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ABC News & BBC America Correspondents to Headline SHRM 2010 Employment Law & Legislative ConferenceClaire Shipman of ABC News’ “Good Morning America” and Katty Kay of BBC World News America will join CNN political commentators Amy Holmes and Jamal Simmons, and political pundit Arianna Huffington to headline the 2010 SHRM Employment Law & Legislative Conference scheduled March 17-19 at the Hyatt Washington hotel in Washington, D.C.
TASC Partners with Unity Benefit Services, Inc.TASC and Unity Benefit Services, Inc. have joined forces to provide quality employee benefit programs throughout Tennessee and the nation.
President Signs Bill Easing FMLA Eligibility Requirements for Airline Flight CrewPresident Obama has signed into law the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act, a bill designed to close what was seen as a gap in coverage of airline pilots and flight attendants under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
New FMLA Regs: Holidays, Joint Employers, Pregnancy and MoreExcerpted from Kentucky Employment Law Letter written by attorneys at the law firm of Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC
Congress Members Introduce More Paid Sick Leave LegislationU.S. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) introduced legislation yesterday that would guarantee paid sick leave for employees infected by the H1N1 virus (also known as “swine flu”). The legislation would take effect 15 days after being signed into law but would end after two years.
CANADIAN SURVEY FINDS THAT FOUR-IN-TEN CHRONIC PAIN SUFFERERS ARE NOT WORKINGOf those working, nearly 60 per cent of sufferers say chronic pain affects their ability to do their job
Congress Adds Additional Family Military Leave Entitlements to the FMLAOn October 28, 2009, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Pub. L. 111-84) (NDAA).
Employers Must Prepare for Possible ‘Swine Flu’ Pandemic, and That’s No Hogwash Employer Readiness Still Must Abide by Legislation That Protects Employee Rights
SURVEY OF FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANIES REVEALS OVER 75% HAVE NO EMERGENCY PLANS FOR H1N1SURVEY OF FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANIES REVEALS OVER 75 PERCENT HAVE NO EMERGENCY PLANS TO DEAL WITH H1N1
Insite Security and WorldClinic Offer Planning and Prevention Services to Corporate and High Net Worth Clients
New 'Perq' Web Application Offers Different Take on Employee Leave, May Save Companies MillionsNew web-based application simplifies complex leave management, and may save companies millions in invisible revenue loss from unaccounted employee time off.
The Third Circuit Provides Guidance on Thorny FMLA and ADA IssuesThe United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit's recent decision in Erdman v. Nationwide Insurance Co.1 No. 07-3796 (Sept. 23, 2009) provides much-needed guidance to employers on several Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues including : (1) how to analyze FMLA hours eligibility when the employee claims off-the-clock work, (2) what is considered a protected activity for purposes of an FMLA retaliation claim, and (3) how the ADA applies to employees who request leave to care for a disabled family member.
Organizations See Value in Automating Paid Time Off (PTO) ProcessSaaShr.com Automates Comprehensive Payroll Company (CPC) Clients’ PTO Processes with Partnership
More Than A Quarter of Employers Think More Employees are Calling in Sick with Fake Excuses More Than A Quarter of Employers Think More Employees are Calling in Sick with Fake Excuses Due to Stress Tied to the Recession, Finds CareerBuilder¹s Annual Survey
Employers Share Most Unusual Reasons Employees Used to Explain an Absence
3 Simple Steps to REV UP Your "Stay at Work/Return to Work" ProgramEnjoy this whitepaper about stay at work programs from Presagia. Read this whitepaper to learn '3 Simple Steps' to create and improve your Stay at Work and Return to Work program. Industry expert Robert Hall, PH.D., CRC, CDMS explains best-practices including, increasing front-line stakeholder involvement, facilitating collaborative communication and employing consistent, high-quality analysis. Utilizing these, you can reduce employee absenteeism and the associated health costs and promote a healthier, more productive stay at work culture.
FMLA Notice Requirements ClarifiedHanft Law explains FMLA Notice Requirements.
Enhanced BenefitsWhat are is your company doing to attract and retain top talent? Some companies are enhancing their Benefits packages. Is that the answer? Share your views in this HR.com survey.
Workscape Annual Benefits Study 2009 ResultsTo keep on top of trends in benefits, particularly in light of what has gone on in the economy, Workscape has conducted a survey of 787 HR professionals and CEOs representing a broad range of industries and company sizes.
IRS Mandates New Reporting and Notice Obligations for Employer-Owned Life InsuranceThe IRS has issued new rules implementing a new statutory requirement that employers holding certain life insurance policies on their employees or directors notify the insureds of this coverage. The new rules are effective June 15, 2009. Littler Mendelson explains the details.
Buyers Study 2008: The Trends Employers Are Facing and the Plans They're BuyingWhat are the trends employers are facing when it comes to benefits? Unum shares its study.
