Tag: employer

bonus

Beware of Bonus Pitfalls: Overtime and Nonexempt Employees

Employers’ failure to properly factor bonus payments into overtime is probably the most common wage and hour compliance error I see, including among employers that have experienced HR personnel who are knowledgeable about the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Failure to factor these payments into overtime is also really difficult to defend because the law on this point (unlike for some FLSA issues) is pretty clear.

travel time

Is Travel Time Compensable for Technicians Paid on an Hourly Basis?

As we previously reported, last week the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its first Opinion Letters in 9 years. Important questions were addressed regarding the interplay of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the compensability of travel time for nonexempt employees. Part 2 of this […]

Marijuana

Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Statute Raises New Questions for Employers

Pennsylvania’s new medical marijuana statute has taken effect, and dispensaries are open. The law contains a specific caveat barring employers from “discriminating” against employees who use medical marijuana with a legal state certificate. Pennsylvania employers will now join others in a growing number of states learning how to handle employees who test positive for medical […]

Be Aware of Common Mistakes in Employee Retirement Plans

Many employers regularly perform voluntary plan audits that can uncover errors. However, you can spot errors without a third-party audit. Below are some of the most common employee benefits and retirement plan mistakes.

Attrition

More Money, More Problems (When You Terminate an Employee)

One of the most common questions we receive is what an employer can do when an employee is terminated and owes the company money. In response, our clients hear one of the most common phrases in this area of the law—no good deed goes unpunished. Below are some guiding principles regarding employer benefits and employee […]

interview

Recruiting Practices That Scare Away Candidates

Recruiting during a time of talent shortfalls can be daunting. During these times, it’s imperative to not be doing things that will scare off those who are interested; there are fewer applicants for any given job opening right now, so losing even a few can mean the difference between having a good pool to choose […]

retirement

Restated Preapproved DB Plans Learn from DC IRS Amendment Cycle

Defined benefit (DB) retirement plan sponsors with restated preapproved plan documents that were part of the latest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 6-year remedial amendment cycle can benefit from some of the lessons learned by other sponsors that have completed the defined contribution (DC) cycle.

Violence

Good Girls: Three Moms Channel Walter White

NBC’s new show Good Girls is far more Weeds and Breaking Bad than the comedy I expected, but it provides an interesting glimpse into the workplace through a trio of moms resorting to desperate measures to make ends meet. Our three anti-heroines are:

telecommuting

Is a Telecommuting Program Right for Your Business? Legal and Practical Considerations

It’s Monday morning, seven inches of snow have accumulated outside and the weatherman predicts another five to come.  Do you shut down your business operations or require your employees to report to work?  For many HR professionals, the above hypothetical has become a reality as the past several months brought snowstorms in the Midwest, nor’easters […]