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Pending Legislation: Bill Would Impose Big Penalties for Misclassifying Employees as Independent Contractors

By jessica May 24, 2006 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 19, 2015

A bill pending in the state legislature would crack down on employers that intentionally misclassify employees as independent contractors in order to avoid unemployment insurance responsibilities. The measure, A.B. 2186, authorizes the Employment Development Department to assess a penalty of $25,000 against any employer who willfully, purposefully, or intentionally misclassifies an employee as an independent […]

Special from 2011 SHRM Conference: Employees “Too Scared” to Ask for Flextime Says Virgin Group Founder

By Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR Jun 28, 2011 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: Jun 28, 2011

Sir Richard Branson, founder and owner of the British branded Virgin Group, doesn’t think much of American flextime policies. He calls the amount of holidays “horrendous,” while the stingy vacation time bars employees from spending the quality time with their families and children that they need to reenergize. Sir Richard’s comments came at the 2011 […]

The FMLA turns 20

By Diversity Insight Mar 17, 2013 Diversity & Inclusion

Updated: Jan 7, 2018

On February 5, 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became the first legislation signed into law by President Bill Clinton. On February 5, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Act by publishing new FMLA regulations and holding a special event attended by President Clinton, former Secretary […]

Curbing FMLA Abuse

By jessica Dec 3, 2008 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 18, 2015

Ask most HR managers what their biggest headache is, and about 90 percent say “FMLA.” From eligibility to notifications to managing intermittent leave, it’s an ever-present problem.

EEOC Hearing Highlights Impact of Age Discrimination

By HR Hero Jul 16, 2009 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: Jul 16, 2009

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) held a public hearing on July 15 to review recent developments under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The panel discussed the effects of widespread layoffs, threats to employee benefits, and controversial recent court decisions on older workers. The panelists testified in detail about the damaging effect […]

Plan Sponsors’ Loyalty to Service Providers Increases, Study Shows

By Jane Meacham, Contributing Editor Aug 15, 2012 Benefits and Compensation

Updated: Aug 15, 2012

In spite of significant changes now in progress for the fee disclosures required from retirement fund service providers, a study of plan sponsors’ loyalty to these vendors shows increased satisfaction with them. The survey’s results may indicate that new fee transparency rules alone may not sway many plan sponsors to switch providers. The annual study […]

EEOC offers website and guidance for young workers

By Diversity Insight Dec 16, 2012 Diversity & Inclusion

Updated: Dec 16, 2012

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Youth@Work program is designed to educate working-age young people about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace and how they can protect themselves against illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The program consists of three main components:  the Youth@Work web site, free outreach events, and partnerships with business leaders, […]

Successful Wellness Programs Require Ongoing Commitment, Tailoring to Employees

By David Slaughter, JD, Senior Content Specialist, Legal Apr 5, 2012 Benefits and Compensation

Updated: Apr 5, 2012

Getting good results from an employee wellness program requires a continuing organizational commitment and understanding of what motivates individual employees, wellness expert Brad Cooper told a recent Thompson Interactive webinar. He warned of some common wellness program pitfalls. One is a “check-the box” approach — such as setting up a biometric screening and distributing a […]

Ergonomics: Congress Scraps OSHA Ergonomics Rule

By Jennifer Carsen Apr 1, 2001 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 18, 2015

After 10 years of debate, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a national ergonomics standard that covered 102 million workers and took effect in January. But the much-criticized rule—which some said would cost businesses more than $100 billion per year—has now been scrapped by Congress, within weeks of President Bush’s taking office. And the […]