Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Liz Wilson McKee maintains that having fun is a key element of engaging employees. She is the internal communications manager for national law firm Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkwitz, one of Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America.” McKee says HR managers should look for opportunities to celebrate. Events can be […]
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has published a final regulation requiring pension plans to file Form 5500 annual reports electronically, beginning with 2008 plan year filings (due in 2009). The agency has also proposed changes to update the forms that will be used under the new electronic system. For information […]
It’s that time of year when vacations are in full swing, and maybe all the overlapping vacation requests and questions about how vacation works have exposed some gaps in your vacation policy? If so, it’s time to review your policy. Here are the key areas a comprehensive vacation policy should address: Who is entitled to […]
By Douglas R. Chamberlain Sulloway & Hollis, P.L.L.C. The U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision on healthcare reform (also known as the Affordable Care Act, or ACA) will be dissected and argued about for many years to come. The Court essentially upheld all the key elements of the healthcare reform law — most notably the so-called […]
by Joelle Hong and Amelia Morrow Gerlicher Washington’s expanded data security breach notification laws are set to take effect July 24, meaning employers must make sure they have safe and effective privacy practices in place and are ready to respond in the event of a security breach. Under the old law, businesses that own or […]
The California Supreme Court has just released its long-awaited decision in the Brinker case, ruling that employers must relieve employees of all duty during meal periods – but need not ensure that no work is done during that time. For more on the case, check out the California Courts press release on the breaking decision.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, romance is in the air—and maybe even in the workplace. But while workplace romance may be a nice diversion for those involved, it can create some big risks for employers. This can include the threat of sexual harassment lawsuits when a relationship sours, lowered productivity, and even diminished morale […]
A new U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Administrator’s Interpretation has been issued to clarify who qualifies as an adult “son or daughter” whom an employee may take unpaid leave from work to care for and rely on the job protections of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). An adult son or daughter must meet […]
The federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, a 401(k)-type program previously available only to federal civil service and postal workers, will now be open to uniformed members of the armed services while on active duty and to reservists while on military-pay status. A special enrollment period runs through Jan. 31. More information is available at the TSP […]
Yesterday, we looked at 3 things your managers won’t want to have to ‘fess up to on the witness stand. Today, 3 more — plus, an invaluable resource for the small HR department.