Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Government requirements for certifying compliance with HIPAA’s transaction standards would impose a significant, unwarranted burden on self-funded group health plans that do not perform these transactions directly, employer groups warned in written comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The proposed rules would lay “significant costs” on self-insured plans that hire vendors […]
By Clark PhinneyJust My E-pinion “Just meeting the regulatory requirements is like asking your kids to only get a ‘D’ in school,” says compliance expert Clark Phinney. It’s a simple observation he heard a few years ago that seems to say it all about attitudes toward compliance. “…like asking your kids to get a D.” […]
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 […]
Fortunately we haven’t been accused of discriminating against our employees or potential hires. But with all the lawsuits we’ve been reading about lately, we want to be proactive. Do you have any strategies or advice for preventing possible discrimination claims? —Kris R., HR Director, San Jose Discrimination is a big—and often costly—issue faced by […]
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 […]
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.
A common problem with traditional health insurance is that even when the premium is paid by an employer, the copays and deductibles can be unaffordable. Potential answers are benefits such as telemedicine and health advocates. Click here to read more.
A new law aimed at construction safety will make it harder for a contractor whose license has been revoked to simply turn around and work under the license of another business. The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2007.
Stories abound in the media of disgruntled employees who, after being terminated, lash out at their employers and coworkers in violent ways. That’s why it is important to follow a plan of action during a termination meeting. Here are some tips on how to minimize violence during these difficult situations: Remove any dangerous objects in […]
The California Supreme Court has just released its long-awaited decision in the Brinker case, ruling that employers must relieve employees of all duty during meal periods – but need not ensure that no work is done during that time. For more on the case, check out the California Courts press release on the breaking decision.