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Employment Law

Fighting fire with fire: Is it wise to countersue?

5/22/2013
“Can’t we sue him for this?” That’s what many employers say after being hit with what they believe is a frivolous employee lawsuit. The First Amendment protects the rights of companies to seek such redress in court. But, in most cases, a counterclaim is not a smart move.
Compensation & Benefits

Special analysis: How to tax and deduct bonuses

5/22/2013
The IRS has confirmed that how you withhold income taxes from supplemental pay, such as bonuses—by using a flat withholding method or aggregating the supplemental pay with other wages—is entirely up to you; employees can’t specify a withholding method.
Employee Relations

3 cheap summer outings

5/22/2013
Looking for a summer staff activity that’s a break from the usual barbecue? Try these inexpensive options:
Terminations

Older worker slows down: Does firing = bias?

5/21/2013
When older employees hear the word “slow,” they may immediately assume that’s a code word for “old.” But sometimes, slow just means slow. If you have workers who can’t meet the job’s re­­quired—and preferably written—performance standards, you don’t have to keep them on staff, regardless of their ages.
HR Management

8 easy ways to attract employees to your EAP

5/21/2013
Employee assistance programs can yield savings of $5 to $16  for each dollar invested, according to various studies. But if very few of your employees use your EAP, you’re not getting anywhere near that kind of ROI. Eight suggestions for boosting EAP participation:
Hiring

Hazy excuses from the drug-screening trenches

5/14/2013
Staffing agencies conduct lots of drug tests—and hear lots of excuses when applicants fail. Scott Morefield, of AtWork Personnel Services, recounts these:
Article Archives

Uncle Sam wants you! ... to properly handle summer military duty

Wage-and-hour lawsuits up sharply

Spell out your company's total compensation commitment

Court: Employers don't have to display NLRB union poster

Multistate employer: Can we centralize our I-9s?

State document requirements for employing teens

Workers treated 'like property': EEOC wins largest-ever jury verdict

Set up summer hires for their first paychecks

Does bankruptcy mean employees won't get paid?

Is gossip clogging up your email inboxes?

Employee gets ticket in company car: Who pays?

Shareholders back CEO pay

Keep your cool and vanquish your tough summer pay problems

Can you require workers be paid via direct deposit?