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Telecommuting: What Should We Include in a Telecommuting Policy?

Our company has decided that it would be beneficial to offer employees the opportunity to work from home. Before we enter into work-at-home arrangements with employees, we want to have a written telecommuting policy in place. What should we cover? —Andrew W., Human Resources Specialist, Santa Cruz   Telecommuting can be a cost-effective alternative to […]

Definition of ‘Excepted Benefits’ Would Expand under ACA Proposal

Two specific types of limited wraparound coverage could qualify as “limited excepted benefits,” under health care reform rules proposed Dec. 19 by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury. “Excepted” status would be available on a temporary “pilot” basis to coverage that: wraps around a Multi-State Plan offered by the U.S. Office […]

How Far Can You Go in Controlling Employee Health?

Staggering healthcare costs are making many employers want to move beyond passive wellness programs toward a more aggressive stance that demands healthy results, not mere participation. How far can you go? Today’s expert sorts it out. Employers may make health demands, but only within certain strict limits, says Antoinette Plizner of the Ann Arbor, Michigan, […]

Advocacy groups challenge Trump’s 2-for-1 regulation requirement

Three liberal advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit alleging that President Donald Trump’s 2-for-1 regulation mandate violates the U.S. Constitution and directs agencies to violate federal law. In a January 30 Executive Order, Trump instructed federal agencies to cut two regulations for every new one issued during the current fiscal year. He said the order […]

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Workplace safety in an age of viral panic

by Jo Ellen Whitney In a world with a 24-hour news cycle, multiple TV channels specifically designated to the news, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and a constant news machine that needs to be fed, the adage “If it bleeds, it leads” has more power than ever before. In late 2014, we saw a good example of […]

Exploring the trickier aspects of hiring: What kills an applicant’s chances?

A few questions to consider about the hiring process: Is it the most rewarding aspect of an HR professional’s job? Is it a thorny task fraught with legal risk? Is it an exercise in frustration, frequently yielding undesirable candidates? For many HR pros, the answer to all three questions is likely yes. The economic downturn […]

Exempt Employees: How California Employer Won Overtime Exemption for High-Level IT Employee

Skyriver Communications, Inc., a San Diego wireless broadband Internet service provider, employed Mark Combs as director of network operations and classified him as an exempt administrator. Combs spent about 60 to 70 percent of his workday ensuring that the company’s network was operating properly at all times. Combs eventually resigned, and he slapped Skyriver with […]