Most Popular

Massachusetts set for highest minimum wage in U.S.

by Susan G. Fentin Massachusetts is set to soon have the highest minimum wage in the country. On June 26, Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill that will raise the state’s minimum wage from $8 per hour to $11 an hour by 2017, the highest statewide minimum wage in the country and a full 50 […]

Watch Out! It’s Catching and Bad for Your Workplace

You may have been worried about pandemic flu and what you can do to prevent it in your facility. But what may be most contagious in your workplace may be something that actually is incubating there—depression. Stress-filled work atmospheres or workplaces with negative vibes from bullying bosses can lead to depression that spreads across the […]

Facebook’s Endorsement of Proposed AI Regulation Causes Skepticism

New technologies and innovations have revolutionized society since prehistoric times, from the wheel and writing to gunpowder, the printing press, human flight, etc.—the list goes on and on. But that technologically driven societal change does not happen in a vacuum, especially in modern times.

Moody’s: Interest Rate Hike Could Lift Pensions to Full Funding by 2018

The first of what is expected to be a series of interest rate increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve on Dec. 16 should start to help defined benefit retirement plans recover from years of underfunding, Moody’s Investor Service said in a report Dec. 14. Pension funding levels for about 670 rated U.S. non-financial corporate pension […]

HR–Balancing Four Generations’ Baggage

Every employee brings “generational baggage,” and today’s HR manager has to carry four generations’ baggage at once, says Giselle Kovary. Kovary, a consultant at n-gen People Performance Inc., specializes in helping companies “get, keep, and grow” four generations of workers simultaneously. In her well-attended session at the recent SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Annual […]

A Hiring Tip That Can Keep You Out of Court

In a down economy, it’s no secret that it can be hard for jobseekers to find new employment. And, as a result, rejected candidates might be more likely to put up a fight—and file lawsuits. So it’s more important than ever for employers to make sure they’re doing everything right.

‘Tis the Season to Hire Seasonal Workers

It’s easy (and common) for retailers to hire temporary seasonal workers to help handle the rush of holiday business. But however temporary their employment might be, they’re still employees with all the potential for employer liability that status entails. It’s important to bear that in mind. Audit your hiring policies and practices with the Employment […]

New Maryland Law Restricts Use of Credit Checks

By David M. Stevens During its 2011 legislative session, the Maryland Legislature passed the Job Applicant Fairness Act, which was signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley on April 12. The law imposes significant restrictions on employers’ ability to perform credit checks on job applicants and employees. It goes into effect October 1. For many […]

Reminder about OSHA Posting Requirement

It’s time to post your Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Form 300A, the summary of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year. Unless you have 10 or fewer employees or fall within one of the industries normally excused from the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s (OSH Act) recordkeeping and posting requirements, you’re required […]