Nearly Forty Percent of Employers Plan to Trim Benefits and Office Perks This YearMany employers say they current economy will force them to make administrative cuts... and that could mean trimming benefits and office perks. CareerBuilder shares the study.
Dean Aloise Joins Buck Consutants as PrincipalDean Aloise has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal. He will also serve as Retirement Practice Leader for the firm's Pittsburgh office.
Leave ManagementDon Phin shares information and tips on a recent California medical leave case that involved a woman and her disability.
eQuest Compliance Update - OFCCP Webinar and Revised FMLA RegulationsOn Thursday, January 8th, OFCCP is conducting a webinar from 2:00 - 3:00 EST. The topic of the webinar is "OFCCP's Accessible Online Application Directive". Participants from OFCCP and ODEP (Office of Disability Employment Policy) will discuss accessibility of contractors' online application systems and offer technical assistance tools for federal contractors to use in complying with the directive. To reserve your seat, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/946756800.
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008The ADA Amendments Act of 2008, in effect since last Thursday, reversed years of court decisions favoring employers in disputes over disability discrimination. Now, it’s clear that the realm of the disabled as defined by the law is going to expand. Workplace policies are going to have to undergo significant revisions if employers are to avoid what is expected to be a tidal wave of new litigation.
McAfee & Taft will conduct a full-day seminar, FMLA Master ClassIn light of recent revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Act, attorneys with the Oklahoma City law firm of McAfee & Taft will conduct a full-day seminar, FMLA Master Class: The Advanced Interactive Workshop for Oklahoma Employers on Wednesday, January 21 at the Marriott Oklahoma City.
Relief in Sight? DOL Issues Final FMLA RegulationsThe much-anticipated revised DOL regulations on the Family and Medical Leave Act have been released. The new regulations do not dramatically change what can be a frustrating law, but they do provide some clarity on employee eligibility issues, notice requirements, and employer obligations. The new regulations are effective January 16, 2009.
Healthcare Faces New Balancing Act in Sharing Health Data Under Revised FMLA RulesMelamedia Audio Seminar Examines Effects Of New Family Medical Leave Act Regulation On Sharing Patient and Employee Health Information Dec. 18 Audio Seminar 1 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
HR.com offers award-winning legal, compliance resources & experts to their over 180,000 US membersHR.com and HR & Benefits Essential today announced that they have entered into an agreement that will allow HR.com premier members free access to HR & Benefits Essentials’ award-winning human resources and benefits library.
HSA Resources Releases Employer Guide to HSAsHSA Resources, a leading provider of Health Savings Accounts, announces the release of its HSA Employer Guide: An Introduction to Health Savings Accounts for Employers. The twenty-four page guide provides employers with in-depth yet easy to read explanations of the top HSA questions employers face.
DOL Publishes Long Awaited FMLA Regulations The Federal Department of Labor (DOL) has issued its final regulations under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Paul, Plevin, Sullivan and Connaught LLP share more.
FMLA Master Class: The Advanced Interactive Workshop for Washington Employers In light of recent revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Act, attorneys with the Seattle law firm of Perkins Coie will conduct a full-day seminar entitled FMLA Master Class: The Advanced Interactive Workshop for Washington Employers on Thursday, November 20 at the Grand Hyatt Seattle.
ADA Amendments Act Deadline Fast ApproachingPresident Bush’s September 25th, 2008 signing of the ADA Amendments Act reversed years of court decisions favoring employers in disputes over disability discrimination. "The realm of 'the disabled' is about to be significantly enlarged," says employment law attorney and former Coca-Cola Enterprises general counsel John Phillips. The new law goes into effect January 1.
I'm Sick — So Take Care of MeA cough here, a sniffle there. . . and that's just at work. Recent articles have pointed to the fact that cutbacks in sick pay have forced unhealthy employees to come into work. Don Phin explains more.
Take FMLA Medical Certifications SeriouslyThere is a lot of abuse of FMLA leave and employers should be weary about employee requests. Don Phin explains more.
The Supreme Court Considers Conflicts of Interest in Benefit Claims ProceduresWhere an insurance company both determines an appeal for ERISA benefits and also pays that claim, a conflict of interest is present. The U.S. Supreme Court in Metropolitan Life v. Glenn, holds that where the language of a plan grants the administrator discretionary review of claims, this conflict will be taken into account as a “factor” to be weighed in determining whether judicial deference should be given to the administrator’s decision. Littler Mendelson shares this study.
Ethical Behavior in the WorkplaceCalling in sick for a day off a week in advance is a challenge for any department. Rebecca Harris takes a look at the issue.
Small Businesses Have Strategic Opportunities to Improve Offense in Competition for Employee TalentSurvey shows that action is needed to retain employees and to compete with larger employers for qualified candidates.
