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Compensation & Benefits

‘Michelle’s Law’ kicks in Nov. 8: New health insurance rules for dependent kids

09/29/2009

A new federal law takes effect Nov. 8 that extends eligibility for group health insurance coverage to certain dependent children over age 18 who are enrolled in institutions of higher education.

EEOC takes sides in ‘the pill v. the pope’ battle

09/29/2009

The EEOC has filed suit against Belmont Abbey College, a Catholic-run institution in Belmont, claiming the college’s refusal to provide coverage for birth control in its employee health plan violates the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

Must we grant leave for employees to attend meetings at their kids’ schools?

09/29/2009

Q. Are we obligated to provide paid leave so one of our employees can attend a mandatory school meeting concerning his child?

Can we require employees to keep working despite inclement weather?

09/29/2009

Q. When there’s even a hint of bad weather, one of our employees goes home. Can we require her to work until the regular quitting time?

What’s Working: 8 unique employee benefits programs

09/28/2009

Here’s a collection of creative employee benefits programs, excerpted from our Compensation & Benefits newsletter: 1. Expectant and new moms get help from co-worker "buddies." 2. Shopping-spree contest helps boost sales, morale. 3. Cash advances help workers dress for success. 4. Employee committees choose company wellness programs. 5. Company pays employees to leave their cars at home. 6. Deployed workers get full pay, benefits and care packages. 7. Medical firm picks reality TV star as its "wellness ambassador." 8. British firm pays for "Botox leave."

Try ADA process even if disability pay is option

09/28/2009

Some employees who become injured would just as soon keep working. Rather than collect temporary disability payments, they’d rather see whether they can perform another job or otherwise persuade employers to accommodate their injuries. If you face that situation, be careful not to force such employees to go out on disability.

ERISA can send contract case to federal court

09/28/2009

Employment agreements are contracts. When disputes arise, they’re typically litigated in state courts because they involve state contract laws. But under the right circumstances, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) may apply to the agreement, effectively making the contract a protected benefit plan.

Suspect FMLA mischief? Use certification rights before taking drastic action

09/25/2009

Some employees have learned how to play the FMLA game very well. For example, you may notice a suspicious Monday-Friday pattern of intermittent leave for an illness. If you really believe an employee is trying to pull a fast one, don’t play the termination card right away. Instead, your first—and safest—option is to request a medical certification stating the employee has a serious health condition.

Train supervisors to refer potential FMLA leave requests to HR

09/23/2009

Employees who need FMLA leave don’t have to specifically say so. They just have to give enough information to let their employers know they may have a serious health condition. That’s why you need to train supervisors to let HR handle all leave requests involving health problems of any sort.

It’s not hogwash: Prepare now for the coming swine flu pandemic

09/23/2009

Federal and state public health agencies are closely monitoring the H1N1 influenza (also known as swine flu) that was first identified this spring. Since then, every state in the U.S. has had confirmed cases of the virus. It’s not time to panic—but it is time for businesses to think strategically, be proactive and be prepared.