ENERGI BUZZ - July 2009
5/4/2010 2:46:21 PM
Recession Increases Employment Litigation
During tough economic times, there are more layoffs and performance-based terminations. Along with layoffs and terminations comes increased employment-related litigation and complaints. Now is the time to get some of the following compliance areas in order:
1. Correctly classifying an employee as exempt or nonexempt from overtime requirements
2. Timesheets that reflect the exact times an employee worked
3. Inaccurate I-9 forms
4. Attendance policies in alignment with state and federal FMLA laws
5. Consistent progressive discipline and termination policies
6. Annual employment law training for managers
7. Personnel files that contain adequate documentation of employee issues
8. Outdated employee handbook (make sure this is reviewed annually)
9. Compliance requirements based on number of employees (i.e., COBRA, FMLA, WARN Act)
10. Employment practices liability insurance that covers risk areas
PWC Reports Increase in 2010 Healthcare Costs
After surveying more than 500 employers and health insurers, PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that employers will see a nine percent increase in healthcare costs in 2010. The report attributes the rise to elevated healthcare utilization from employees fearful of losing their jobs and rising unemployment. Healthcare reform legislation will have little impact on rising costs; in fact, the increased attention to healthcare may possibly slow increases.
Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers Healthcare Reform
To receive a weekly update on healthcare reform, see the government site at www.healthreform.gov.
During tough economic times, there are more layoffs and performance-based terminations. Along with layoffs and terminations comes increased employment-related litigation and complaints. Now is the time to get some of the following compliance areas in order:
1. Correctly classifying an employee as exempt or nonexempt from overtime requirements
2. Timesheets that reflect the exact times an employee worked
3. Inaccurate I-9 forms
4. Attendance policies in alignment with state and federal FMLA laws
5. Consistent progressive discipline and termination policies
6. Annual employment law training for managers
7. Personnel files that contain adequate documentation of employee issues
8. Outdated employee handbook (make sure this is reviewed annually)
9. Compliance requirements based on number of employees (i.e., COBRA, FMLA, WARN Act)
10. Employment practices liability insurance that covers risk areas
PWC Reports Increase in 2010 Healthcare Costs
After surveying more than 500 employers and health insurers, PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that employers will see a nine percent increase in healthcare costs in 2010. The report attributes the rise to elevated healthcare utilization from employees fearful of losing their jobs and rising unemployment. Healthcare reform legislation will have little impact on rising costs; in fact, the increased attention to healthcare may possibly slow increases.
Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers Healthcare Reform
To receive a weekly update on healthcare reform, see the government site at www.healthreform.gov.
