Category: Benefits and Compensation

This topic provides guidance on how to handle compensation issues in a way that attracts and retains the best talent and advances the strategic goals of your business. You get news and tips on what’s going on nationally and in the states, and updates on changes in regulations, possible governmental action, and emerging compensation trends.

Benefits

Tax Law Fueling Changes to Employer Benefits and Compensation Programs

The new tax reform law is fueling changes to corporate America’s employee benefits, compensation, total rewards, and executive pay programs, according to a survey by Willis Towers Watson, a global advisory, broking, and solutions company. The survey of 333 large and midsize employers reveals nearly half (49%) of the respondents are considering making a change […]

leave

Does That Law Apply to Me? Sick Leave Laws Raise Questions for Out-of-State Employers

Maryland is now the ninth state to have enacted a paid sick leave law. Effective February 11, 2018, the Healthy Working Families Act became law as the result of a veto override, which understandably means there are still a few details related to the law’s enforcement and implementation to be ironed out. In fact, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan promptly created, by Executive Order, a Small Business Regulatory Assistance office to smooth the transition and help Maryland employers comply with the new law.

Modifying the Workplace for Older Employees

As our population demographics change over the years, employers are finding themselves with a workforce that is ever-changing in composition. While those in the Millennial cohort are finding their feet in the workplace and advancing into more senior roles, there are plenty of Generation Xers and Baby Boomers who plan to stay in the workforce […]

salary

Tips to Help Employers Manage Salary Expectations

Employees have certain expectations when it comes to salary. While a company may not be able to meet all expectations, creating a culture that addresses issues related to pay can positively impact employee engagement and retention, as well as recruiting and hiring.

Wellness programs

Are Workplace Wellness Programs a Waste of Time and Money?

“Workplace wellness programs cover over 50 million workers and are intended to reduce medical spending, increase productivity, and improve well-being. Yet, limited evidence exists to support these claims,” conclude three university researchers in a newly published study.

terminate

Is Social Awkwardness a Valid Reason to Terminate an Employee?

When it comes to uncomfortable situations, some people gravitate more toward the “awkward turtle” end of the spectrum than the “social butterfly.” When an ill-timed joke costs an employee her job, however, is she entitled to unemployment benefits?

Pay

Pay Actions: An Introduction for HR Professionals

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about compensation practices that included a brief look at pay approaches including single-rate pay, step-based pay, and a slew of pay differentials. Taking it a step further, this article is about pay actions and explains the types, why they occur, and how they’re communicated to employees.

Walmart Raises Starting Pay. Will Others Follow?

The world’s largest private employer has announced it will raise starting pay for all its U.S. workers to $11 per hour. The change, which takes effect with the Feb. 17 pay cycle, is the latest in a series of salary increases, aimed at better wages for associates.