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.

Discipline Notes Critical in FMLA Claims

One of the things that happens with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a disconnect between the complex structure of the FMLA and its practical application. Plaintiffs’ attorneys will sometimes assert that they don’t understand how there could be an FMLA issue given that the structure is “so easy to understand.” That’s typically […]

Ask the Expert: Is Accidental Sharing of Personal Information Reportable?

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at HR Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber regarding the accidental sharing of an employee personal information and an organization’s obligations to report the mistake. Q: A client of ours experienced a technical issue within their […]

New DOL Guidance Address Mental Health Leave Under FMLA

The past few years have heightened feelings of stress and isolation for many people, and with the seemingly continuous news cycle of incidents of mass violence, mental health has taken a much-needed place in the forefront of the national conversation. Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reminded employers that mental health affects both employees […]

The Importance of Responding to (and Paying) Workers’ Comp Premiums

In North Dakota, like all states, it’s extremely important for employers to properly identify (and classify) their employees and secure proper workers’ compensation insurance coverage. North Dakota’s Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) requires employers to identify their employees and submit payroll data so WSI can calculate the premium during that policy period. Failure to submit […]

The Mirage of ‘Unlimited’ PTO

All employers want to make their compensation and benefits packages sound as attractive as possible to prospective employees. This is why it’s no surprise that “unlimited PTO” has become a common offering – what could be more attractive to candidates than the idea of taking all the paid time off they want? But this “benefit” […]

Mental Health in the Workplace: World Suicide Prevention Day 2022

Nearly 264 million people across the world suffer from depression or anxiety. In the wake of COVID-19 and a push to return to the office, 44% of workers believe that in-person work will have a negative impact on their mental health. Over 30% of workers that are already in the office report that the return […]

Leading Organizations Are Designing PFML Programs to Attract and Retain Employees

The workforce continues to face enormous challenges. Despite strong support, the United States does not yet have a federal standard of paid family medical leave (PFML) or paid family leave. Disruptions like the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the Great Resignation, increasing mental health and caregiving needs among workers, and the migration to remote work […]

DOL Explains Expanding FMLA Leave to Care for Mental Health Conditions

We’ve all heard about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when it comes to expectant mothers or for recovery from serious physical health conditions, such as heart attacks or surgeries. The application of FMLA protection for mental health conditions is more nuanced, however. Mental health conditions are increasing worldwide. According to the World Health […]

Ask the Expert: Is There Any Flexibility in FMLA Eligibility?

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at HR Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber regarding political discussions (and disagreements) in the workplace. Q: I have an employee who has requested FMLA and has worked for us for 11 months, but has worked […]

Employer-Provided Abortion, Travel Benefits: An Overview of Legal Considerations

In the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, many companies have announced plans to assist employees in accessing abortion services, including providing travel assistance to employees located in states where abortion is now illegal. There are important legal considerations for employers to weigh when considering whether […]