Month: August 2014

Failure to Pay Correctly—#6 on the List of Lawsuit Magnets

[Go here for failures 1 to 5.] 6. Failure to Pay Correctly Yes, it’s the pay thing. Zandy’s danger zones are: Misclassification (exempt vs. nonexempt) Timesheets (in & out) Meetings (mandatory and unpaid?) Off-the-clock (off-duty helping on-duty) Travel Bonuses (discretionary vs. nondiscretionary) The good news is plaintiffs’ lawyers are unlikely to take a case if […]

EEOC Files First ADA Lawsuit Against Employee Wellness Program

The first direct federal challenge to an employee wellness program’s legality under the Americans with Disabilities Act was filed Aug. 20 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The employer’s program did not qualify as “voluntary” under the ADA because the one employee who refused to participate was forced to bear the entire cost of […]

Do You Actively Recruit Passive Candidates?

As the unemployment rate inches further downward and positions are taking longer to fill, many employers are looking for new and innovative ways to reach the best talent. One option that is increasing in popularity is searching for passive candidates—individuals who may not be directly looking for a new job, but who would be open […]

Create a Plan to Manage Your Talent

Yesterday’s Advisor covered consultant Jennifer Barton’s, SPHR, tips for evaluating your total rewards program. Today, what you can do to make your program more effective.

Does Your Material-Handling Training Stack Up?

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not provide much specific direction concerning safe stacking and storage, 29 CFR 1910.176(b) of the material-handling standard does generally require secure workplace storage of materials. The regulation states: “Storage of material shall not create a hazard. Bags, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers shall be stacked, […]

The 10 Most Costly Management Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

“It’s a case of perception vs. reality. The plaintiff perceives he (she) was disciplined, retaliated against, and harassed.  The reality is different. He (she) was terminated for a legitimate, non-discriminatory, non-retaliatory reason by a professional, well-trained manager with supportive documentation.” Jurors are never on the side of the employers, says Zandy, who is with the […]

OFCCP Issues New Directive on Gender Identity, Sex Discrimination

Another step in tightening the employment law obligations of federal contractors has begun with an Aug. 19 directive that protects individuals with claims of gender identity and transgender status from discrimination. The directive, from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs under the U.S. Department of Labor, was spurred by an executive order issued by […]

Total Rewards Program Doing Its Job?

Your total rewards package affects your company’s ability to attract, motivate, and retain top talent. Is your program doing all that it could be? Consultant Jennifer Barton shows how to evaluate and improve your program. Barton, Chief Operating Officer, Willis North America Human Capital Practice, made her suggestions at the recent SHRM Annual Conference and […]

The 4 Leadership Lessons I Learned from ‘Dead Poets Society’

Keating encourages the boys to embrace their individualism, think independently, and pursue their passions. This leads them on a path of self-discovery that clashes with the rigid culture of the conservative institution they attend. Keating’s methods ultimately cost him his job, but they win him the respect and affection of his students. In watching the […]