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Compensation & Benefits

Only one job counts when calculating workers’ comp

01/22/2010

When an employee is hurt on the job, workers’ compensation payments are based on average weekly wages before the accident. But what if an employee has more than one job?

DOL proclaims EFAST2 is up and running

01/22/2010

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration’s (EBSA) electronic filing system is now online. Employers that must file forms 5500 and 5500-SF must now do so electronically.

Helping out when laying off: Supplemental unemployment plans

01/22/2010

Layoffs are difficult for employees and employers alike. In these tough economic times, some employers are trying to help employees during layoffs and help prevent the permanent loss of good employees by implementing supplemental unemployment benefit plans.

Is it legal in North Carolina to withhold bonuses not paid at the time of termination?

01/22/2010

Q. May we include a provision in our bonus plan for North Carolina employees that they will forfeit any bonus that has not been paid at the time of termination?

Who gets paid first: employees or creditors?

01/22/2010

Q. My small construction business is closing its doors, and we have limited funds with which to pay employees and numerous creditors. What should we do? Who should we pay first?

New Jersey Senate rejects gay-marriage bill

01/21/2010

Gay marriage proponents suffered a major setback when the New Jersey Senate rejected a gay marriage bill in a 20-14 vote. Supporters had hoped to get the bill passed before Gov. Jon Corzine left office on Jan. 19. Newly sworn-in Gov. Christopher Christie opposes it.

Free tickets to employees: Taxable compensation?

01/20/2010

Q. We are in the travel business and our office regularly receives free tickets to sporting events (worth $30 and up). We typically give them to employees who want to use them. Is such a gift ethical?

The DOL is delivering on its vow to hire more investigators

01/20/2010

The threat of more rigorous enforcement—the U.S. Department of Labor now has 250 more wage-and-hour cops—is yet another reason to double-check to see whether your exempt employees are truly exempt.

10 HR trends, 10 HR goals for 2010

01/19/2010

The cost cutting and staff reductions may not be completely over, but as the economy begins its recovery, HR will be dealing with new challenges in 2010. Here are 10 trends to expect in the coming year, plus tips and tools to help you respond to each.

10 ways to welcome vets into your workforce

01/19/2010

More than 400,000 U.S. citizens retire or separate from the military every year—and most of them look for jobs when they do. Companies such as Union Pacific Railroad, GE and Home Depot actively recruit veterans. Your organization could probably benefit from hiring military veterans. To attract them, align your recruiting and employee benefits with their needs.