Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Bob Brady weighs the possible impact of swine flu on the workplace, and he invites you to a special audio conference on steps you can take to prepare. There’s been no shortage of bad news for employers lately—the economy, EFCA, you name it. Now it appears that we’re […]
by Brian J. Kurtz, Ford & Harrison LLP The headline grabber in Illinois was Republican Mark Kirk’s defeat over Alexi Giannoulias, the Democratic contender for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama. Giannoulias, a close friend of President Obama, would have offered firm support for the President’s agenda in the Senate. In […]
Yesterday’s Advisor presented the results of a recent survey on HRIS use; today, an HRIS checklist from HR.BLR.com, BLR’s premier HR website. Here are recommended items to check to see if your HRIS is up to the mark. (It’s just as useful for those considering HRIS). Records Maintained Does your system maintain the following personnel […]
Although the disability provisions of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) were modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the two laws have some key differences—and the California rules provide greater protection for disabled employees. We’ll tell you about a new ruling from a federal court in San Francisco that focuses on […]
By Patrick Gannon Occupational health and safety legislation in all provinces across Canada places the ultimate responsibility for occupational health and safety on employers. Among other things, Canadian employers have to provide certain information, instruction, and training to workers. Last month, Ontario took occupational health and safety training to a new level, announcing that Ontario […]
Just about every day, it seems DOL wins or settles another expensive lawsuit based on the "simple" laws of wage and hour. Today’s Advisor features beyond-the-basics questions that are often asked of the BLR® experts. Q. Can we give an extra week of vacation to cover any overtime? A. Providing vacation rather than overtime is […]
Government efforts to bring 403(b) retirement plans up to regulatory par with 401(k) plans has resulted in a rough transition for 403(b) plan sponsors, and in recognition of that fact, an ERISA advisory council gave the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) five recommendations to help ease the compliance burden. Background Over the years, many 403(b) […]
In yesterday’s Advisor, we covered the tricky ground of religious accommodation. Today, a Q&A on hardship, dress, and holidays, plus an introduction to a unique, checklist-based audit system. What Costs Equate to Undue Hardship? Employers need not incur more than minimal costs to accommodate an employee’s religious practices. For example, infrequent or temporary overtime payments […]
Employee Enforcement of Labor Code Under SB 796, which has been dubbed the “bounty-hunter law,” employees may file private lawsuits against their employers, on behalf of themselves and other employees, for labor code violations when the responsible state agency doesn’t pursue the violations. The law provides employees with various financial incentives to file suit, as […]
From Google to Uber and everywhere in between, company scandals have been filling the headlines lately. As a result, jobseekers are more concerned about a company’s values. They want to work for an employer that aligns with what they believe is just and right.