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Compensation & Benefits

Employers must be vigilant on 401(k) options

06/09/2015
A new decision by the U.S. Supreme Court has upped the fiduciary ante for employers that offer defined contribution retirement plans.

After exempt employee uses up paid leave, what do we do when he misses work again?

06/09/2015
Q. I have a salaried employee who used all his vacation and sick time. He is allowed a total of 21 days and has used 22. He wants to take more vacation in Novem­­ber and is always sick (so he’ll probably be out more). Can I deduct from his pay if he’s out more? Or can I take days from next year? This may be an ongoing thing every year.

Email meant for wife goes to boss, costs unemployment

06/09/2015
Sometimes it’s the little things that sway court decisions. A former em­­ployee of the Montgomery County Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities was denied unemployment compensation benefits after department managers demonstrated that he had repeatedly used work computers for personal business.

EBSA finds serious deficiencies in 39% of benefit plan audits

06/08/2015
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration has uncovered “serious issues” with the quality of employee benefit plan audits performed by certified public accountants.

Special analysis: Take steps against identity theft

06/08/2015
What do banks, health insurers, major retail chains and movie studios have in common? Massive cyberattacks that have led to stolen identifying information, including employees’ sensitive personal data. You can thwart any identity thief by taking some simple steps and modifying some ­procedures.

You’re in the Army now! How to pay military employees

06/07/2015
Employees who are in the National Guard and Reserves usually serve their two weeks during the summer. Here’s what you need to know.

Watch the clock when hiring teens this summer

05/30/2015
If you’re planning on hiring teenagers this summer, remember that the Fair Labor Standards Act has strict rules regarding the jobs and hours teens may work.

What kinds of wellness programs exist?

05/29/2015
Q. What should I look for in a workplace wellness program for our company?

June 2015: Employer’s business tax calendar

05/29/2015
Here’s your monthly guide to critical payroll due dates.

IRS firms up consent rules for FICA refunds

05/27/2015
The IRS has issued a final revenue procedure that covers how to obtain employees’ consent before you refund overwithheld FICA taxes to them.