Notice Requirements: Ensuring Proper Notification Proper notification is a cornerstone of COBRA compliance, ensuring that eligible individuals are informed of their rights to continue health coverage. Employers must provide clear and comprehensive notices to qualifying employees and beneficiaries, detailing their… Read More »Common COBRA Compliance Issues: Navigating Notice, Timing, and Penalties
Employers often encounter job applicants with criminal histories. Navigating the hiring process with this knowledge requires a delicate balance between legal obligations, company policies, and considerations for rehabilitation and second chances. Understanding the appropriate steps to take can help employers… Read More »Navigating Employees with a Criminal History: Best Practices for Employers
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced the release of its final regulations implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), a landmark statute aimed at safeguarding the rights of pregnant workers. This regulation fills a significant gap in… Read More »EEOC Finalizes Regulations Implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
In today’s globalized business environment, companies of all sizes face the ever-present risk of encountering bribery and corruption. Anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 , place a significant burden… Read More »Employer and Employee Compliance with Anti-Bribery Laws
Diversity and inclusion have emerged as cornerstones for fostering innovation, creativity, and organizational success. However, amidst efforts to cultivate diverse work environments, there exists a subtle yet pervasive force that can hinder progress: unconscious bias. This phenomenon, deeply ingrained within… Read More »Understanding Unconscious Bias in the Workplace
As HR professionals, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of Medicare, as it impacts many aspects of employee benefits and healthcare planning. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized the Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Rate… Read More »Understanding Medicare Basics for HR Professionals
Settlement agreements play a crucial role in resolving employment-related disputes efficiently and effectively. Crafting a settlement agreement that satisfies the interests of both parties requires careful consideration of legal rights, potential risks, and strategic negotiation. This guide provides insights into… Read More »Drafting Settlement Agreements in Employment Related Litigation
Employers must be vigilant in meeting their obligations to avoid penalties and maintain financial stability. One critical aspect of this responsibility involves understanding and adhering to excise tax reporting requirements, particularly as outlined in IRS Form 8928. Failure to comply… Read More »Navigating IRS Form 8928: Understanding Excise Tax Reporting and Penalties
California has recently enacted Assembly Bill 1076 (AB 1076), a groundbreaking legislation effective from January 1, 2024, that significantly impacts employers’ ability to enforce noncompete agreements within the state. This article provides a comprehensive summary of AB 1076, its implications,… Read More »California’s AB 1076: Notice Requirement for Void Noncompete Agreements
The eagerly anticipated FTC Proposed Rule, aiming to ban non-compete agreements, is currently in the final stages. The comment period concluded on April 19, 2023, and expectations are high for the issuance of the Final Rule by the FTC, likely… Read More »Understanding the Proposed Rule on Non-Competes in 2024
Employees often wonder if they can quit their job, especially when bound by an employment contract. While employees have the right to leave their job at any time, the terms outlined in the employment contract play a crucial role. In… Read More »Can I Quit My Job if I Have an Employment Contract?
Decision to hire family members is a complex and nuanced one. On one hand, the familiarity and trust inherent in family relationships can foster a positive working environment. On the other hand, potential pitfalls such as conflicts of interest and… Read More »The Pros and Cons of Hiring Family Members in the Business World
In the age of digital communication, a company’s reputation can be significantly impacted by the online presence of its employees. When employees are terminated, there is a risk that they may vent their frustrations on social media platforms, potentially damaging… Read More »Managing Reputation: Preventing Negative Social Media Comments from Fired Employees
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act stands out as a crucial piece of legislation designed to protect the rights of workers during times of significant organizational change. Enacted in 1988 against the backdrop of a shifting economic landscape,… Read More »The WARN Act: A Comprehensive Guide
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced the initiation of the REACH (Reaching Every American for Change and Hope) initiative, a comprehensive, multi-year effort designed to broaden the agency’s outreach to workers in rural and underserved communities. Led by… Read More »EEOC Launches REACH Initiative to Expand Outreach to Rural and Underserved Workers