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Compensation & Benefits

Intermittent leave no excuse for shoddy work

11/13/2009

When an employee is out on FMLA leave, employers have to be careful about balancing their need for full staffing so they can get the work done and the worker’s right to take leave. If missed work poses a problem, the best approach is to focus on specific work deficiencies that aren’t related to FMLA-protected absences.

Don’t promise leave if worker isn’t actually eligible

11/13/2009

Employers that promise leave to employees who aren’t really entitled to it may be liable under state law if the employee relies on that promise to her detriment.

8 ways to cut costs with strategic work/life & flex benefits

11/12/2009

Although businesses typically view flextime, compressed workweeks and part-time schedules as recruitment and retention strategies, just 6% of employers have ditched those practices, even as they cut staffs. Here are eight ways your organization can make strategic use of work/life benefits to cut costs, save jobs and pump up employee morale during the recession.

Women are keeping jobs, but still losing on pay and benefits

11/12/2009

If the Great Recession has an upside, it’s that women have experienced far less job loss than in previous downturns. Yet dark clouds could obscure the silver lining. According to a new report, women still earn just 77 cents on the dollar compared to men, and their jobs often come with paltry benefits.

Inconvenient work schedule no reason to quit and collect

11/11/2009

Employees who quit aren’t generally entitled to unemployment compensation. However, there’s an exception for employees who quit “because of a good reason caused by the employer”—if the employees first give employers a chance to correct the problem. One reason that’s not good enough: a schedule change.

Court says delayed commissions can reduce unemployment comp

11/11/2009

A Minnesota court of appeals has ruled that ex-employees who are collecting unemployment can have their benefits reduced if they are due to receive commissions from their former employers.

Must we provide extended leave for employee to care for son wounded in the line of duty?

11/11/2009

Q. One of our employees has requested medical leave to care for her 35-year-old son who was injured in combat duty. The employee indicated that she will probably need more than 12 weeks of leave. Do we have to give her more than 12 weeks of leave?

Beware employee costs that bring wages below minimum

11/11/2009

Beware breaking wage-and-hour laws if you employ drivers who cover expenses for the vehicles they use to make deliveries. If your hourly rate minus those expenses yields a figure lower than the minimum wage, you may be violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The HR I.Q. Test: November ’09

11/10/2009

Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …

Family ties: Discrimination trend … and trap!

11/10/2009

Discrimination against employees because of their family caregiving duties has become a hotbed for litigation against employers, and every indication is that this trend will continue. So it’s critical for employers to recognize the potential for liability and take necessary steps to avoid being the next defendant. Here’s how.