Pretty or plain? What matters when employers evaluate job seekers?
(June 14, 2013)
Tired of struggling over the hurdles to successful hiring, always combing through applications in search of that impeccably capable candidate? What if it were as simple as checking a website with all the unqualified slackers already vetted out? That perfect site may not exist, but if it’s physical beauty you value as much or more than qualifications, a new service is ready to help. Read on

Big changes to Kansas Wage Payment Act
|take effect July 1
(June 13, 2013)
Significant revisions to the Kansas Wage Payment Act (KWPA) go into effect July 1, changes that give employers more latitude to make payroll deductions to recoup overpayments, loans, and property provided to employees.
Read on

Summer temperatures can turn up the heat on workplace dress and vacation policies
(June 12, 2013)
As summer heats up, temperatures start to rise, anticipation for family vacations and summer holidays grows, and the spirit of summer can be felt throughout the workplace. As the arrival of summer becomes increasingly evident in cubicles and corner offices, employees can become relaxed about workplace rules and conduct. In some instances, relaxed attitudes can influence employees’ office attire in negative ways. Read on

North Carolina's unemployment overhaul
to take effect July 1
(June 10, 2013)
North Carolina’s law overhauling the state’s unemployment system will take effect July 1, bringing about a small tax increase for many employers and a reduced maximum weekly benefit amount for claimants. It also will change the circumstances in which a claimant is disqualified from benefits. Read on

Examining the pros, cons of giving references
(June 7, 2013)
Human resources professionals have long debated whether to give references about former employees. It’s simultaneously tempting and scary to spill what you know about a less-than-desirable former employee. You also may be eager to sing the praises of an exemplary ex-employee you want to see do well in future endeavors.  Read on

Healthcare reform and independent contractors
(June 5, 2013)
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) tax credit for employers with fewer than 25 employees and the looming requirement that large employers (those with 50 or more full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees) provide affordable health insurance to their full-time employees or pay a penalty have resulted in some employers trying to limit the number of employees in their organization. One method that is gaining popularity (and that we do not recommend) is broadly classifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees. Employers must be extremely careful when trying to manipulate the system to obtain the ACA’s tax credits or avoid its requirements. Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor can result in substantial penalties and quickly erase any benefit. Read on

Employer access to employee social media accounts may soon be off-limits in New Hampshire
(June 4, 2013)
On Thursday, June 6, the New Hampshire Senate will consider whether to protect the privacy of employees’ social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Introduced by three Democratic lawmakers, House Bill 414 would prohibit an employer from requesting a current or prospective employee’s social media login and password information.  Read on

Washington state latest to pass social media privacy law
(June 3, 2013)
Employers in Washington state should take note of a new law prohibiting them from requiring current or prospective employees to provide access to their social media accounts. Read on

What makes a good employee: education, experience, or something more?
(May 31, 2013)
It doesn’t seem to make sense: Employers complain of a lack of suitable applicants despite being inundated with a glut of highly educated jobseekers. Applicants are confused, too. A recent study from McKinsey & Company’s Center for Government found that 44 percent of young U.S. jobseekers included in a survey weren’t sure that their postsecondary education improved their chances of finding a job, and 45 percent of U.S. employers said a lack of skills is the main reason they’re not able to fill entry-level jobs. Read on

D.C. insights: federal legislative roundup
(May 31, 2013)
Recently, the Employers Counsel Network (ECN) met in Alexandria, Virginia, where several notable speakers stopped by to provide their insights on current developments in the employment arena at the national level and to share their predictions for President Barack Obama’s second term. This post will detail information about federal legislative issues and bills provided in the ECN sessions. Read on

New regulations change details on workplace wellness programs
(May 30, 2013)
Final rules from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on employment-based wellness programs raise the maximum reward that may be offered by certain wellness programs and expand nondiscrimination protections for sick employees. The final rules under President Barack Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act were issued May 29 and will be effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Read on

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