Worker Hands Employer Tough FMLA, ADA Case When an employee is injured, he or she needs time to heal. When they return to the workplace with strict conditions, is the employer required to keep the employee despite the fact he/she cannot perform his/her job? M. Lee Smith Publishers shares this article by Justin S. Pierce.
10 FMLA Military Service-Related Leave TipsHow do the new amendments to the FMLA affect Military personnel? M. Lee Smith Publishers share the changes.
Changes To Family Medical Leave Act Now Cover More Employees & Clarify Law’s ProvisionsMilitary families in the United States now enjoy the benefits of the FMLA Act. Changes to the act have helped others understand the provisions. Pepper Hamilton LLP has more.
Paperless FSA AdministrationEast Providence, RI May 1, 2008 – Benefit Concepts, a leader in innovative benefits administration outsourcing solutions, today announced the implementation of their new paperless Reimbursement Benefits Account Administration service.
Trade Shows RevisitedFinding new value in old tactics
Employee Abuse, Lack of Advance Notice and Leave Tracking are Top FMLA Concerns of U.S. EmployersHuman resource practitioners responding to a survey on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) indicate a high level of support for most of the United States Department of Labor’s proposed FMLA regulations.
State and Local Governments Propose Bills Covering Sick LeaveWhile current policies vary from state to state, the Benefits USA 2007/2008 survey of more than 5,400 benefit plans found employers offer exempt workers 8.4 sick days on average and non-exempt 7.6.
Amendment to the Family Medical Leave Act Provides New Leave Rights for Families of ServicemembersIt is, by now, well documented that military members who are injured in battle are surviving in record numbers, leaving active duty and requiring short and long-term care to convalesce. This law recognizes this new fact of life for military families and permits them six months of protected unpaid leave to care for family members who return injured from an active duty deployment. Littler Mendelson shares more.
Jerry Reiff Joins OCI as Director of Client ServicesJerry Reiff Joins Premier Healthcare Benefits Data Management Provider OCI as Director of Client Services
Changes Coming to the FMLA: Top 10 hits (and misses)The U.S. Labor Department took a big step last month toward clarifying some of the confusing aspects of the FMLA. The agency issued a series of proposed changes to the law that, if finalized, could help employers administer the complex 15-year-old law and avoid lawsuits.
The public has until April 10 to comment. Expect a final version of the changes in late 2008. To access the text of proposal, a fact sheet and FAQs, go to www.dol.gov/esa/whd/FMLANPRM.htm.
Examining the Changing Costs of HealthcareIncreased health care costs, employee shortages and stagnant pay increase budgets have joined forces to create the perfect storm for HR professionals. Although most employers are facing increased health care premium costs, they are using a variety of methods and strategies to reduce costs. Lane Odle shares more in this whitepaper.
HR Compliance Poster: Family and Medical Leave ActHere is a free compliance poster to download for your organization on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Health Care Cost Containment and Reduction Methods Vary By RegionThe Benefits USA 2007/2008 survey of more than 5,400 benefit plans found 65.8 percent of organizations nationally use wellness programs to contain costs, while 34.5 percent are increasing the employee portion of the premium.
CyberShift to Demonstrate Workforce Management Solution CyberShift to Demonstrate Workforce Management Solution at Upcoming National Retail Federation’s 97th Annual Convention & EXPO
Sick Time Source of DebateWith flu season in full swing, many workers are paying more attention to their organizations’ sick day policies – and so are many of the presidential candidates. According to the Compensation Data annual survey of more than 5,000 employers, exempt employees have 8.4 sick days on average, while non-exempt have 7.6.
Survey Says: Intermittent Leave Creates Challenges for FMLA ManagementEmployers also burdened by the costs of compliance and overlap of federal and state laws.
Thompson’s Entire HR and Benefits Library -- Now Just a Click AwayThompson is launching an online version of their entire HR library. The site is fully searchable, hyperlinked and updated daily.
NAM WELCOMES FMLA REPORT DOCUMENTING EMPLOYER CHALLENGESEmployers Seek Clearer Rules
Employees, Employers & Courts Struggle with Unworkable and Confusing FMLA RegulationsNational Coalition to Protect Family Leave calls on the U.S. Department of Labor to address widespread concerns regarding FMLA.
Success Over StressStress, burnout, desk rage... it's what eating Americans and it costs more than what you think. Jeffrey Gero explains.
Sick Workers on the Job Pose ProblemsAccording to the findings of the 2006 CCH Unscheduled Absence Survey, 56 percent of employers now report that "presenteeism," when sick employees show up for work, is a problem in their organization.
The Future of Defined Benefit PlansDefined Benefits plans (DB) should be and must be preserved in order to meet our obligations as employers, as governments in preparing the American public for a financially secure retirement; a transcript of an educational webcast by Jeff Chad.
