Compensation & Benefits

Software glitch not enough for penalty abatement

02/16/2022

Nothing is perfect, even tax filing software. Through a programming glitch, it can, for example, fail to file your information returns. Warning: You’re still liable for failure-to-file penalties. One employer must now persuade the Tax Court otherwise.

Consider adding fertility-care coverage to health benefits

02/15/2022

In the battle to beat the labor shortage, some employers are enhancing their benefits portfolios. One newly popular offering that appeals to both recruits and current employees: fertility benefits.

DOL raises penalties for 2022

02/15/2022

The Department of Labor has announced the 2022 inflation adjustments to penalties for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the FMLA and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Never manipulate pay or hours to avoid OT

02/10/2022

Tempted to play loose with the overtime rules to save money on labor? Bad idea. You will attract the Department of Labor’s attention.

DOL wants 100 more wage inspectors

02/08/2022

Look for the Department of Labor to ramp up enforcement in coming months. The DOL announced Feb. 1 that it plans to add 100 investigators to the Wage and Hour Division, bolstering oversight of the Fair Labor Standards Act and other laws that affect compensation.

Prepare for health-cost inflation, but not this year

02/08/2022

With inflation running at a 40-year high, it’s only a matter of time before higher costs start creeping into the health-care market. The Mercer consulting firm urges employers to start preparing to pay more to keep employees healthy.

DOL, NLRB teaming up on wage-and-hour enforcement

02/01/2022

The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and the National Labor Relations Board have formally agreed to collaborate on an array of information-sharing, investigation and enforcement activities.

Consider adding these 5 well-being benefits

02/01/2022

It’s time for employers to address the toll the pandemic is taking. As you weigh benefits to offer next open season, think about ways to help employees achieve better financial, physical, mental and emotional well-being.

OSHA throws in the towel on the shot mandate, at least for now

01/27/2022

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Jan. 13 ruling, OSHA has withdrawn its vaccinate-or-test emergency temporary standard, but that’s not the end of the story.

Only 23% say their employer is transparent about pay