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By Kyla Stott-Jess, Katie Clayton, and Hannah Roskey Canada’s highest court has ruled that random drug and alcohol testing in the workplace violates privacy rights. In Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Local 30 v. Irving Pulp & Paper Ltd., the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) considered the validity of a random alcohol testing […]
Engagement is an issue for most employers as the economy comes back. How to make it happen? Six factors are required for true employee engagement, says consultant Keith Branham. Highly engaged workplaces score high on all six. Branham, who is founder and principal of Keeping the People, Inc., offered his expertise at WorldatWork’s 2013 Total […]
Two primary perspectives exist when it comes to employee reward programs: Reward programs are seen as a cost of doing business, in which case the goal is to minimize the costs. Reward programs are seen as an investment, in which case the goal is to optimize the return on the investment. Organizations, including their managers […]
Telecommuting is one form of workplace flexibility that can be beneficial to both employees and employers alike. While many people can quickly name employee benefits such as improved work-life balance, shorter commute times, and increased satisfaction, there are just as many benefits for employers. “Organizations began recognizing that there were business results as a result […]
Perceived fairness of employee rewards (or the lack thereof) is often at the root of why employees leave organizations. The idea of fairness also determines if an employee will make an extra effort to reach organizational goals or even the objectives of his or her own job. For these reasons, it’s vital for organizations to […]
The National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers with chemical operations take these additional steps to keep contact lens wearers safe in chemical environments: 7. Train medical and first-aid personnel in the removal of contact lenses and have the appropriate equipment available. 8. In the event of a chemical exposure, begin eye […]
New health reform rules finalize policies for non-profit organizations that object on religious or moral grounds to gain an exemption from having to “contract, arrange, pay or refer for” contraceptive coverage. The final rules reflect public feedback received in response to Feb. 6, 2013 proposed rules (78 Fed. Reg. 8456). In the proposed rule, the […]
Most U.S. small business owners think the country’s lack of retirement readiness threatens business and the economy, yet that concern doesn’t necessarily translate to concrete action to address it, a new survey has found. Only about one-third of small-business owners offer a retirement plan for their employees, according to “Poll Report: Small Business Owners’ Views on […]
A large employer was socked with $1.85 million in COBRA notice penalties, plus still-to-be determined attorney’s fees, for neglecting its duty as plan administrator to ensure that COBRA election notices were sent on a timely basis. The company’s negligence occurred over several years, affecting hundreds of former employees who participated in a class action lawsuit. […]
The National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers with chemical operations take these steps to keep contact lens wearers safe in chemical environments: 1. Conduct an eye injury hazard evaluation in the workplace that includes an assessment of the number of contact lens wearers, chemical exposures, and appropriate eye and face protection […]