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.

Be Aware of the Wage and Hour Implications of Telecommuting

The practice of allowing employees to work from home—known as telecommuting—is a growing trend. Today’s technology allows many employees to work from anywhere. Telecommuting can be a plus for both you and your employees. Your company benefits because you pay less in fixed overhead costs when you don’t have to provide a traditional office for workers, and employees often enjoy the flexibility of working from home.

Massachusetts

Walmart to Pay $7.5 Million to Settle Same-Sex Benefits Discrimination Suit

Under a proposed settlement agreement filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, retail giant Walmart has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that it discriminated against gays and lesbians in the administration of its spousal health insurance benefits. The proposed settlement, filed December 2, 2016, must still be approved by Judge William G. Young before becoming final, which could take a few weeks.

Predictive Scheduling Provides Shift Notice and Income Consistency for Employees

Imagine having difficulty scheduling childcare or attending classes after work to further your education, because your schedule was constantly changing from day to day and from week to week. People who work in the retail, food services, and hospitality industries often face this issue when trying to plan their life outside working hours.

ACA Repeal Could Lead to 32 Million More Uninsured Americans by 2026, CBO Reports

In late 2015 and early 2016, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimated the budgetary effects of H.R. 3762, the Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015, which would repeal portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—eliminating, in two steps, the law’s mandate penalties and […]

retirement

Trump Halts DOL Fiduciary Rule

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has been directed to postpone and reexamine the fiduciary rule on investment advice that was scheduled to take effect April 10, under a memorandum signed February 3 by President Trump.

interview

Performance Management and the Employee Review Process

When performance management is mentioned, people often think of the employee performance appraisal or review, however, performance management involves so much more. Properly constructed appraisals should represent a summary of an ongoing, year-round dialogue. Focusing only on an annual appraisal form leads to misunderstanding and a lack of appreciation for the benefits of performance management.

DOL Sues Colorado Company to Recover $82K in Missing Retirement, Health Plan Contributions

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Colorado against Central Security Communications Inc., CEO Robert Millikin, and fiduciary Howard Klinger to restore more than $82,000 owed to the Greeley, Colorado-based company’s retirement and health plans, as well as additional lost income, according to a new DOL […]