Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Ever wonder what your employees are thinking about their jobs, supervisors, promotion opportunities, teamwork, and other important workplace issues? Now you can find out, through the complimentary National Employee Attitude Survey. Employers can sign up to participate in the survey program that will benchmark their employees’ responses to a written questionnaire to answers from employees […]
Back in September 2001, we reported on a California employer that was hit with a $30 million lawsuit after one of its employees struck and killed a teenager while driving and using a cell phone. Now the employee, a former attorney, has been ordered to pay $2 million to the family of the teenager, Naeun […]
Individuals with serious disabilities encounter many difficulties when attempting to enter the workforce. They may have physical or mental deficiencies that make it difficult, if not impossible, to become competitively employed. There are, however, incentives and exceptions to normal workplace rules that “even the playing field” for employees and employers alike. Undoubtedly, many employers think […]
According to a new survey, 48 percent of American employees say they’re paid well for the work they do, but 46 percent disagree. In general, those who felt adequately compensated were age 45 and older, held upper management positions, and worked for the same employer for at least six years. Employees who felt they should […]
The U.S. Department of Labor on April 14 previewed proposed changes to the 40-year-old definition of “fiduciary” that the agency says will increase consumer protection for those seeking advice on retirement investments and 401(k) rollovers. The long-awaited changes will include a new contract for broker-dealers to sign that pledges they will “formally commit to their […]
A little-noticed law that goes into effect on January 1, 1999, may enable companies to eliminate or reduce waiting periods for new hires who want to participate in 401(k) plans. Many employers are reluctant to immediately allow new employees to join 401(k) plans. The primary reason is that their typically lower contributions can pull down […]
Mindfulness is often viewed as a “touchy-feely” fad. However, a new, comprehensive analysis of mindfulness research suggests it is a valuable management tool that can lift an entire workplace by improving focus, the ability to manage stress, and how well employees work together.
By Kevin C. McCormick, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP In a recent unpublished decision, the 4th Circuit—which covers Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia—held that several employees who worked for an American company overseas were properly classified as hourly employees despite some confusion about the offer letters describing their compensation.
Week in Review—January 21, 2011 Note to Readers: This newsletter appears daily, but we know some of you don’t always have the time to read it everyday. For your convenience, here’s a re-publication of what we covered this past week. Daily, weekly, or anything in between, we’re pleased to keep you informed with the latest […]
The state Fair Employment and Housing Commission has just announced the approval of changes to the state’s pregnancy regulations. The changes go into effect on December 30, 2012. They make significant changes to the existing law, including: