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HR Management

Can worker who is out on unpaid leave suspend payments to her 401(k) loan?

10/15/2010
Q. We have an employee out on an unpaid leave of absence. She has informed us she would like to suspend payment on a loan she took out against her 401(k). Is that permitted?

Benefits primer: How to stop worrying and love your 401(k) plan

10/15/2010

Admit it. Administering your company’s retirement plan is probably one aspect of the job you wish you could leave behind. But it’s an important one. A retirement plan is a legally binding document that gives enforceable rights to plan participants. Failing to follow plan terms can be a headache—and costly! Fortunately, a few easy steps can help keep your retirement plan on track and in compliance.

Layoffs looming? OK to consider training participation when deciding who goes

10/15/2010

Like other employers, your organization probably is trying to use employees as efficiently as possible. That may include eliminating some jobs and training employees to pick up additional tasks. You may want to consider creating a cross-training program before deciding which employees to terminate. Those who show a willingness to learn new skills and the ability to perform them well are probably the “keepers” on your staff. Just make sure you offer everyone the same opportunity to learn.

Going social: Top 10 pitfalls of social media for business

10/15/2010
Millions of companies and entrepreneurs are jumping into the social media world only to find their efforts aren’t capturing the results they’d hoped for. Half the battle is knowing which mistakes not to make. Here are the top 10 pitfalls companies make, according to Barry Libert, author of the new book Social Nation:

The 4 key factors to keep ’em happy & in their seats

10/14/2010

The “at least I have a job” feeling is starting to wear off among employed Americans. After years of taking on new duties at their old pay, many are feeling overworked, underpaid and underpromoted. Two in five of them are seeking new jobs. Here are four key things your employees will look for elsewhere if you’re not providing it:

Get twice as much done in half the time

10/12/2010
Smart time management doesn’t always guarantee you’ll work productively. You’ll operate most efficiently if you banish aimless anxieties and the urge to procrastinate. Follow this road map to actually increase the amount you accomplish at work.

Make sure managers know laws against employee discrimination

10/12/2010

Last year, U.S. employees filed the second highest number of EEOC complaints claiming they suffered discrimination at work. You know that U.S. anti-discrimination laws require treating all applicants and employees equally. But do your organization’s supervisors understand the relevant laws? Pass along this primer on federal anti-bias laws to make sure your compliance efforts start right on the front line.

How to draft a social networking company policy

10/12/2010
According to a recent survey, 22% of employees say they use some form of social networking five or more times per week, and 15% admit they access social networking while at work for personal reasons. Yet, only 22% of companies have a formal policy that guides employees in how they can use social networking at work. Here’s why you need one—and what it should include.

What are the new federal I-9 rules?

10/12/2010
Q. How does the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s new rule change an employer’s Form I-9 responsibilities?

$10 million settlement puts brakes on Roadway lawsuit

10/12/2010

Racial harassment complaints against Roadway Express for actions that took place at its Chicago Heights and Elk Grove Village locations were so involved they outlasted the company. Roadway recently merged with Yellow Transportation to form YRC, one of the nation’s largest freight haulers. Now the new entity is on the hook for millions of dollars—and a big culture change courtesy of the EEOC.