Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The campaign to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour fell a step backward in a Senate vote on April 30—a vote that brought cheers from business interests concerned that the increase would be too onerous on employers and jeers from labor groups that claim the current $7.25 minimum is inadequate. Sixty votes […]
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 […]
Human resources shouldn’t even be called human resources. It’s an outdated term, and there are so many things wrong with it. First off, humans are not resources. They are team members and people who work hard. Second, managing people is not all “HR” does. It also helps build and promote the culture, creates employer branding, […]
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 […]
Recent and soon-to-be college graduates often bemoan or revel in their grade point averages (GPAs), depending on the number, as they apply for postgraduation employment. Even those in the workforce for several years often keep their GPA as an important line item on their résumés.
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 […]
Leave for Crime Victims and Their Families Under SB 478, employees who are the victims of serious crimes and relatives and domestic partners of crime victims can take unpaid leave from work to attend legal proceedings. This new law applies to all employers, regardless of how many employees you have. Be sure to immediately update […]
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.
A newly signed piece of legislation that has drawn much attention—S.B. 1661—makes California the first state in the nation to have a paid family leave program. Fortunately, you’ll have time to get ready because employees can’t begin to collect the family leave pay benefits until July 1, 2004. To help you get started, we’ve laid […]