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Work / Life Issues

Status of Domestic-Partner Benefits in Michigan

05/01/2007

Q. In November 2006, Michigan passed a constitutional amendment that prohibits the state from recognizing non-marital unions. We have employees who are seeking health insurance benefits for their domestic partners, who are of the same sex. Does the Michigan constitution preclude us from agreeing to provide health insurance for our employees and their domestic partners?—L.S.

Good sense or meddling? Scotts’ no-Smoking policy tested in court

05/01/2007

Marysville-based Scotts Miracle-Gro faces a discrimination suit from a lawn care technician fired last fall after testing positive for nicotine in violation of the company’s tobacco-free workplace policy …

Nursing mom protected from discrimination? Maybe

05/01/2007

Some new mothers returning to work after giving birth request time off during the workday to express and store breast milk. Some states have passed specific laws protecting nursing women from harassment and discrimination …

How to discuss late hours without bringing up family obligations

05/01/2007

Q. We have a position open in our sales department for someone who will be planning and executing company-sponsored events, most of which would take place outside normal 9-to-5 working hours. Is there a way we can ask about the applicants’ family situations and make it clear that missing these events because of family obligations would not be tolerated?

A growing problem: Obese workers cost Texas employers $3 billion

05/01/2007

In 2005, obesity cost Texas employers approximately $3.3 billion, including direct health care costs and related costs for employee absenteeism …

Helping Employees Through the Grieving Process

04/22/2007
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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 evaluate and choose a geriatric care manager

04/01/2007

As your organization’s employees age, more of them will have to care for their elderly parents, a time-consuming task that can sap a worker’s energy, time and productivity. To help with this burden, some organizations are giving employees access to geriatric care managers as an employee benefit …

Volunteer opportunities help create worker balance

04/01/2007

Wealth management company Baird, based in Milwaukee, has designed programs to nurture its employees’ generous urges. The three-year-old Baird Cares initiative allows employees an extra paid day off each year to volunteer …

Help employees keep their work/Life resolutions

03/01/2007

The top three New Year’s resolutions for people: 1. Strike a better balance between work and home life. 2. Exercise more. 3. Avoid bad relationships. Your organization can’t help workers avoid disastrous dates, but it can help with the first two items …