Virtual Happy Hours Help Co-Workers, Industry Peers Stay Connected

Monday, April 06, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak is reshaping all aspects of work, including the time-honored tradition of the afterwork happy hour. Employees working remotely—and sometimes their employers and professional resource groups—have gotten creative in adapting to the restrictions on gathering in bars and restaurants by moving happy hour meetups to a virtual format, using video-communication technology like Zoom and Google Hangouts.

Pandemic Takes a Toll on Employees’ Emotional Well-Being

Monday, April 06, 2020

With the COVID-19 crisis, the emotional challenges employees are confronting have spiked. Anyone could experience crippling levels of stress and anxiety now, so it's important for HR professionals and people managers to be alert to signs that may indicate employees are struggling to cope.

Employers’ Health Care Costs Expected to Rise Due to Coronavirus

Monday, April 06, 2020

Self-funded health plans could see their claims costs jump 7 percent this year as a result of the pandemic. Both self-funded and fully insured employer plans may see higher premiums in 2021, analysts predict.

Are Referral Bonuses Included in Overtime Calculations?

Monday, April 06, 2020

Referral bonuses generally aren't included in the regular rate of pay and so aren't included in overtime calculations, according to a recent Department of Labor opinion letter. But some portions of a referral bonus could be included if the employee has a contractual right to the payment.

SHRM Asks Supreme Court to Uphold ERISA’s Uniform Standard for Drug Plans

Monday, April 06, 2020

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) lets employers apply one uniform standard across state lines for prescription drug benefit plans, the Society for Human Resource Management said in a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief.