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Compensation & Benefits

Changing compensation systems? Here’s how to avoid age discrimination claims

07/12/2012
If you are contemplating changing your compensation structure to reflect today’s lean job market, do so carefully—especially if you suspect you may be overpaying some employees for the work they do. The problem: Older, more experienced workers may be at the top of your pay scales.

Shorten up your work hours for summer

07/12/2012
As temperatures soar and vacation season kicks into high gear, your organization can score significant points with employees by making short work of summer Fridays.

After Supreme Court’s ACA ruling, 5 strategic steps to take

07/11/2012
Now that the Supreme Court has up­­held the Affordable Care Act, it’s time to weigh the strategic impact on your organization. Take these five steps to clarify decisions you need to make between now and 2014.

Regs shed light on when to tax noncash compensation

07/06/2012

Under tax code Section 83, you don’t have to tax employees who receive company stock, stock options or other property that is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture until the risk lapses and the property vests. Proposed regulations now define what counts as a substantial risk of forfeiture.

Paying nonexempt employees a salary? Be sure to get agreement on hourly rate

07/05/2012

Determining the amount of overtime pay depends on identifying an em­­ployee’s hourly rate for the first 40 hours. That can sometimes be more complicated than it sounds, especially for organizations that pay their hourly employees a set amount for their entire workweek, including overtime.

Can we talk? Tips for communicating with employees about payroll

07/04/2012
Payroll isn’t an easy subject to master, so it’s a safe bet that employees in your company don’t have a clue about what goes on in your office. That makes explaining key payroll changes to employees difficult. Tips from two payroll managers at large organizations:

After Supreme Court ruling, plan now for W-2 health care reporting

07/03/2012
Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the health care reform law, you have an urgent item on your to-do list: Coordinating closely with the payroll department to ensure you’re ready to make sure employees’ 2012 tax documents reflect the value of their health benefits.

Can employee who resigned collect unemployment?

07/03/2012
Q. Is an employee who resigns entitled to receive unemployment compensation under Texas law?

Supreme Court: Pharmaceutical reps exempt from FLSA OT rules

07/03/2012
The U.S. Supreme Court in June ruled that pharmaceutical sales representatives are indeed outside salespeople under the terms of the Fair Labor Standards Act in a case that could have far-reaching effects on other wage-and-hour issues.

High court’s health care ruling: Full speed ahead for HR

07/03/2012
The Supreme Court’s June decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act health care re­­form law means a long compliance to-do list for HR professionals.