Summer is a time we see more clients hire minors. Before you do so, be sure that you understand the special regulations applicable so you don’t expose yourself and company to civil and/or criminal penalties. Civil penalties can range from $500 to $10,000 per violation, depending on the Class of…
Recent news on the central coast involved a well known business owner who is facing over $100,000 in wage violations and penalties. Over the past year, there have been other publicized cases against businesses for substantial claims. Do you think this would never be you? Think again! With more than…
For the last year the healthcare bill has been working its way through the law making process. Regardless of your political position on this law, it is a law and as businesses we now need to figure out what to do with this reality. So what’s next? Gather the TroopsThe…
Anthem/Blue Cross recently announced a 39% rate increase on individual policies, which they put on hold after the significant negative firestorm they created. Blue Shield has imposed increases on HSA plans of 20-67% in the last year. Mid-size and large group plans are faring better; however, “better” is somewhat relative…
“Lone eagles, soaring in the clouds, fly with silent, peaceful poise, While turkeys, in their earth-bound crowds, fill the atmosphere with noise.” Those words of scholar William Arthur Ward succinctly capture the different characteristics of two kinds of birds. But Ward is talking about more than just birds. He is…
2009 will go down as a year to remember but for many businesses the memories may be painful ones. As we move from depths of the recession into the glimmer of a recovery we have an opportunity to reflect on valuable HR lessons learned and use those lessons to become…
Imagine tomorrow morning you discover that 40% of your staff is out sick and the missing people are in clusters wiping out entire critical functions within your business for the NEXT 10 DAYS! How would you make sure that your business survives this very real situation? What would you do…
Last year we joked about the grumpy HR Grinch, ready to shut down your rollicking good time this holiday season. You know, the anything goes office party where your employees leave their inhibitions at the door. The celebratory occasion that provides months of post party gossip. This year, more employers…
What have ineffective managers contributed to organizations around the world? No list would be complete without these “gifts” from those who manage poorly: The 80-hour work week Discouragement of initiative, creative thinking and risk-taking Massive turnover Ultimate failure of the organization This is the story of business that gets repeated,…
Having really enjoying Keith McFarland’s last book, The Breakthrough Company, I was looking forward to reading his newest one, Bounce. It’s a very quick read, but tells a strong story. There have been some mixed opinions about McFarland’s choice of style for this book. He uses a fable to tell…
