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Compensation & Benefits

Student athletes may be employees under the FLSA

07/17/2024
These student athletes aren’t claiming to be independent contractors or volunteers, two categories of service providers who are exempt from the FLSA and the tax code. They’re not in a work-study program as most of us understand it. Nevertheless, both the FLSA and the tax code recognize two types of paid work—work as an employee or an independent contractor.

Beyond perks: What Gen Z really wants from employers

07/03/2024
In an era of AI and remote work, Gen Z is shocking employers by pushing for human connection in the workplace. The recent 2024 Career Interest Survey of over 10,000 Gen Z students across all 50 states provides valuable insights for HR professionals looking to attract and retain the next generation of workers.

Despite federal court’s narrow restriction, start complying with new OT rule

07/01/2024
Ruling on the first of two lawsuits seeking injunctions to block the rule, Judge Sean D. Jordan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas decreed June 28 that Texas state government agencies do not have to comply with the overtime rule. All other employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act do.

August 2024: Employer’s business tax calendar

06/30/2024
Here’s your monthly guide to critical payroll due dates.

SECURE 2.0 challenges, part 7: Distributions on account of emergencies and domestic abuse

06/25/2024
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, SECURE 2.0 allows employees facing personal emergencies or who are victims of domestic abuse to access their 401(k) plans without incurred the 10% penalty on early distributions. IRS Notice 2024-55, in question-and-answer form, provides some guidance on these two provisions.

GOP senators attempt to block overtime rule

06/24/2024
Republican Sens. Tommy Tuberville (Ala.) and Mike Braun (Ind.) on June 17 introduced a resolution calling for the repeal of the Department of Labor’s final rule raising the overtime salary threshold for white-collar employees.

Giving crypto a try? Heed these 4 payroll precautions

06/21/2024
Cryptocurrency is hot, with the value of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other forms of digital currency growing more than 60% since the beginning of 2024. Some of your employees may have started asking if they can be paid in cryptocurrency. Proceed with caution!

Lawsuits pending: Will new OT rule go into effect July 1?

06/21/2024
A new U.S. Department of Labor rule scheduled to go into effect July 1 will raise the overtime salary threshold for white-collar employees to $43,888 per year, up from the current $35,568 per year. However, a trio of lawsuits could derail those plans. All ask federal courts to prevent the overtime rules from taking effect, at least temporarily.

Prepare to comply: Final PWFA rules now in effect almost everywhere

06/21/2024
Final rules implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act took effect June 18, with partial exceptions limited to employers in Louisiana and Mississippi, employers affiliated with the Catholic Church and state government agencies in Texas. That means almost all employers must now comply with the final PWFA rules.

5 tips for managing summer vacation requests

06/21/2024
It’s officially summer, a popular time for employees to use their paid time off. Ideally, your company’s policy and culture encourage employees to submit their vacation requests early so the dates they’ll be out are already known. Early vacation requests and approvals make planning and accommodating multiple requests easier, while ensuring “the work” still gets done.