Two requirements of health care reform that affect employers will be going into effect on January 1, 2015. First, after much debate and delay, the first phase of the Employer Mandate (or “Play or Pay” Provision) will begin. Once it is fully implemented, this provision...

As HR professionals, we are often asked, "How can I get my sales team to become top performers?" or, "Is there a way to ignite a spark of enthusiasm and passion in my sales team?" Although sales consultants and sales trainers can definitely address this question, we...

Employee Benefits & Executive CompensationAction Item: Employers with wellness programs that involve higher premiums or other increased cost-sharing for employees who do not participate should review their wellness strategies to assess their compliance with the...

With increased media coverage about the Ebola outbreak, employers may wonder what workplace action should be taken. This is also a good time to discuss keeping your workplace germ free as the flu season gets into full force. Keep in mind that the likelihood of Ebola...

Question & AnswerQ. We had a disciplinary issue with an hourly employee last week. Instead of reporting at normal time to work, we instead asked that they report later in the morning for a meeting with supervisors. In the meeting, we suspended her for two days and...

Upcoming Changes to OSHA Reporting and Recordkeeping RequirementsOn January 1, 2015, a final rule from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will take effect that will change the current injury and illness reporting and...

The Health Insurance Marketplaces (also known as the State Health Exchanges) will be opening on November 15 for individuals to enroll in non-employer sponsored plans for 2015. While employers are generally not greatly impacted by open enrollment for individual plans,...

While Tim Cook’s proud and public declaration didn’t exactly come as a shock to Silicon Valley, equality advocates are saying the CEO’s statement could help change attitudes in workplaces all around the world.As Steve Job’s successor and head-honcho at Apple,...

We have received several questions around this topic as 2015 approaches.  How employers schedule hours for their hourly and part-time employees this year will affect how hours are calculated next  year for healthcare reform.  If employers want to ensure part-time...

The Employer Mandate is the Health Care Reform provision that requires all employers with 50 or more full time equivalent employees to offer a certain level of health insurance coverage at an affordable rate to all full-time employees, or face a penalty. The Employer...

In today's market, finding the right person who will fit your culture and even more so, live up to your expectations, takes time on the front side.  Asking probing questions can be very telling.  Asking the same questions consistently of all candidates ensures you're...

New OSHA Rule Changes Employers' Injury/Illness Reporting RequirementsOn September 11, 2014, OSHA issued a final rule regarding employers' recordkeeping and reporting of occupational injuries/illnesses. The final rule takes effect on January 1, 2015, and includes a...

In 2012, Maryland became the first state to prohibit employers from requiring employees or job applicants to provide passwords to their personal social media accounts. Since then, the trend for states to limit employers' access to personal online content has been...