July 24, 2008 marks another federal minimum wage change; the second in a three phase increase. Last July, the minimum wage increased to $5.85 per hour. On July 24th the minimum wage will increase again to $6.55 per hour. And next July, the minimum wage will rise, for the final scheduled increase, to $7.25 per […]

With an increasing number of workers in the uniformed services, employers need to be sure they are complying with all the requirements of military leave laws, including the Military Selective Service Act, the Veterans’ Reemployment Rights Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). In addition, more and more states have recently […]

With gas prices surpassing $4.00 a gallon, it’s hard to imagine how employees are working for anything other than gas itself. Due to these sky-rocketing prices, many employers are beginning to implement various programs or incentives to help ease the burden. Programs such as commuter assistance, flexible work arrangements, and public transportation discounts are easy […]

Independent contractors – also know as consultants, contractors, or freelancers - can provide much needed expertise when a specialized project needs to be completed or when you don’t have the resources to get the job done through the use of your existing staff. Independent contractors are usually professionals or trade persons, and many possess a […]

With the warmer months approaching, you may find that more employees are requesting time off. Whether it’s to take a family vacation, to attend their children’s sporting events, or just to get some much needed R&R, employees find the warm months most desirable for taking days off.
Paid time off is certainly a valuable benefit employees […]

Although today’s employees seek challenge, growth and recognition, competitive compensation packages are still a high priority to many. And when used to reward exceptional performance, employee pay practices can be that much more effective. When employees are compensated based upon the efforts they put forth and the contributions they make to the company, they are […]

With the use of the Internet and other technology making remote communication effortless, more and more employers are utilizing telecommuting options as a way to appeal to their workers while meeting the demands of employees’ work and family lives. Telecommuting entails working apart from an employee’s traditional reporting location and “commuting” responsibilities from the office […]