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.

Corporate Giants Band Together to form New Health Transformation Alliance

Twenty of America’s largest corporations have joined together to improve the way healthcare benefits are purchased for employees in an effort to create better health care outcomes. The stated goal of the newly formed Health Transformation Alliance (HTA), according to a press release, is “to break with existing marketplace practices that are costly, wasteful, and […]

wearables

Workplace Wellness: Best Strategies for Using Wearables at Work

By Danna Korn, Sonic Boom Wellness Activity-tracking devices are one of the most effective tools for getting employees to participate in worksite wellness programs. Getting them to continue participating, however, is an entirely different ballgame. Follow these tips to get (and keep!) employees more deeply engaged in wellbeing initiatives.

Workplace Wellness: Best Strategies for Using Wearables at Work

By Danna Korn, Sonic Boom Wellness Activity-tracking devices are one of the most effective tools for getting employees to participate in worksite wellness programs. Getting them to continue participating, however, is an entirely different ballgame. Follow these tips to get (and keep!) employees more deeply engaged in wellbeing initiatives.

Corporate Giants Band Together to form New Health Transformation Alliance

Twenty of America’s largest corporations have joined together to improve the way healthcare benefits are purchased for employees in an effort to create better health care outcomes. The stated goal of the newly formed Health Transformation Alliance (HTA), according to a press release, is “to break with existing marketplace practices that are costly, wasteful, and […]

HHS Launches Phase 2 HIPAA Privacy Audits

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially launched its long-awaited Phase 2 HIPAA audit program, the head of HHS’ Office for Civil Rights said at a March 21 conference. The process has begun with the emailing of address verification letters to a pool of potential auditees, said OCR Director Jocelyn Samuels. OCR […]

Salary Structure for Small Companies: Too Much?

On the surface, the formal salary structure program Judy Canavan helped implement at a 20-person, not-for-profit company might seem like wearing a tuxedo to a hoedown—a bit much. But when you look a little deeper, you may get a different impression.

clock

What Does ‘Hours Worked’ Mean?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay employees at least the minimum wage for all hours worked. This sounds simple enough. But what does “hours worked” mean in this context? Does it mean just the hours that the employee is scheduled? What about time spent on call? What about break time? What […]

5th Circuit: Mandatory Wellness Programs Are Compatible with GINA

By Martin J. Regimbal, JD The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals—which covers Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi–recently addressed the interplay between the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and mandatory wellness programs. The court considered an employee’s discrimination and retaliation claims and reached a commonsense conclusion regarding the lawfulness of mandatory wellness programs.