Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Amazon.com updates its list of the bestselling books every hour. Here is a snapshot of what is hot right now, this Monday morning, December 14, in the “Business Life” section of the “Business and Investing” category. 1. StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup’s Now, Discover Your Strengths by […]
Gambling exists, in one form or another, in most workplaces. And now that gambling can be done over the Internet, it has become even easier for employees to gamble while at work, accessing online casinos and placing bets, which can really cut into business productivity. To curtail online gambling, as well as other Internet abuses, […]
A recent ruling from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) means employers are no longer automatically exempted when unions ask them to turn over witness statements related to employee discipline. Now, the employer’s confidentiality interest must be balanced with the union’s need for information. The American Baptist Homes of the West d/b/a Piedmont Gardens case […]
Last year, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal ruled that, in most cases, an employer doesn’t have to make an exception to an established seniority system to provide an accommodation to a disabled worker. Now, the same court has clarified its original ruling, going even farther in protecting seniority policies. The case involved a disabled […]
Based on the cost of living, the IRS has increased for 2009 the maximum contribution levels for health savings accounts (HSAs) and out-of-pocket spending limits for high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that must be used in conjunction with HSAs. For 2009, the maximum annual HSA contribution for individuals is $3,000 and $5,950 for families. Catch-up contributions […]
Aggressive NLRB Has Surprises in Store for HR Unions are desperate, says attorney Kevin McCormick, because their numbers are down and many of the things they once promised workers (like safer workplaces) are now mandated by government agencies. The result? They’re getting aggressive in new ways. McCormick, a partner at Whiteford, Taylor, and Preston LLP […]
Administering qualified transportation fringe benefits (QTFBs) will be more complicated in 2012. Congress has allowed the parity between mass transit and parking thresholds — which gave transit and vanpool users the same tax advantage as drivers — to expire. Starting Jan. 1, 2012, the excludible amount for those who purchase bus, rail and other mass […]
By Gulu Punia and Jennifer Shepherd Deciding to retain a contractor rather than an employee can be the right decision depending on the needs of a business. But there are risks. If a court determines that the relationship is in fact an employment relationship, the employer can be liable. Such was the case in M.A.P. […]
American Indians and Alaska Natives is one of the six major race categories. Each November, the United States celebrates American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Here are some facts from the U.S. Census Bureau on the group: As of the 2010 Census, the population of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States […]
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued controversial final ergonomics standards that are tougher than California’s current law. The final federal rule is scheduled to take effect Jan. 16, 2001. California will then have six months to adopt a similar standard.