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Stock-drop Ruling Reminds Pension Plan Sponsors Why Participants Can’t Sue

So-called stock drop cases, in which defined contribution plan participants sue employer plan sponsors for breach of fiduciary duty when the market value of company stock or other equity options in 401(k) investment menus declines severely, have become common. But for defined benefit sponsors, this threat is less onerous. A ruling the U.S. District Court […]

ADA Bipolar—Medication Side Effects Must Be Accommodated

Yesterday’s Advisor offered symptoms of bipolar disorder and how they play out in the workplace; today, bipolar medication side effects, plus an introduction to the updated guide that gives practical advice for dealing with all manner of ADA challenges. Medications for Treating Bipolar Disorder It is often challenging to find the right combination of medications […]

New OFCCP final rules to take effect March 24

by Tammy Binford New rules requiring federal contractors to set benchmarks for hiring veterans and individuals with disabilities are set to take effect March 24, 2014. The new regulations strengthen requirements under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. The new regulations were published in the Federal […]

Bipolar Medication Side Effects? You Must Accommodate

Medications for Treating Bipolar Disorder It is often challenging to find the right combination of medications and the right dosages, says expert Tom Wootton. Typical medications include: Mood stabilizers Antipsychotics Combination of both Wootton, CEO of Bipolar Advantage, whose remarks came in a recent BLR-sponsored webinar, was joined by Maureen Duffy, PhD, a practicing family […]

6 Tips for More Effective Training Lectures

Lectures are still probably the most common classroom training method. That’s because they are an efficient and cost-effective way to convey information and general knowledge to large groups of employees at one time. For example, lectures are a particularly good way to explain new policies, train employees in the requirements of laws and regulations, and […]

Penn State’s attempt at wellness program didn’t go so well

by Dan Oswald Penn State University found itself at the center of another controversy when it told faculty and employees they must participate in the school’s new wellness program or have $100 withheld from their paychecks every month. The wellness program, which required employees to fill out an online wellness profile and visit a doctor […]

Bipolar Employees: Brightest Star One Day, Worst Nightmare the Next

Bipolar disorder presents one of the trickiest challenges in accommodation. It’s doubly ticklish because it often combines your greatest star with your biggest problem—all in one person, says expert Tom Wootton. We have no accurate statistics regarding the prevalence of bipolar disorder in the workplace, especially because it is often hidden due to stigma, says […]

Employees with Bipolar Disorder: Great One Day, Nightmare the Next

We have no accurate statistics regarding the prevalence of bipolar disorders in the workplace, especially because it is often hidden due to stigma, says Wootton. However, we do see a prevalence in creative departments, sales, legal, and management. Frustratingly, he adds, it’s often a tough call whether the employee with bipolar is an asset or […]

How Can You Boost the ROI of Your Training?

With continuous pressure from management to demonstrate the ROI for corporate training, trainers need to deliver programs that give the company the most bang for its buck. One way to accomplish that goal is to tailor sessions to the audience by considering their: Learning styles and learners’ experience, Knowledge, and Personal characteristics. Accommodate Different Learning […]

Permissible deductions from pay for exempt employees

Are deductions from pay ever allowed for exempt employees? Naturally an employer can make deductions for taxes or employee contributions to retirement or insurance premiums, but what about deductions for days of work missed? What about deductions for time an employee is out due to disciplinary action?