Most Popular

How to improve your reference checking

Reference checking an applicant’s past can make today’s hiring decision easier … but only if you do it right! It’s been said that “the answers to all questions of the present reside in the past.” While not true for everything, there’s a lot of validity in this statement when hiring new employees. It’s likely your […]

Plan’s Network Policy Was Clear Enough to Ward Off ERISA Claims (in spite of poor call center performance)

Rejecting a plan participant’s claims that plan documents should specifically list in-network providers, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that a plan clearly providing information on how to check for provider status was sufficient to escape benefits-denial and fiduciary-breach claims. In affirming a lower court decision, the court also rejected an argument that […]

Is Your Training Award-Winning?

Johns Manville of McPherson, Kansas, which produces fiberglass insulation materials, was honored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its commitment to safety. In 2007 Johns Manville earned membership in OSHA’s prestigious “star” Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The star designation is the highest level in the program. “Johns Manville has exhibited excellence in […]

3 emerging trends for employers to watch

by Bryan R. Cokeley The following article provides an overview of how the law might change in the near future based on three issues that employers across the country have been grappling with.  1. Ban-the-box legislation The United States incarcerates a larger percentage of its population than any other industrialized country. Consequently, our correctional facilities […]

A Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Finally, the strike is officially over. And, according to the New York Times, new episodes of “The Office” will start airing on April 10, 2008. Thank God! In the meantime, there are plenty of real life cases with facts so bizarre that they rival the plots dreamed up by Hollywood writers. To get us started, […]

Coverage of Dementia Services Bodes Well for Employer LTC Insurance

Why should a recent tax court decision that caretaker services provided to a dementia patient are qualified long-term care (LTC) expenses be of interest to employers? Well, if you see employee benefits as a way to attract and retain good employees, and don’t yet offer LTC insurance, the ruling —  which means those services could […]

States Take the Lead on Employment Law: Here’s How to Keep Up

As Washington gridlock worsens, the states are getting more aggressive on employment law. Here’s a widely used tool to make sure you’re aware of the changes in your state. Yesterday’s Daily Advisor dealt with whether employment laws that require notice be given to employees about their wage and hour, safety, and other protections also say […]

How to Motivate Your Employees to Be Content Creators

Yesterday’s post covered why it’s beneficial for your employees to be content creators. Essentially, if your employees are content creators, they will provide a more authentic experience for candidates who use this content to determine what your company culture is like. Here’s what you can do to motivate your employees to take on this new role.

Have You Considered a Mentoring Program for Women?

Men generally do a “fantastic job” of helping their male colleagues move up the corporate ladder, but women typically do not, says Thomasina Tafur, a former FedEx senior manager who is now a consultant to HR executives on positioning females for leadership roles. “I don’t think it’s deliberate or malicious,” says Tafur, president of Thomasina […]

Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Church Firing of Teacher/Minister

In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a church’s right under the First Amendment to fire an employee who was a minister despite federal antidiscrimination laws. The case, Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, marks the first time the Supreme Court has recognized the First Amendment-based ministerial […]