Month: March 2013

Risks of Noncompliance with Employment Law Increase Say BLR Editors

For 2013,  it’s likely that the risks of noncompliance with employment-related laws are just going to get higher, BLR editors agreed. First of all, DOL and other agencies are focusing on enforcement. They have more attorneys; they have additional statisticians, inspectors, and investigators; and they have the budget for more staffing. Although the number of […]

Never Say Never, and Never Say This

Yesterday’s Advisor featured the first six of author Darlene Price’s 10 phrases that kill your pitch; today, killer phrases 7 through 10, plus an introduction to the all-HR-in-one-place website, HR.BLR.com. [Go here for killer phrases 1 to 6.] 7. AVOID: “…don’t you think?”  or, “…isn’t it?” or “…OK?”  To convey a confident commanding presence, eliminate […]

Questions and Answers on Reform’s Transitional Reinsurance Fee

Employers are understandably nervous about the transitional reinsurance fee, which health insurers and employer health plans must pay from 2014 through 2016. The fee will be collected by HHS, even though the states will tailor their own risk adjustment programs. It must be paid annually. Plans will probably make their first payment for 2014 a […]

Key Wage-and-hour Language to Have in Your Employee Handbook

To prevent the consequences from imprecise employee handbook language,  employers should regularly review their handbooks and written policies. Since wage and hour lawsuits make up a significant part of  litigation, W&H provisions can make a difference as you draft or review your employee handbook. Wage-and-hour related provisions should include pay details, safe harbor and state […]

Are Your Employee Development Training Programs Award Worthy?

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has received recognition both for its strong commitment to employee development and to the financial literacy of youths in the Minneapolis area. Employee development “Allianz Life is committed to the well-being and professional development of our employees; they are the key to our success,” president and CEO Walter […]

Can You Forbid Discussions of Salary and Pay?

It’s all part of NLRB’s new expansive view of its role. For insights about the overly aggressive NLRB and the recent court decision concerning the legitimacy of President Obama’s recess appointments, we spoke with Patricia Trainor, BLR’s senior managing editor, HR. “There’s a very interesting situation at the NLRB now: A court has ruled that […]

Play-or-pay factor: Affordability safe harbors

By Martin Simon If an employer covered by the Affordable Care Act play-or-pay requirements decides to play by providing health insurance coverage, it could still be hit with penalties if the coverage is “unaffordable.” Coverage is unaffordable if one or more of the employer’s full-time employees receives a premium tax credit because he or she […]

10 Persuasion-Killing Phrases You Should Never Use

Whether you’re making a formal request, wooing an applicant, or proposing an idea, the wrong phrase can ruin your pitch, says author Darlene Price. She offers 10 phrases that kill any hope of success. Price is the author of recently published Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results. Of course, you’ve got to know […]