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Employee Relations

How to make reward and recognition programs fun

11/01/2007

The problem with standardized reward and recognition programs is that they are completely impersonal processes. Instead of thinking about the specific people involved, the company provides the same generic awards to everyone. But when an element of fun and play is added, the experience becomes personalized and much more memorable for the award recipient, without additional financial expense …

Workers’ comp for injury at social event?

11/01/2007

Q. Is an employee who injures herself at a company-sponsored picnic eligible for workers’ compensation? …

Track mailing, receipt of any benefits-Change notification

11/01/2007

Employers that change benefits plans beware! Employees are entitled to know when their benefits will change under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). It’s best to make sure everyone knows about the changes before they go into effect—especially if the new plan requires the employee to do something to qualify for a benefit …

Use BLS survey data to show employees the value of benefits

11/01/2007

A new survey by the U.S. Labor Department Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers a great chance for HR pros to help employees understand the true value of their benefits. The key finding of the BLS’s National Compensation Survey  will come as no surprise: About half of the nation’s employees get health and retirement benefits through their employers. But other survey findings may provide a valuable opportunity to enlighten employees …

Workplace chaplains boost morale, productivity

11/01/2007

Having a man or woman of the cloth around the office is a growing trend for companies keen on work/life benefits. Thousands of clergymen and clergywomen work full time or part time in corporate America as chaplains, ministering to employees’ spiritual needs and providing counseling services. If you think your organization might benefit from having a chaplain in the workplace, consider how you will structure his or her employment and the qualifications that will best serve your employees …

Avoid a fine: Let employees know about company stock in 401(k)

11/01/2007

If your organization offers its own stock as an investment option for employees’ 401(k) plans, let them know when they’re eligible to sell it. Last year’s Pension Protection Act says employees who buy company stock with their own contributions can sell it at any time …

Beware managers who participate in drive to unionize workers

11/01/2007

When union-organizing efforts target a business, managers usually sit on the sidelines. But managers may have sympathies with either side, and their actions could cause problems for either the employer or the union. Your best bet is to rely on professional negotiators and labor counsel …

Make sure employees know FMLA policy on returning to work

11/01/2007

Employers can require employees who are off work for an FMLA-qualifying illness (their own serious health condition or that of a child, spouse or parent) to provide updates on their conditions. But watch out if you have a policy that calls for termination if the employee fails to report for work when his doctor said he would be ready to return—especially if more FMLA leave is still available. Make absolutely sure the employee knows about the rule …

8 little things managers can do to retain the best

11/01/2007
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Delivering bad news? Many bosses hide behind e-Mail

11/01/2007

RadioShack earned a public relations beating last year when it used e-mail notifications to alert 400 employees at its Texas headquarters that they were being laid off. But that practice may be more popular than you think …