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Quit or fired? That’s the question

05/01/2007

Q. We had an employee who was not working out. We gave her the choice of resigning or being terminated. She chose to resign. We were happy because we understand that an employee who resigns is not entitled to unemployment compensation under Texas law? Are we right?—S.G.

Pregnant Employees: Answers to Your 20 Toughest Legal Questions

04/26/2007
White Paper published by The HR Specialist ______________________ Not many years ago, pregnant women were subject to poor treatment from employers and company insurance plans as well. But the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), enacted in 1978, prohibits discrimination on the basis of “pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions.” The PDA required most employers to make […]

Workers fail to give FMLA proof? Cut ‘Em loose

04/01/2007

Q. One of our employees had been out sick for two months. We’ve received a doctor’s note that just says he’s unable to work and that a return date is undetermined. We faxed and mailed FMLA paperwork, but it hasn’t been returned. Meanwhile, the employee is receiving disability benefits through our short-term disability plan. How do we calculate the start of FMLA leave? From the date the disability payment began? And if we never get the FMLA paperwork back, can we terminate him? —T.B., Tennessee

Big Three Throw Their Weight Behind Value-Driven Health Care

04/01/2007

Executives from Michigan’s Big Three automakers met with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Secretary Michael Leavitt in late January to sign HHS’s Value-Driven Health Care Initiative …

Benchmark your health benefits with other Michigan employers

04/01/2007

Wondering how your health care benefits measure up against those of other Michigan employers? Find out by participating in McGraw Wentworth’s 2007 Mid-Market Group Benefits Survey …

Should you pay employees to change unhealthy behaviors?

04/01/2007

Cash is king when it comes to wellness incentives. Studies show that the almighty dollar is the best motivator for employee participation in wellness activities, followed closely by reductions in health insurance premiums …

How to encourage enrollment in your HSA program

04/01/2007

Wal-Mart doubled its annual health savings account (HSA) contribution for employees who enroll in high-deductible health plans for 2007. The move might be one for other organizations to consider as they try to enroll employees into HSAs to achieve better health cost savings—for both employer and employee …

Avoid these 5 telecommuting liability pitfalls

04/01/2007
As telework’s popularity grows, so do legal concerns for employers. To lower your risks, devise a telecommuting policy that protects you on these fronts.

You can’t force employee to use paid time if on disability

04/01/2007

If you require employees to use accumulated sick leave, vacation time or other paid leave when they’re out on FMLA leave, be aware of a little-known trap: If that employee also is receiving payments through a disability plan, you can’t force the person to use up his or her accumulated paid leave …

Genetic discrimination bill takes another step in Congress

04/01/2007

A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation last month that would ban employers from collecting genetic information from employees and applicants and prohibit the use of genetic tests when making employment decisions …