HR in Review September 2009
HR in Review is a monthly e-newsletter produced by the Manufacturer & Business Association Human Resource Department for professionals seeking to stay informed on the latest HR news and updates.
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Legal Briefings
Learn which questions to ask and which to avoid during the Association’s HR Essential Series: Interviewing and Hiring briefing on September 16 in Erie.
REMINDER: Association members are encouraged to register for our FREE legal briefings on September 17 in Butler and Kittanning and October 1 in Bradford and St. Marys.
Advisory
ANNUAL SALARY INCREASE & ADJUSTMENT SURVEY: Our annual survey – the only one of its kind in the region – gathers and compiles salary increase data from employers across northwest Pennsylvania. Participate today by completing our easy-to-use online form.
Special Event
Register TODAY for Social Media Boot Camp
Social media is changing the way we communicate with one another — especially in the marketplace. As a result, businesses can no longer rely solely on cold calling and direct mail to market their products and services. Sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube can help you make connections with current and potential customers right around the block — or half-way around the world! But what is social media? How do you use it? And how can it benefit your business?
Join us on September 24 to learn the ins and outs of social media and the legal issues of using it in the workplace.
Employee Benefit Updates
Top 10 HIPAA Duties to Meet New HITECH Act Obligations
Changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s (HIPAA) privacy and security requirements mean that employers sponsoring group health plans must revisit their privacy and security practices and plan documents to ensure compliance. Read more…
Legal Commentary
CAN YOU BAN SMOKING – ON AND OFF THE JOB?
Do employers have the right to decide what workers can and cannot do after hours? Maybe not. If you try to restrict your employees’ off-duty conduct, you might be left on shaky legal grounds…
DOL ANSWERS FAQS ON FURLOUGHS, PAY PROBLEMS
Are you facing furloughs, layoffs or pay cuts? The U.S. Department of Labor recently issued a document with some handy legal advice for employers like you. “Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Furloughs and Other Reductions in Pay and Hours Worked Issues” is designed to guide employers around the FLSA hassles associated with cutting a workforce or lowering wages. Read more…
IS E-MAILING AT HOME THE LATEST FLSA TRAP?
Technology has made it easier for employees to get more work done – anytime, anywhere. While this sounds great to managers, it can spell big trouble for your HR department…
OVERUSED PAID-TIME OFF: WHAT YOU CAN DO
Many companies dock a salaried employee who has used up his or her allotted paid time off (PTO) and is then absent from work. But is this legal under FLSA? The folks at HRMorning.com have the answer.
Government Affairs
MBA Offering Events on the Most Important Legislative Issues of the Year
Though Congress is now on its summer district work period, many issues will still be on the table when legislators return to D.C. next week. Health-care reform, cap and trade, and the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) rank among the most important legislation still facing the 111th Congress.
Join us to learn more about these issues at the upcoming events:
Wednesday, September 9 – Union Avoidance (Erie), 8-10 a.m. - Register
Tuesday, September 15 – Health-Care Forum (Erie), Noon - Register
Stuart Butler, Ph.D, The Heritage Foundation
Wednesday, September 23 – Union Avoidance (Grove City), 8-10 a.m. - Register
Professional Development
New Supervisory Skills Series Starting at 5 Regional Sites
The Association’s Supervisory Skills Series is a nationally recognized five-course certification program designed exclusively for supervisors who want to enhance their knowledge and skills to become a more effective leader in today’s complex work environment. Learn more about our upcoming courses and scholarship application.
Recommended Reading
For more on the Association's services, see the September 2009 issue of the Business Magazine.