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Compensation & Benefits

Base pay on the job–not the job description

03/12/2014
The Equal Pay Act makes it illegal to set separate rates of pay for men and women doing the same work. But some employers don’t understand that job titles and job descriptions don’t matter much when it comes to comparing jobs.

Cash-strapped still raiding 401(k)s to pay the bills

03/12/2014
Here’s another sign that, while the economy is generally improving, flush times can still be elusive for individuals. Fully 35% of people who voluntarily or involuntarily left their jobs last year cashed out their retirement savings instead of keeping their money in tax-advantaged accounts.

What drives wellness participation?

03/11/2014
Incentives such as prizes or lower premiums aren’t the main motivators driving participation in employer-sponsored wellness programs. In fact, most employees just want better health.

Virginia financial media firm offers ‘foolish benefits’

03/11/2014
The Motley Fool tells applicants they are applying for the best job they’ll ever have, touting its flexible work schedules, competitive salaries, employee benefits and friendly work environment. Here are some of the “foolish benefits” offered by the Alexandria, Va., personal finance publisher.

IRS now provides special PINs to service bureau clients

03/11/2014
If you’re a client of a payroll service bureau or reporting agent, the IRS will provide you with an inquiry PIN. Inquiry PINs allow you to track your tax accounts so you can keep tabs on your third-party provider’s activities. Keeping tabs on your third-party provider is crucial.

No double liability for state, federal classification claims

03/07/2014

Until now, employers covered by the FLSA faced potential double liability under the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act over unpaid overtime for workers misclassified as exempt. A recent decision makes clear that the federal FLSA takes precedence.

Multitasking doesn’t destroy exempt status when managers must do hands-on work

03/07/2014
Salaried retail managers often have to step in and perform nonmanagement tasks. The fact that they do some of the same things that hourly employees do doesn’t mean they aren’t exempt under the FLSA—as long as they are also managing at the same time.

CPA firm involves employees in creating work/life benefits

03/07/2014
Each new hire at CPA giant Plante Moran is assigned an experienced “buddy” to show him or her the ropes—and a team partner tasked with helping the newbie achieve personal and professional career goals. An employee committee researches and recommends programs and policies that promote work/life balance.

Should we pay nonexempt employees for voluntarily running office errands before work?

03/06/2014
Q. Because our office is in a residential area, mail isn’t delivered until the late afternoon. One of our secretaries volunteered to pick up the mail at the post office on her way to work every day. It’s not too far out of the way, but it does change her regular route to work. Are we required to reimburse her for the additional time, as well as mileage?

Supreme Court rules on ‘donning & doffing’ in union shops

03/06/2014
The U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous interpretation on Jan. 27 of the meaning of “changing clothes” in the FLSA is significant for unionized ­­employers in industries in which workers must change clothes to begin and end their work shifts.