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Compensation & Benefits

Total-Comp Statements: More Important Than Ever

04/01/2007

Regularly remind employees of the value of your benefits package by distributing total-compensation statements every six months. Organizations that communicate such information can boost loyalty and retention, even when their benefits aren’t the very best …

Include disclaimer in incentive plans that clarifies when no contract exists

04/01/2007

Incentive plans are wonderful motivational tools, but make sure yours doesn’t create an enforceable contract. That mistake may force you to pay bonuses to employees who’ve left or cause lawsuits over the payment amount …

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 …

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 …

Planning for a pandemic flu: Is your organization prepared?

04/01/2007

After preparing for Y2K, anthrax and hurricanes, HR and legal professionals must now turn their attention to pandemic planning …