Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on the level of scrutiny courts must apply when an employee challenges a denial of benefits and the plan administrator, whether the employer or an insurance company, played the dual role of determining whether the employee was eligible for benefits and paying benefits out of its own pocket.1 The […]
Demographics and generational attitudes are coming together to make substantial flexibility demands on employers. That’s why work/life balance, once a nice-to-talk-about concept, has moved to the front burner in many organizations. Boomers have the skills you want to retain, but these days they want more time off. Gen X and Gen Y workers, similarly skillful, […]
I work at a church and have been told that we’re exempt from the California Fair Employment and Housing Act’s (FEHA) requirements. Is this true?
We have a lot of teenagers working here this summer. Does California’s new cell phone law have more stringent restrictions for them than for adults?
In every issue, we take one reader’s question and ask our other readers to weigh in. Here’s what you had to say about a recent question: We’ve got a few employees who are really lobbying to bring their dogs to work. We see a lot of pros and a lot of cons—what do you think? […]
I know some big ERISA regulations are expected to be issued later this year. Where can I go for more information? — Anonymous in Bakersfield The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) plans to release its final regulations on proposed amendments to Section 408(b)(2) of ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, later this summer. […]
I ran a background check on an employee I just hired and discovered that she faces serious criminal charges pending a hearing but has not been convicted. Some of the charges (to name a few) are assault in the first and second degree and theft over $500. Technically she didn’t lie on the application because […]
I would like direction on how to determine additional premium pay for employees with certifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant. Is there a general rule or guidance on determining premium pay? I appreciate your help. — Allison in Sacramento Sometimes premium pay is tied to shift work, temporary assignments in other locations, or […]
The following is a list of the bestselling hardcover business books as ranked by the New York Times on August 4. 1. When Markets Collide: Investment Strategies for the Age of Global Economic Change by Mohamed El-Erian. Investing advice for a time of global economic change. 2. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and […]
If an employee openly asks for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) time off, that’s an easy call to make. But how about bizarre behavior? Does that constitute “notice” of the need for leave? And if so, wouldn’t any misbehavior be notice? Our expert sorts it out. Roy A. Ginsburg, a partner at Dorsey & Whitney […]