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English Only, Part 2—No-Hassle Implementation

Last issue we covered guidelines for developing English-only policies. Today’s issue gives implementation tips and introduces a new audio conference that will answer all your English- only questions. Have you reviewed the obstacles and decided to require employees to speak English at work? Here are some tips for implementing such policies taken from BLR’s popular […]

Attracting–and Compensating–the Coveted ‘Passive’ Candidates

In yesterday’s issue, we talked about “passive” candidates—the supposedly great candidates that aren’t actively seeking a job change. Today, suggestions for approaching them and a tool to help with compensation when you hire them. Heather Hamilton, a staffing manager and Microsoft Employee Evangelist, shares her tips for attracting “passive” candidates on her One Louder blog: […]

You Need a Social Networking Policy Now

By Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR Just My E-pinion Creating a policy about blogging and social networking offers a chance to minimize the risks for employers, says attorney Thomas Deer. It makes employees aware of their employers’ position on the use of social media, and it provides a reference point if it is necessary to take […]

Employment Law Tip: Parental Leave for School Activities

It’s hard to believe, but many schools will be back in session in just a few weeks, which means that parents may be called upon to make an appearance at their children’s schools. Now’s a good time for employers to review the rules regarding when parents can take work leave to participate in their kids’ […]

‘Women Think Everything Is Domestic Violence’ (Your Manager?)

Although domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking are not on “the list” of protected categories, there are many instances where such behavior—or managers’ attitudes—can violate Title VII and the ADA. DOL’s  recently released Questions and Answers: The Application of Title VII and the ADA to Applicants or Employees Who Experience Domestic or Dating Violence, Sexual […]

Stop-loss Insurers Maneuvered out of Navigator Role in Final Reform Rules

Stop-loss insurers for self-funded health plans are among the entities excluded from assisting consumers and small businesses in researching health insurance exchange options under health care reform. Those insurers, as well as individuals and other entities with too close a financial relationship to such insurers, cannot be “Navigators,” according to final rules issued July 17 from the […]

benefits

Voluntary Benefits Help Employees Fill the Healthcare Coverage Gap

In its inaugural “State of Employee Benefits 2016” report, Benefitfocus found companies are altering their healthcare plan design to shift greater financial responsibility to employees via voluntary benefits, driving the need for a different approach to healthcare consumption. These benefits can be powerful tools in helping cover the costs associated with consumer-driven health care, says […]

Corporate Communication 1, 2, 3

by Michael P. Maslanka I spend a lot of time thinking about corporate communication, both internal and external. And here is a bold statement: There is nothing more important. Work gets performed, sales are made, and brands are created, all through communication. Here are some keys. Basic Training for Supervisors Say first what it’s not […]

Many Implications for Employers in Senate Health Care Reform Bill

Read the latest news on health care reform efforts in Congress and how they will affect employers In a 60-39 party-line vote, U.S. Senate Democrats voted last night to begin full debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), a comprehensive 2,074-page health care reform bill. The legislation, which Senate Majority Leader […]

Bill Would Increase Dependent Care Credit, Make Limits Permanent

If this bill becomes law, there will be higher dollar limits for eligible services for which employees can claim the dependent care tax credit. Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., introduced the Middle Class Dependent Care Fairness Act of 2012 (H.R. 5886) on June 1. Israel’s bill calls for: increasing the credit to $35,000 per year; increasing […]