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Compensation & Benefits

Employers want government to help control health costs

05/25/2021
Top executives at nearly 90% of large employers surveyed believe the cost of providing health benefits to employees will become unsustainable in the next five to 10 years, and 85% expect the government to intervene to provide coverage and contain costs, according to a new survey.

COVID litigation: What HR can learn from the first wave of lawsuits

05/21/2021
Since the COVID pandemic struck last March, courts have been flooded with lawsuits. These lawsuits come in a wide variety of flavors, with each offering important lessons for employers who want to avoid becoming the next target. Here are some of the top litigation triggers to help you revamp your pandemic response.

$150M reminder: Beware ‘predictive scheduling’ laws

05/21/2021
A growing number of states and cities (including Oregon, New York City and Chicago) have new laws requiring employers to give workers advance notice of their upcoming schedules and any changes.

With new COVID laws & increased scrutiny, now’s the time to rewrite your PTO policy

05/21/2021
With an increased focus on employee leave in the public eye and new pandemic-related laws, companies with outdated paid time off policies could find themselves in messy legal situations. That makes now a good time to review and rewrite your PTO policies. Here are some issues to consider.

Ongoing telework brings legal complexities

05/20/2021
Remote work is likely to continue long after the coronavirus crisis subsides. As you contemplate what post-pandemic work will look like, it’s important to recognize the complications inherent to permanent telework arrangements. Factor them into your decision making when setting new policies on remote work and hiring.

Employers, employees may clash over return-to-work

05/13/2021
Employers continue to struggle with what post-pandemic work ought to look like, according to a new survey by the Littler Mendelson employment law firm. One of the most potentially significant problems: Employers and employees may disagree about plans for reopening workplaces after a year of working remotely.

Pay equity group alleges tip credit perpetuates racism

05/06/2021
Many tipped workers wind up earning far more than the $7.25 minimum when tippers are generous. But some patrons are cheapskates (or worse) who may tip far less because they harbor racist views. That problem is the basis of a recent lawsuit.

Efforts to promote DEI in benefits expected to surge

05/04/2021
The number of employers that will promote diversity, equity and inclusion in their benefit programs is expected to jump sharply over the next three years, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson.

Parts of new tip rule delayed

05/04/2021
Now delayed until at least Dec. 31 are provisions related to assessing monetary penalties against employers that violate rules for paying a tip credit to tipped workers.

Retirement saving balances, contributions rose in 2020

05/04/2021
A booming stock market and higher savings rates pushed average 401(k) account balances to record levels in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to a Fidelity analysis of its investors’ accounts.