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Compensation & Benefits

Independent contractors: Steer clear of IRS numbers game

05/01/2004
THE LAW. Many organizations don’t think twice about using independent contractors. They’re an attractive labor source because you don’t have to shell out payroll taxes or benefits for them, nor are …

Same-sex marriage: Know the impact on policies, benefits

05/01/2004
Issue: How to sort out federal law and emerging state and local rules on same-sex marriages and unions. Benefit/risk: You don’t need to extend …

Cut turnover by revealing ‘Hidden facts’ in paychecks

05/01/2004

Issue: Employees too often see their base salary as their bottom-line compensation. Risk: Without a clear view of their total compensation package, employees become disillusioned and seek greener …

Forward 401(k) contributions on time … or else

05/01/2004
The Labor Department is putting new teeth into its rules that require employers to deposit employee 401(k) contributions by the 15th business day of the month following the month in which …

‘Stock-loss stress’ won’t earn workers’ comp

05/01/2004
After a California utility worker saw his $200,000 in company stock plummet in value, he left work and filed a workers’ comp claim, citing stress. The state workers’ comp board said …

Even ‘Optional’ company events carry risks

05/01/2004

Q. Awhile back you suggested that we provide transportation home for employees who suffer an illness that could be work-related. Would that apply to company parties for which employees’ attendance is voluntary? —C.K, Illinois

Serious condition, not its symptoms, triggers FMLA

05/01/2004
The next time you consider a request for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), remember this: For employees to be covered under the FMLA for their own “serious …

Telecommuters eligible for FMLA? Geography may be irrelevant.

05/01/2004
An account executive who telecommuted from her California home office sued her Kansas-based employer, claiming she was fired after taking FMLA leave to recover from surgery. The company said she was …

Return pregnant employee to equivalent job

05/01/2004

Q. When an employee returns from maternity leave, do we have to give her the very same job she had or can she be put to work in a different type of position? —J.B., North Carolina

Serious illness, not just its symptoms, triggers FMLA

05/01/2004
Issue: Can employees earn FMLA leave if they just show symptoms of an ailment that eventually becomes a qualifying “serious condition?” Benefit: The answer is “No.” You don’t have to …