was deemed unconstitutional, the decision left unanswered the question of when same-sex spouses were eligible […]

Job Descriptions: Your ‘Weakest Link’?

Despite the fact that a sound job description is the basis for a meaningful compensation plan, all too often job descriptions are the weakest link in the connection between compensation and performance management, says Michele Whitehead, PHR. Not sure about your job descriptions? You can poll your people to find out where you stand, Whitehead […]

Executive Pay Plan Design Considerations

Designing an executive pay plan requires a lot of facets to be considered, not the least of which is: how high should executive pay be? But the exact amount is far from the only consideration. How should an organization decide to pay executives? Is there a formula to use? Unfortunately, it’s seldom that simple, and […]

No Doom, No Gloom

Litigation Value: Sabre had better continue socking money away for a settlement with several female employees for their sexual harassment claims against Gabe. First poor Erin, and now “Warehouse Val” has to put up with Gabe’s creepy courtship. Robert may want to ship Gabe back to Tampa before he does any real damage. And Andy’s […]

Be Prepared for The Worst Case Scenario – Workplace Violence

With workplace violence attacks becoming more prevalent in the US, organizations need to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Attacks in the workplace average three deaths and up to 12 injuries per attack, and lawsuits average $500,000 with jury awards averaging $3 million. Worse yet, the loss of friends and colleagues in the workplace is devastating…and […]

Use summer as a chance to focus on what’s really important

by Dan Oswald Last week, we celebrated the first day of summer. With kids out of school for a few weeks now and the high temperatures we’ve experienced already, it seems like summer started quite a while ago. Either way, summer is here. It’s time for family vacations, afternoons at the ballpark, and concerts in […]

Nonsolicitation Agreements: Employer Who Sued To Enforce Agreement Ordered To Pay $1.3 Million To Former Employees

Flair Communications Agency in San Francisco asked for an injunction against three former employees, claiming they violated a nonsolicitation and trade secrets agreement by stealing the agency’s clients and setting up a rival promotional agency. Flair also sought $1.3 million in damages. But the tables were turned when the court denied the injunction—and instead awarded […]

It’s Checkup Time for Your Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

Well-written harassment complaint procedures and policies often make the difference between a successful defense and big-dollar settlements and judgments, says today’s expert. Tom O’Day, an attorney with the Milwaukee office of Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., says a recent case showed that an inadequate harassment complaint mechanism exposes employers to liability. Burger King Manager Won’t Stop […]