Month: February 2014

Great Incentive Plan + Poor Communication = Poor Incentive Plan

Communicating the Sales Incentive Plan Sometimes Pasteris sees the situation in which there was a great sales plan design but it failed because it was not well understood and appreciated by the salespeople. To avoid that situation, make sure that you: Send an announcement letter, particularly with the new plan that spells out its features. […]

Vague Appeal Letters Help Overturn Denial for Dental Work

The claims administrator of an employer-sponsored health plan abused its discretion when it rejected a health benefits claim because it: (1) denied it without an explanation or plausible support; (2) had a structural conflict of interest because it was also the insurer; and (3) violated ERISA regulations by merely reciting its policy without refuting the […]

The 9 Most Common Form I-9 Mistakes

In yesterday’s Advisor, Attorney Roger Tsai briefed readers on dealing with Form I-9 challenges. Today, we present Tsai’s nine most common mistakes on I-9 forms, plus an introduction to the all-things-HR-in-one-place website, HR.BLR.com®. Tsai, who is Of Counsel at Holland & Hart LLP in the Salt Lake City office, delivered his practical tips at BLR’s […]

Employers in Tax-break Pilot May Offer myRA Accounts by Late 2014

Employers may not feel much of an administrative burden from the new “starter” retirement savings accounts announced Jan. 28 in President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, but those opting to participate should be prepared for employees’ questions about the My Retirement Account or “myRA” program ahead of its launch late this year. While […]

Incentives to Keep Sales Pros Focused Where You Want Them Focused

Sales Organization Sales compensation plans often fail because they are not rooted in careful analysis beforehand. Your plan has to be defined by the market you are in and who your customers and competitors are. For example, if your customers are all young, you may do your sales work over the Internet; if you sell […]

Are You Plugged in to Electrical Safety Training?

The material in today’s Advisor is adapted from a course in TrainingToday’s Workplace Safety Library called “Electrical Safety—Unqualified Worker.” This training session is designed for unqualified workers, such as machine operators, powered industrial truck operators, and construction workers, about electrical hazards. Additional training is required for qualified workers who are authorized to work on or […]

From Gattaca to GINA: Use of genetic information in workplace is problematic

If there is one thing that is universal about the entertainment world, it’s that it makes us all feel inadequate. Yes, with the airbrushed photos and the digital editing techniques, the stars and starlets who grace the covers of magazines and show up on the big screen all seem to have something (or multiple things) […]

Form I-9s—Still a Hassle and Audits Are Heating Up

Immigration is a hot issue, and that means increased scrutiny of Employment Eligibility Verification Forms (more commonly known as a Form I-9). Attorney Roger Tsai clarified employer responsibilities at BLR’s Advanced Employment Issues Symposium held recently in Las Vegas. IRCA’s Requirements The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) requires every employer to complete […]

Human rights claim disallowed; victim was part of the harassment

By Nicola Sutton In December 2013 we reported on the allegations faced by the Miami Dolphins that one of its players had been bullied and harassed by his teammates, an issue faced by many employers. Sometimes these issues are complicated when a complaining employee has been or is an active participant in the complained-of behavior. […]