A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the Department of Labor’s new white-collar overtime rules from taking effect on Dec. 1. A preliminary injunction issued Nov. 22 means employers only have to pay overtime to exempt workers who make less than $23,660 annually—not $47,476, the salary threshold set out in final rules issued in […]
The new overtime rule that is set to begin December 1st: Are you considering reclassifying some of your employees to non-exempt and paying them overtime, while giving a few others a raise to keep them as exempt? Is this okay? Yes, all employees may be classified as non-exempt. Being classified as non-exempt is considered a benefit to […]
Having plants in the office is great for putting green in the bank. Plants are known to reduce pollutants, molds, and bacteria in the air. Numerous studies, at both U.S. universities and abroad, indicate that plant life in the office can increase productivity and creative problem solving by 12%-15%, improve recall, focus attention, and inhibit […]
One of your employees who is moving from exempt to non-exempt is taking his change in reclassification personally. Even after a company-wide meeting with those affected where everything was clearly explained, this employee insists on having one-on-one follow up meetings with five different managers. Should you discipline this employee? What is the best way to handle […]
Your organization is a small company with 15 employees and therefore does not require you to offer health insurance. However, you give all of your employees additional money each pay period to use toward their health benefits. The amount is earmarked for this purpose on their paychecks, but taxed like regular income. Does this additional benefit […]
Are you allowed to ask about an applicant’s previous work-related injuries and workers’ compensation history during an interview? No, absolutely not. An employer may not ask about work-related injuries or workers’ compensation history in an interview. Asking about injuries may elicit information about a disability, and under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may […]
Speaking to references is an excellent way to get more information about applicants and be able to verify the information they’ve provided to you. As a best practice, it is recommended that you get an applicant’s formal written consent to check their references, but if they’ve provided you with a reference list with names and contact […]
Do you have what it takes to be an effective project manager? While these traits are important to almost all management positions for project managers they are imperative. Do you feel you have the traits to be an effective project manager? Organizational Skills – not just the standard good files organized, it goes beyond that […]
Unhappy employees often throw around the phrase “hostile work environment,” which can quickly lead employers to have nightmares about lawsuits and government inquiries. But for harassment to rise to the level of being unlawful, it not only has to be based on a person’s inclusion in a protected class (e.g., race, sexual orientation, age), it […]
