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Compensation & Benefits

What do we need to consider when crafting a policy on unpaid intern injuries?

07/26/2013
Q. We recently started to provide unpaid internship opportunities to local college students… The interns are not subject to the same process as other permanent or temporary employees in terms of background checks and workers’ compensation insurance. Now we’re looking at how best to structure this relationship to address issues such as what happens if an intern is hurt at a client facility. How should we approach this?

SS disability doesn’t automatically qualify employee for company disability

07/26/2013
An employee who files for Social Security disability benefits based on the inability to work doesn’t automatically qualify for her company’s ERISA disability benefit plan when her federal benefits come through. She can be disabled under federal law but still capable of working as defined in the company insurance plan.

What kind of financial advice does HR offer employees?

07/26/2013
In a poll of 518 SHRM members, 59% of HR professionals say they offer online investment advice; 53% offer one-on-one advice …

August 2013: Employer’s business tax calendar

07/26/2013
NOTE: Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays as observed in the District of Columbia are taken into account to determine due dates. Under the federal deposit rules, you’re allowed a deposit shortfall of the greater of $100 or 2% of your tax liability.

DOL issues new model ACA notices, SBC templates

07/25/2013
Whether you offer health benefits or not, by Oct. 1, 2013, you must tell employees they can buy coverage through state-based exchanges. The DOL has issued model notice language you are free to use.

You’re being audited! IRS answers 5 key questions

07/24/2013
Your payroll department won’t become audit bait if you file a Form 941-X to correct a previously filed Form 941, keep good records, file returns on time and respond to IRS notices, according to an IRS senior program analyst for employment tax policy. What does put you in the audit hot seat?

Reporting-time pay: What if it’s clear employee is in no condition to work?

07/23/2013
Q. Does California’s reporting-time pay law apply to workers who report to work but appear to be unable or unfit to work?

How should we pay for overnight travel?

07/23/2013
Q. I know that the laws on overnight travel time are more restrictive in California than under federal law. Does the overnight travel rule under federal law apply in California or does an employer have to pay all travel time even if overnight travel is involved?

U.S. Supreme Court rules on DOMA, California’s Prop 8

07/23/2013
The U.S. Supreme Court in June issued two highly anticipated decisions addressing same-sex marriage in cases that resonated nationwide and in California. The cases are significant for employers because they are likely to have ripple effects on state, federal and local laws, in particular those dealing with employee benefit plans, taxation and immigration.

California Labor Department strategy shift benefits workers

07/23/2013
By focusing on wage theft and retaliation claims instead of broad enforcement efforts, California’s Labor Department has managed to assess more than $51 million in civil penalties against businesses found to be in violation of state labor laws.