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Compensation & Benefits

Is it illegal to pay an employee with 91,000 pennies?

04/15/2021
When Andreas quit his job at a Georgia auto body shop, the annoyed owner delivered his final $915 of wages due in a very unique way … 91,500 greasy pennies dumped in a pile on Andreas’ driveway. Is that legal?

Pay employees for pre-shift COVID screening

04/15/2021
To decide if you must pay employees for their pre- or post-work activities—such as putting on uniforms, waiting in a time-clock line, etc.—take a look at the Fair Labor Standards Act. The main issue is whether the pre- or post-activity is “integral” and “indispensable” to the employee’s principal activity.

DOL releases guidance on the COBRA subsidy

04/08/2021
The Department of Labor has dedicated a web page to the American Rescue Plan Act’s 100% COBRA subsidy. It’s also released a ton of guidance on the subsidy, and just in time. The 100% subsidy kicked in April 1. There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s get started.

Help newlyweds make new names official

04/08/2021
Expect an outbreak of wedding bells among your employees later this year. HR and payroll should start preparing now to process name changes.

Snapshot: Which wellness benefits are employers investing in?

04/06/2021
During the pandemic, twin trends—mental health and telemedicine—have dominated employers’ wellness initiatives.

First Friday in April: A little of this, a little of that and a serving of humble pie

04/02/2021
Let’s look at what’s payroll-related in President Biden’s infrastructure plan, among other issues (but first, the all-important designated hitter debate continues).

It’s time to scrap pay-secrecy policies

04/01/2021
Traditionally, employers have tried to keep a lid on compensation-related discord by asking employees not to discuss pay. To some extent, that’s just the way it’s always been. But today, no-talk-about-pay rules are under legal assault, challenged for violating the law and helping perpetuate income inequality.

Walsh to lead Biden pro-worker agenda

04/01/2021
For the first time in 40 years, the U.S. Department of Labor is now headed by a union leader. Marty Walsh will take the lead on advocating for workers on an array of issues.

HR reacts to mental health/well-being crisis

03/25/2021
The past year was one of trauma for your employees. And as home life merged with work life for many people, that pulled mental health into a front-burner workplace issue. Amid the crisis, many proactive organizations stepped up to the challenge.

Now is the time to get in front of the coming pay-equity wave

03/25/2021
Closing the wage gap between women and men is emerging as one of today’s most pressing workplace challenges. Smart employers are planning for a post-pandemic future in which there is greater wage parity between women and men.