FMLA: Same pay and benefits = equivalent position … right?

By Jared Bilski

 

It’s not uncommon for employers to assume a position is “equivalent” under the FMLA just because it offers the same pay and benefits. But a recent FMLA lawsuit is calling that assumption into question.

The case is Crawford v. JP Morgan Chase, and here’s a quick summary:

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Absenteeism: A no-nonsense approach to a chronic problem

By Tim Gould

 

It is rule No. 1 in the workplace: Employees need to show up to do their jobs. In today’s “do-more-with-less” culture, however, absenteeism is a growing concern for many companies.

It’s not uncommon for organizations to deal with absenteeism rates of 10% or more – putting extra pressure on other employees, slowing productivity and taking a day-by-day bite out of the bottom line.

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Feds cancel another penalty under ACA

By Christian Schappel

 

Employers just got some more relief when it comes to complying with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Obama Administration just announced, via a brief FAQ on the DOL’s website, that employers who fail to provide employees with a health exchange notice will not be “penalized.”

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Pricing issue jeopardizes federal exchange opening

By Gillian Roberts

As the insurance and benefits industries brace for Oct. 1, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the price determination technology for the federally-run exchanges isn’t consistent. “Government officials and insurers were scrambling to iron out the pricing quirks quickly,” accordingly to the Sept. 19 article.

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More small businesses turning to ICs — and why it’s a potentially dangerous move

By Tim Gould

 

The trend seems clear: Small companies are turning more and more to independent contractors.

A recent SurePayroll study says that 22% of small business owners are more likely to hire independent contractors than full-time workers in the coming months.

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New Obamacare FAQ tackles exchange notices, 90-day waiting period

By Jared Bilski

 

 

The exchange notice requirement and the rule regarding 90-day waiting periods are two Obamacare provisions that generated plenty of questions from confused employers. And the DOL has attempted to answer those questions in its most recent health reform FAQ.
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Ancient Superseed Chia Increases Energy and Metabolism

By Dr. Josh Axe

 

Most wellness doctors agree that Chia is one of nature’s true superfoods.  It delivers maximum nutrients with minimum calories and promotes digestion, energy and detoxification of the body. Originally grown in Mexico, the seeds were highly valued for their medicinal properties and nutritional value. In fact, they we're even used as currency!

 

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Tip Tuesday! Departments Clarify ACA Rules for HRAs

By Infinisource

 

On Friday, September 13, 2013, the DOL and the IRS issued guidance on how the annual limit and preventive services rules in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) apply to HRAs. IRS Notice 2013-54 and DOL Technical Release 2013-03 provided much-awaited answers to questions about what types of HRAs comply with these ACA rules.

 

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Go Mediterranean! Try it the calorie-wise way

By Melanie Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.

Imagine this: You're sitting on a piazza in southern Italy, basking in the sights and sounds of a warm autumn afternoon. Bite by delicious bite, you nibble from a small plate of veggies, olives and nuts.

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The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

By Brad Shepherd

 

Skipping breakfast. Eating all you want five days out of the week, severely limiting calories or even not eating anything at all the other two. Limiting your eating hours to only 6 or 8 hours a day.

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Important Dates to Remember

By Infinisource

The following checklist provides insurance agents/brokers, employers and benefits and payroll professionals key upcoming dates and deadlines related to health benefits. This reminder list does not constitute all of the deadlines applicable to employers and some deadlines may be different based on variations in plan year or plan design.

Click here for the checklist.

Tip Tuesday! Move over myths: Get the facts on flu shots

By Tanise Edwards, M.D.

 

 

There's no question the flu can be a misery maker — causing fever, chills, body aches and more. But, there's a way to avoid all that unpleasantness: Getting vaccinated.

So, why is it that many people skip this simple step?

It could boil down to bad information. Don't let any of these six common myths keep you from taking your best shot at staying well this flu season:

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Is it time for an e-cigarette policy? The pros and cons

By Christian Schappel

The next big change to your employee policies may need to come from the latest smoking cessation fad: the use of electronic cigarettes. Chances are, if they haven’t arrived already, they’re coming to your workplace … soon.

So now’s the time to consider your organization’s position on the devices and whether or not they can be used on the job, inside your facility and/or around co-workers.

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Your Supplements Could Be Made of Shower Scum

By Dr. Josh Axe

Here is some news that will shock you. Approximately 90% of supplements sold on the shelves of health food stores, drug stores and supermarkets contain vitamins that are literally ground up rocks or mineral salts.

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Should man’s best friend also be employees’ best friend?

By Dan Wisniewski

 

Is an employee pet policy good for the workplace — and right for your company?  
There’s no question about it: More companies are allowing workers to bring pets to the office.
Nearly 20% of U.S. companies allow employees to bring pets — mainly dogs — to work, according to a 2008 report from the American Pet Products Association.

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Tip Tuesday! Final regs on individual mandate released: 7 things to tell employees now

By Christian Schappel

Ever since the Obama Administration announced it would be delaying enforcement of the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate to provide health insurance, the natural inclination has been to wonder: What’s this mean for the individual mandate? Finally, we have answers you should pass along to your employees.

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