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Compensation & Benefits

Blame the bad economy: Telework on the decline

07/25/2011
The total number of people who worked from home or another remote location for an entire day at least once a month has declined for the first time since 2003. The pull-back from telework reflects a psychology driven by the anemic economy, according to an expert.

Altering employee’s schedule? Be sure to document your reasons for making the change

07/25/2011
There are plenty of good reasons why you might have to change an employee’s schedule. Don’t get sloppy about how you implement the change. Make sure you document exactly why you are rejiggering the usual schedule.

Verizon keeps moms-to-be in shape with wellness perks

07/25/2011

Pregnant employees of Verizon Wire­less can keep in shape with Pilates for Pregnancy classes and nutrition seminars. They also can participate in online physician seminars throughout their pregnancies. The perks are part of the organization’s wellness program.

Sodexho honors its ‘heroes’ who volunteer

07/22/2011

Among the 120,000 employees at Sodexho USA are a handful of “Heroes of Everyday Life.” That’s what the food and facilities management services company calls its employees who work to fight hunger in their local communities.

3 ways to tell if your wellness program is paying off

07/21/2011

Congratulations! You’ve cleared the first wellness hurdle: Executives have finally agreed to implement a wellness program. But now they’re asking for hard evidence that the company’s financial investment in the program will pay off. If measuring your program’s ROI seems akin to scaling Mount Everest, take comfort in the fact that more and more employers are successfully making the climb.

Can we offer pizza instead of pay when employees must work through lunch?

07/19/2011
Q. Occasionally, when we receive a big order, our nonexempt employees are required to work through their lunch break. Although we do not pay them overtime for this work, we buy pizzas and sodas for all the affected workers. Is this lawful?

State pay law now covers out-of-state employees working in California

07/19/2011

A unanimous California Supreme Court has ruled that California-based employers must pay out-of-state resident employees based on the provisions of the California Labor Code, even if those employees only visit the state on a limited, temporary basis. The decision is worrisome for multi­state employers because it may open the door for more employee lawsuits seeking the generous protections offered by California law.

One-on-one counseling helps employees understand benefits

07/19/2011
On average, 30% to 40% of an employee’s total compensation is wrapped up in benefits. Unfortunately, employees often have no idea that’s the case. The most effective way to make sure employees really understand the benefits you offer, their value and why they’re a great deal is to tell them face-to-face.

ERISA lawsuits not limited to plan administrators

07/19/2011
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has clarified who can sue for unpaid benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Are those employees similarly situated? Not if they’re acting like free agents

07/19/2011
A federal court has rejected a bid by two former employees to represent other similarly situated employees, based on the employer’s claim of conflict of interest. The court agreed that these particular employees weren’t the best choice to represent other workers.