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DOL Throws Surprise Birthday Party for FMLA–Final Regulations Issued

It was a surprise birthday party for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), says Susan Schoenfeld, JD; on February 5, 2013, exactly 20 years after the FMLA was signed, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Final Rule ahead of the planned regulatory schedule. Just what HR was hoping for—more complicated regulations. The […]

Violent Crimes Down Six Percent Nationwide in 2010

The number of violent crimes declined 6% nationwide in 2010 from a year earlier, according to an annual report released week by the FBI. Murder and manslaughter offenses fell 4.2% in 2010, reported rapes declined 5%, and aggravated assaults fell 4.1% from 2009. The number of robberies fell by 10%, and the number of property […]

Avoid These Ugly Preemployment Pitfalls

In yesterday’s Advisor, we reviewed the good and the bad of preemployment inquiries; today, we take a look at some of the just plain ugly questions that you should never even think of asking.

Before You Can Fire, the Employee Sues. Now What?

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady [The following article previously appeared on HR.BLR.com®.] Consider this scenario: An employee is a major problem. Regularly late. Misses deadlines. Difficult to deal with. Her supervisors have given good counseling along the way. The file is in good shape, clearly documenting the problem and what has been done. […]

Administering Family Leave: Court Looks At When You Can Get A Second Medical Opinion; A Step-By-Step Guide

An employee who requests family leave for a serious illness can be asked to submit medical verification of the need for the leave. But what if you don’t believe the person is medically entitled to the leave? Can youseek a second opinion? A new ruling from a federal appeals courtconfirms that you have the right […]

Discovering the perks of perks: Creative little extras can bring payoffs

Tammy Binford Imagine a workplace where employees are eager, engaged, motivated, and loyal. Now think of what an employer can do to create such employees. Part of the formula will focus on rewards, recognition, and even a little fun. When considering what perks to offer employees, the sky seems to be the limit. Paid time […]

DOL issues final rule on FMLA expansions

On February 4, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule implementing two expansions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The rule was issued to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Act. One of the expansions provides families of eligible veterans with the same FMLA-protected leave available […]

Is a COBRA Notice ‘Postcard’ Too Far From the Edge of Compliance?

Postcards are designed to provide a brief message, but it will be interesting to learn if such brevity is sufficient to adequately notify an individual of COBRA continuation coverage rights — particularly when the law identifies at least 14 content requirements for COBRA election notices. In a recent court case, an employer/plan administrator faced with […]

How do you make people feel?

by Dan Oswald I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. —Maya Angelou On Saturday, the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team held its annual Red-White Spring Game. With time for just one final play, Jack Hoffman walked […]

New COBRA model notices available

by Jessica Webb-Ayer The Obama administration recently announced that new COBRA model notices are available. The notices alert employees about their ability to continue their healthcare coverage through COBRA following certain events that otherwise would result in termination of coverage. The administration updated the notices to make it clear that if employees are eligible for […]