Archives

New law streamlines MSP settlement process with on-line information (starting 2014)

Currently, Medicare beneficiaries who have pending claims with third parties responsible for their injuries face settlement delays. The parties cannot determine how much of the settlement is to be used to reimburse Medicare, because Medicare has not been prompt in providing information on the amounts of the benefits it claims to have paid. The result […]

Short-lived Sale Option Did Not Negate COBRA Small-employer Exception

A former employee argued that her former employer, which employed fewer than 20 employees (and thus was exempt from COBRA) for eight months of the year, formed an affiliated service group with another employer and thus employed more than 20 employees for four months of that year. Thus, she contended the employer became subject to […]

5 Questions for Big-Picture Managers in 2013

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day activities of managing and lose sight of the bigger picture. The beginning of a new year provides a natural break for you to take a deep breath and consider how to make 2013 a success, says Oswald, CEO of BLR, who offered his thoughts in […]

New requirement to offer jobs to predecessor contractor’s workers takes effect January 18

by Judith E. Kramer An Executive Order issued nearly four years ago dealing with employees of federal contractors is set to take effect on January 18. President Barack Obama signed Executive Order 13495—Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts—on January 30, 2009. The order requires that contractors and subcontractors acquiring contracts that succeed contracts for […]

2013 Best Practices in Recruitment and Recognition

Our previous Advisor began BLR’s annual summary of 10 HR Best Practices; today, best practices 6 through 10. [Go here for Best Practices #1 to #5] #6 Health and Wellness Ideas that employers can use in their wellness programs are as varied as the employees in an employer’s workforce. It may take some trial and […]

What goes around comes around

by Dan Oswald “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” —W. Clement Stone Do you believe in karma? Do you think a person brings upon himself inevitable results, whether they […]

Pension Plans’ 2012 Year-end Funding Levels Below 2011 Ratios

Many plan sponsors are still having a hard time improving the funding status of their plans, according to indexes measuring the December funding levels of U.S. corporate pension plans. Statistics show plans’ funding rose slightly from November 2012 to December 2012, keeping the month’s funded ratios above the lowest monthly figures for 2012; however, they […]

They Said What? Odd Interview Experiences

What’s the worst mistake an applicant can make during an interview? Appearing disinterested is at the top of the list, according to a recent CareerBuilder® survey. While disinterest comes in many forms such as an applicant giving short answers or not being enthusiastic enough, some applicants’ behaviors are shockingly blunt. For example, one survey respondent […]

Breaking News—Celebrity Breaks Beak, Becomes Disabled

In breaking news from HRSBT, a press conference was held at County Memorial Hospital to announce that famous TV personality and corporate ad star, the Aflac® Duck, is in stable condition after fracturing his beak and lacerating (no, not marinating) his wings in an accident of unknown cause. The doctor speaking at the press conference […]

Yes, ADA May Cover Domestic Violence, Assault, and Stalking

Yesterday’s Advisor covered new guidance concerning the application of Title VII to domestic violence, assault , and stalking; today, the ADA story, plus an introduction to the all-in-one HR problemsolver, HR.BLR.com. What are some examples of employment decisions that may violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and involve applicants or employees who experience domestic or […]