Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released its inflation-adjusted standard mileage allowances for 2017, as well as maximum vehicle value thresholds to be used in calculating fixed and variable rate (FAVR) allowances.
In many situations, the question of whether an employee’s request for a religious accommodation is tied to sincere religious beliefs isn’t at issue. Instead, you simply need to assess whether you can provide the accommodation without causing an undue hardship. When you do question whether the employee sincerely holds the beliefs—e.g., if she raises a […]
In a highly competitive hiring landscape, employers are looking for ways to differentiate themselves to prospective employees. One option is to provide a more attractive or unique benefits package by including new and interesting benefit options.
by Lauren E.M. Russell Employees’ use of a language other than English in the workplace presents many considerations in the employment law context. An individual’s language is tightly tied with race and national origin, which are protected categories under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and many states’ anti-discrimination laws. On the […]
A recent court opinion from the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals—which covers Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington—highlights the perils of not offering Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) coverage to a former employee on the basis that the employee was terminated due to gross misconduct.
If you work in HR then you’re always busy and, as a result, your job grade data might be a smidge past its shelf life. It’s not that you don’t want up-to-the-minute salary range data but there’s almost always something else more pressing that needs your attention so it’s really easy to tell yourself—if it […]
For employees to perform at their highest levels and be dedicated to the collective success of the organization, they must love where they work. That requires something deeper and longer lasting than increasing salaries, offering huge bonuses, or investing in the latest engagement tools.
The Massachusetts Appeals Court recently had the chance to review an award of unemployment benefits to a bus driver who didn’t drive kids to school for 3 days during Thanksgiving week. The court’s decision surprised us, and it may surprise you, too.
Many employers in Canada are assessing how they can continue to compete during the tough financial times that appear to be heading toward us. One of the most difficult decisions employers must make is how to reorganize or reduce labor costs in order to stay competitive.
Workplace bullying is not condoned by employers. It not only creates a hostile working situation but also can create low morale, increased resentment, and increased turnover. It can decrease productivity and even negatively impact employees’ interactions with customers, potentially causing lost business.