HR.com Interview with GE Money’s Eric Kirchner, National Sales Leader, Benefit Solutions by GE Currently, as National Sales Leader for Benefit Solutions by GE, Eric Kirchner manages a 10-person sales team focusing on development of broker/consultant relationships nationwide. His team promotes GE's line of Wellness, Identity Theft Protection and Legal products in the employee marketplace. An interview by Claude Balthazard, Ph.D., Director of Research, HR.com.
Retailers Lead the Market in Controlling Benefit CostsRetailers lead the market in controlling benefit costs, which are rising faster than they can raise prices, Mercer analysis finds.
The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security 2006Cited as Leaders in Wellness, Workplace Guidance, "Auto Pilot" Retirement Savings
How to Best Institute Vacation PlansAs companies grow, Paid Time Off can become a significant expense that must be managed. Â Curt Finch offers the following things to think about as you develop or improve your PTO plan.
Malaysia: Law to Extend Benefits to More of WorkforceOn July 31, 2006, Malaysia´s Minister of Human Resources, Dr. Fong Chan Onn, said to reporters that the government had drafted an amendment to the Employment Act which would raise the "salary ceiling" to 2,000 ringgit per month (about US$550); from PacificBridge.
Pandemic Communications: Protecting Your Company´s InterestsAs media stories about the avian flu become more frequent, HR professionals would be well advised to dust off their crisis plans and think about how to maintain employee productivity and business continuity during a pandemic, writes David Weiner.
Accrued Sick Leave and FMLAIn a recent 8th Circuit Court of Appeals decision, the Court held that an employer did not improperly terminate an employee at the end of the 12-week FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) period, despite additional sick leave available to the employee. From Kathleen Bray.
EAPs in Unique Position to Help Sandwiched Baby Boomer GenerationEmployees today are more likely than ever to have multiple care-giving responsibilities in addition to their demands at work; from Bensinger DuPont & Associates.
Hidden Reasons, Costs Behind Increased Absenteeism at WorkWhen Jane called in sick last week, she said she had the flu. When Dave didn´t show up to work, he said that he had a bad cold. Zachary Meyer finds when employees are surveyed confidentially, the primary reason noted for missing work has to do with stress or depression.
Notice the Leave, and Leave with Notice: FMLA Recent DevelopmentsRecent case law serves to define, limit, enhance, and sometimes confuse what you thought was standard procedure, writes Wendy H. Sicola. Â
Incentives Motivate Human Resource Departments to Reduce CostsMotivating human resource departments with incentives to reduce costs will give them a reason to research alternative health care systems and reduce insurance premiums, writes Ryan Kennedy.
Absence and DisabilityLooking at absence and disability management programs as a means to helping reduce these costs makes sense as it is one of the only ways an organization can reduce costs without cutting benefits and passing on the costs to the employees. From HR.com's Benefits analyst Jeff Chad.
Care Focused Purchasing Presses Ahead With AgendaEmployers and health plans provide momentum for health care quality initiatives
Benefits GovernanceGovernance comprises processes and systems by which organizations of all sizes operate. From HR.com´s Jeff Chad.
Trends in Employee Benefits: What's Hot and What's NotHR.com´s Jeff Chad discusses using employee benefits as a tool to attract, retain, and grow good employees.
Japanese Government Considering New Law to Make Holidays MandatoryThe Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) plans to implement this law to help Japanese workers balance both work and family; from Pacific Bridge.
Changing The Employee Mindset From Entitlement to Engagement: It Can Be Done!New Guide Features Tips To Motivate Workers To Make Critical Benefits Decisions
Dear Mr. President: Five Steps Toward A Stronger WorkforceRay Roe, president of Adecco Group North America, has some suggestions for motivating and retaining the American workforce.
MetLife Study: Nearly One-Quarter of Workers Changed Employers in 2005 Favoring Balance & MissionNearly three-quarters of employers expect competition for talent to intensify this year. A recent MetLife study reveals that the array of benefits are important for recruiting and retention, since workers favor relationships, balance and mission over traditional job selection criteria.
Majority of Employees Say Stress Will Make Them Sick this Cold/Flu SeasonSome 78 percent of workers say stress depletes their defenses, increasing their chances to become ill this cold/flu season, according to a Tell It NowSM survey by ComPsych Corporation.
Now What?And the list goes on.
Integrated Program Takes Aim at Co-MorbidityCommon sense has long tied a person´s recovery from a medical illness to their state of mind. Â Research is finally identifying links between depression and medical illness --- in both directions, writes Sean Fogarty.
Trends in Employee Benefits: What's Hot, What's NotThe highest priority for employer provided benefits programs should be to protect the employee from significant financial hardship due to illness, disability, or death. A recent study listed the top five HR concerns of employers and employees.