http://workforce.com/section/topics http://www.workforce.com en-us Fri, 8 Feb 2013 18:43:46 EST 10 http://www.workforce.com/article/20130208/NEWS01/130209977/finding-your-way-through-nemo-how-to-prepare-for-a-storm In light of winter storm 'Nemo,' employers may want to review their disaster plans. Fri, 8 Feb 2013 16:56:02 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130208/NEWS01/130209977/finding-your-way-through-nemo-how-to-prepare-for-a-storm http://www.workforce.com/article/20130208/NEWS02/130209978/honoring-diversity-the-hawaiian-way The 'Hawaiian Renaissance,' which helped restore the language and time-honored cultural practices, has changed workplaces in Hawaii, especially at tourist hotels. Fri, 8 Feb 2013 15:48:31 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130208/NEWS02/130209978/honoring-diversity-the-hawaiian-way http://www.workforce.com/article/20130208/NEWS02/130209979/honoring-diversity-the-mcdonalds-way Dialogue and the exchange of cultural information happen through the fast-food giant's Intercultural Learning Practice and Intercultural Learning Lab. Fri, 8 Feb 2013 15:42:30 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130208/NEWS02/130209979/honoring-diversity-the-mcdonalds-way http://www.workforce.com/article/20130208/NEWS02/130209980/defending-diversity Companies say programs that honor different minority groups pay off. Fri, 8 Feb 2013 14:55:34 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130208/NEWS02/130209980/defending-diversity http://www.workforce.com/article/20130207/NEWS01/130209981/a-poor-dating-policy-could-break-a-companys-heart-and-wallet With employees and companies becoming more accepting of office romances, companies should make sure they protect themselves from any potential sexual harassment or discrimination lawsuits. Thu, 7 Feb 2013 17:31:01 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130207/NEWS01/130209981/a-poor-dating-policy-could-break-a-companys-heart-and-wallet http://www.workforce.com/article/20130207/NEWS02/130209982/retirement-showdown Experts are looking to educate lawmakers about the benefits of protecting the existing tax treatment of retirement plans. Thu, 7 Feb 2013 16:26:50 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130207/NEWS02/130209982/retirement-showdown http://www.workforce.com/article/20130207/NEWS02/130209983/visa-program-sparks-debate-again Microsoft Corp. is seeking to expand the skilled guest-worker program by an additional 20,000 workers per year to help bring in science and tech talent. But not everyone agrees. Thu, 7 Feb 2013 14:08:39 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130207/NEWS02/130209983/visa-program-sparks-debate-again http://www.workforce.com/article/20130207/NEWS02/130209984/homeward-bound For years companies have looked to outsource jobs to cut costs, but now more U.S. employers are looking to beef up operations domestically. It's a trend known as 're-shoring.' Thu, 7 Feb 2013 13:56:22 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130207/NEWS02/130209984/homeward-bound http://www.workforce.com/article/20130204/NEWS02/130209990/will-that-knee-replacement-cost-an-arm-and-a-leg With more employees enrolling in high-deductible health plans, a nonprofit business group endeavors to pull back the curtain on health costs. Mon, 4 Feb 2013 17:24:02 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130204/NEWS02/130209990/will-that-knee-replacement-cost-an-arm-and-a-leg http://www.workforce.com/article/20130204/NEWS02/130209991/so-this-is-30-how-health-care-rules-are-changing-for-part-timers While part-time workers make up 23 percent of the total workforce, only 15 percent of them are eligible for health coverage, survey reveals. Mon, 4 Feb 2013 14:42:50 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130204/NEWS02/130209991/so-this-is-30-how-health-care-rules-are-changing-for-part-timers http://www.workforce.com/article/20130204/NEWS01/130209994/study-touts-the-benefits-of-internal-social-networking-sites A recent study conducted by Baylor University found that developing an internal social networking site could help a company acclimate its new hires into the corporate culture, improve employees' morale and reduce turnover rates. Mon, 4 Feb 2013 11:59:11 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130204/NEWS01/130209994/study-touts-the-benefits-of-internal-social-networking-sites http://www.workforce.com/article/20130201/NEWS01/130209996/new-employees-we-were-jobbed-about-this-job Companies aren't giving candidates a realistic picture of jobs, leading to 'buyer's remorse,' report says. Fri, 1 Feb 2013 15:56:52 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130201/NEWS01/130209996/new-employees-we-were-jobbed-about-this-job http://www.workforce.com/article/20130201/NEWS01/130209999/irs-releases-final-rules-on-health-care-reform-costs The affordability test applies to employer-sponsored health plans. An employee is eligible to receive a federal subsidy to purchase insurance through an exchange if his or her employer's plan premium contribution exceeds 9. Fri, 1 Feb 2013 13:07:01 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130201/NEWS01/130209999/irs-releases-final-rules-on-health-care-reform-costs http://www.workforce.com/article/20130131/NEWS02/130139991/the-rules-of-professionalism-getting-millennial-workers-onboard Should professionalism be defined by wearing specific attire and being at work at a designated time? One thought leader says human resources should focus more on communicating the results expected and allowing flexibility in achieving those results. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:33:28 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130131/NEWS02/130139991/the-rules-of-professionalism-getting-millennial-workers-onboard http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS01/130139994/employers-deadline-to-inform-employees-of-health-exchanges-and-cost The March 1 deadline for businesses to notify employees of their benefits cost-sharing plans and government-run health insurance exchanges has been postponed. A new deadline is expected by fall. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:55:08 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS01/130139994/employers-deadline-to-inform-employees-of-health-exchanges-and-cost http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS02/130139995/status-update-using-social-media-for-learning-gets-better-foothold Large U.S. firms tripled their spending on social tools such as internal blogs, wikis and communities of practice in 2012, a new report says Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:11:07 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS02/130139995/status-update-using-social-media-for-learning-gets-better-foothold http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS02/130139996/want-cloud-hr-software-to-be-a-breeze-follow-these-steps For the best possible outcome, plan ahead, get input from multiple departments and don't stint on training. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:38:46 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS02/130139996/want-cloud-hr-software-to-be-a-breeze-follow-these-steps http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS02/130139997/san-diego-state-campus-retailer-uses-cloud-to-solve-it-problems It took nine months, but Aztec Shops's switch to cloud-based payroll and other human resources software paid off in faster processing times and fewer technical Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:23 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS02/130139997/san-diego-state-campus-retailer-uses-cloud-to-solve-it-problems http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS02/130139998/falling-from-cloud-nine For all its benefits, software as a service isn't a panacea. A successful switch takes planning, organization and lots of training and communications. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:09:03 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130130/NEWS02/130139998/falling-from-cloud-nine http://www.workforce.com/article/20130129/NEWS01/130129967/average-salary-for-technology-professional-rises-5-3-percent-survey The average salary for technology professionals rose 5.3 percent in 2012--the largest increase in a decade, according to a Dice Holdings Inc. salary survey. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:55:51 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130129/NEWS01/130129967/average-salary-for-technology-professional-rises-5-3-percent-survey http://www.workforce.com/article/20130128/NEWS01/130129969/rpo-group-names-new-board-members Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association announced Jan. 24 its board of directors for 2013-14. RPOA is a nonprofit organization that offers peer-support and thought-leadership for the RPO industry. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:58:05 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130128/NEWS01/130129969/rpo-group-names-new-board-members http://www.workforce.com/article/20130128/NEWS01/130129971/new-changes-made-to-hipaa-privacy-and-security-rules Health and Human Services has issued final regulations that address recent legislative changes to the HIPAA privacy and date security rules. Compliance by employers will be required by Sept. 23, according to a press release. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:20:12 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130128/NEWS01/130129971/new-changes-made-to-hipaa-privacy-and-security-rules http://www.workforce.com/article/20130128/NEWS02/130129972/meet-myers-briggs The Myers-Briggs system begins with a test in which participants respond to questions that provide clues about their basic outlook or personal preferences. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:48:39 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130128/NEWS02/130129972/meet-myers-briggs http://www.workforce.com/article/20130128/NEWS02/130129973/further-assessment-more-companies-using-evaluation-tools-to-identify A recent Aberdeen research report found that companies are including assessment tools in their efforts to identify high-potential talent, to develop workers' interpersonal and leadership skills and to set performance goals for their staff. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:39:18 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130128/NEWS02/130129973/further-assessment-more-companies-using-evaluation-tools-to-identify http://www.workforce.com/article/20130125/NEWS01/130129979/it-s-all-in-the-wrist-and-in-the-back Emphasizing ergonomic workspaces can lead to a healthier workforce, lower costs and a stronger business overall. Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:46:34 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130125/NEWS01/130129979/it-s-all-in-the-wrist-and-in-the-back http://www.workforce.com/article/20130124/NEWS01/130129989/possible-civil-rights-reform-under-obama-could-benefit-businesses Human resources departments nationwide could be rewriting policies and drafting new procedures over the next four years if the president and his administration are able to accomplish the goals expressed in his second inaugural address. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:32:02 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130124/NEWS01/130129989/possible-civil-rights-reform-under-obama-could-benefit-businesses http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS01/130129991/eeoc-accuses-security-firm-of-sexual-harassment-against-male-workers A two male employees from a North Carolina-based security firm allegedly made offensive comments to their male subordinates, solicited nude pictures from them, asked male employees to undress in front of them and solicited male employees for sex. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:14:16 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS01/130129991/eeoc-accuses-security-firm-of-sexual-harassment-against-male-workers http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS01/130129992/law-firm-ordered-to-restore-retirement-pension-plan-assets Eichholz Law Firm P.C. and former Managing Partner Benjamin Eichholz breached their fiduciary responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act by improperly transferring and lending plan assets to prohibited recipients. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:51:46 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS01/130129992/law-firm-ordered-to-restore-retirement-pension-plan-assets http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS02/130129993/employers-taking-charge-of-their-retirement-plans New federal rules released last year made clear that defined contribution plan sponsors needed to get a better handle on investment and other provider fees. A new survey shows that they have. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:14:38 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS02/130129993/employers-taking-charge-of-their-retirement-plans http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS02/130129994/much-to-do-to-keep-retirement-running-smoothly Revisiting the company's investment plan statement should be the first order of business, and then start building your paper trail to ward off IRS inquiries. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:42:33 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS02/130129994/much-to-do-to-keep-retirement-running-smoothly http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS01/130129997/nhl-players-score-new-pension-plan The defined contribution plans, created during the last league lockout in 2005, will be restructured into voluntary contribution plans and neither plan will be terminated. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:18:28 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130123/NEWS01/130129997/nhl-players-score-new-pension-plan http://www.workforce.com/article/20130118/NEWS02/130119945/valuing-value-california-mines-new-health-coverage-plan-concepts SeeChange Health and Blue Shield of California are two San Francisco insurance companies that are stepping up efforts to market value-based insurance design plans to large employers. Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:31:52 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130118/NEWS02/130119945/valuing-value-california-mines-new-health-coverage-plan-concepts http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS01/130119949/hhs-gives-1-5-billion-in-grants-to-11-states-to-set-up-health The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it is giving $1.5 billion in grants to 11 states to launch or further develop health insurance exchanges. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:06:32 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS01/130119949/hhs-gives-1-5-billion-in-grants-to-11-states-to-set-up-health http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119952/when-innovation-turns-into-exasperation Failed inventions and initiatives can give rise to painful--unproductive--“innovation trauma.” Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119952/when-innovation-turns-into-exasperation http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119953/not-your-grandfathers-industrial-lab Nowadays, companies ranging from high-tech firms to service companies have invested in a new generation of idea factories. They share one trait: a mantra that time equals money. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119953/not-your-grandfathers-industrial-lab http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119954/innovative-thoughts-on-innovation Key takeaways from experts in the innovation arena Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119954/innovative-thoughts-on-innovation http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119955/survey-shows-lack-of-innovation-motivation Four in 10 organizations see themselves as ineffective at fostering innovation, and there's a mismatch between what companies are doing and what they say is effective when it comes to inspiring inventiveness. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119955/survey-shows-lack-of-innovation-motivation http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119956/workforce-game-changers-call-for-more-attention-to-innovation To round out our exploration of innovation in the workforce, we turned to our Game Changers. Below are questions we asked them and some of their provocative answers. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119956/workforce-game-changers-call-for-more-attention-to-innovation http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119957/brighter-ideas To cook up greater creativity, organizations ought to update their approach to collaboration, compensation and culture. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130117/NEWS02/130119957/brighter-ideas http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119958/going-somewhere-millions-of-workers-getting-antsy A new survey shows 19 million employees are angling to change their jobs in 2013. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:35:10 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119958/going-somewhere-millions-of-workers-getting-antsy http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119959/-flu-taking-advisers-and-clients-down-like-soldiers The Centers for Disease Control said that this year's flu season, which ramped up earlier than usual and could go on through March, is the worst outbreak in a decade. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:20:41 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119959/-flu-taking-advisers-and-clients-down-like-soldiers http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119960/department-of-labor-lists-considerations-for-adult-child-care-fmla The U.S. Department of Labor has issued an “administrator's interpretation” of factors an employer must consider when an employee requests leave to care for an adult child under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:45:01 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119960/department-of-labor-lists-considerations-for-adult-child-care-fmla http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119961/risky-business-people-study-finds-1-in-8-workers-bring-potential Organizations need to recognize the advantages and disadvantages of behavioral risk of all employees. Doing so allows an organization to manage risk in a constructive way, according to a study published by SHL, an Atlanta-based talent management company. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:03:25 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119961/risky-business-people-study-finds-1-in-8-workers-bring-potential http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119963/no-joke-stand-up-comedy-training-for-employees-can-improve-workplace Infusing comedy into workplace culture has the potential to improve employee communication skills, build a tight-knit team of employees and lower turnover rate. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:30:34 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130116/NEWS01/130119963/no-joke-stand-up-comedy-training-for-employees-can-improve-workplace http://www.workforce.com/article/20130115/NEWS01/130119967/hhs-proposes-rules-to-verify-health-care-premium-subsidy-eligibility Under the proposed rule, administrators of state and federal insurance exchanges must verify whether applicants seeking tax credits to buy health care coverage through an exchange are enrolled or eligible for qualifying coverage in an employer-sponsored... Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:38:45 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130115/NEWS01/130119967/hhs-proposes-rules-to-verify-health-care-premium-subsidy-eligibility http://www.workforce.com/article/20130115/NEWS02/130119969/workers-wellness-goes-wireless-with-activity-trackers Unlike its predecessor the pedometer, which tracked only steps and whose data couldn't be uploaded or easily shared, the accelerometer monitors steps, distance and calories burned. It even tracks sleep. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:14:28 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130115/NEWS02/130119969/workers-wellness-goes-wireless-with-activity-trackers http://www.workforce.com/article/20130115/NEWS02/130119970/get-up-stand-up-workers-on-notice-to-re-energize-with-movement Workplace program pushes people to leave their desk and walk around for one to two minutes every 25 to 30 minutes. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130115/NEWS02/130119970/get-up-stand-up-workers-on-notice-to-re-energize-with-movement http://www.workforce.com/article/20130114/NEWS02/130119984/a-new-beginning On Jan. 7, 2013, MediaTec Publishing Inc. bought Workforce from Crain Communications Inc. MediaTec's president, Norm Kamikow, provides his thoughts on the purchase. Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:36:45 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130114/NEWS02/130119984/a-new-beginning http://www.workforce.com/article/20130114/NEWS02/130119985/certifications-aid-navigation-of-the-affordable-care-act-maze Finding a qualified partner in the employee benefits industry can help companies adjust to the ACA regulatory landscape. Accreditations are enhancing their knowledge. Mon, 14 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130114/NEWS02/130119985/certifications-aid-navigation-of-the-affordable-care-act-maze http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119986/ford-to-add-2-200-u-s-salaried-workers-this-year The hiring surge is the largest increase in salaried workers in more than a decade, the company said in a written statement. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:43:26 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119986/ford-to-add-2-200-u-s-salaried-workers-this-year http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119987/tobacco-cessation-report-lights-up-coverage-gaps-confusing-language Researchers found 'significant variation in how private health insurance coverage works for tobacco cessation treatment' when analyzing 39 insurance contracts in six states. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:57:12 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119987/tobacco-cessation-report-lights-up-coverage-gaps-confusing-language http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119988/employers-hungry-for-returns-when-updating-401-k-menus Plan sponsors see big bounce in performance after adding new funds but it doesn't last. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:43:33 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119988/employers-hungry-for-returns-when-updating-401-k-menus http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119990/higher-financial-penalties-proposed-for-uninsured-massachusetts In 2012, the maximum penalty for non-compliance was $105 a month, or $1,260 a year. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:36:27 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119990/higher-financial-penalties-proposed-for-uninsured-massachusetts http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119992/certifications-aid-navigation-of-the-affordable-care-act-maze Finding a qualified partner in the employee benefits industry can help companies adjust to the ACA regulatory landscape. Accreditations are enhancing their knowledge. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:38:33 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/130119992/certifications-aid-navigation-of-the-affordable-care-act-maze http://www.workforce.com/article/20130110/NEWS01/130119993/massachusetts-bill-would-end-employer-penalty-for-not-offering-health Under the governor's plan, the current annual assessment--known as the Fair Share contribution--of $295 per employee on employers not offering coverage would end on June 30. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:17:48 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130110/NEWS01/130119993/massachusetts-bill-would-end-employer-penalty-for-not-offering-health http://www.workforce.com/article/20130110/NEWS01/130109984/narcotic-pain-drugs-remain-atop-list-of-workers-comp-insurer-concerns Concern over the long-term implications of prescribing narcotic pain medications to injured workers has grown during the past two years. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:01:00 EST http://www.workforce.com/article/20130110/NEWS01/130109984/narcotic-pain-drugs-remain-atop-list-of-workers-comp-insurer-concerns