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		<title>Avoid these 11 Costly Payroll Mistakes</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/08/18/avoid-these-11-costly-payroll-mistakes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/08/18/avoid-these-11-costly-payroll-mistakes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:55:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Practice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employment Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IRS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Payroll]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=609</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by BHZ Payroll legal obligations can put companies and managers at great risk in many ways. If you have anything to do with employee payroll and related matters, be aware of the following 11 mistakes and corresponding penalties. Mistake #1: Failing to deposit withheld income taxes, Social Security and Medicare contributions, and employer matching amounts [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em> by BHZ </em></p>
<p>Payroll legal obligations can put companies and managers at great risk in many ways. If you have anything to do with employee payroll and related matters, be aware of the following 11 mistakes and corresponding penalties.</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #1: Failing to  deposit withheld income taxes, Social Security and Medicare contributions, and  employer matching amounts on time. </strong>The government wants its money by strict  deadlines. Penalties accrue quickly if your business or organization misses  deposit deadlines.</p>
<p>The penalty for not making deposits on time  is:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 to 5 days late, 2 percent of amounts due.</li>
<li>6 to 15 days late, 5 percent.</li>
<li>16 or more days, 10 percent.</li>
<li>15 percent if notice from the IRS is ignored, plus  interest on the amount not deposited, plus 100 percent of the uncollected  amounts if the failure to deposit is willful.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Note this grave, personal danger: </strong>These  penalties can be levied personally against all responsible <em>individuals</em> in a business or organization. The corporate veil is no shield in these  situations. Any <em>individual</em> with a responsibility for getting the money to  the government on time faces possible exposure to penalties and  fines.</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #2:  Under-withholding and failing to match required amounts.</strong></p>
<p>The employer&#8217;s obligation is to withhold income tax,  Social Security, and Medicare contributions from employees&#8217; pay, as well as  match the Social Security and Medicare contributions. Failure to do so subjects  the employer to late deposit penalties of up to 15 percent of the under-withheld  and under-deposited amounts. If the IRS deems the under-reporting or  under-depositing willful, the penalties can be up to 100 percent of the  uncollected amounts.</p>
<p>As with failing to make deposits in a timely manner,  under-withholding and failing to match amounts creates a <em>personal</em> risk to  <em>individuals </em>with a responsibility for getting the correct sums of money  to the government on time.</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #3: Failing to  pay &#8212; or under-paying &#8212; state and federal unemployment taxes. </strong>The greatest  portion of unemployment insurance (UI) taxes is levied by the state. And  state-levied penalties vary. Since state UI funds are being exhausted in this  period of high unemployment, states are aggressive in collection efforts.</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #4: Failing to  process wage garnishments correctly. </strong>Federal and state laws obligate  employers to accurately withhold from employee pay, and remit, court-ordered  garnishments, levies, and child support.</p>
<p>Violating these laws can result in penalties,  depending on state laws. Also, federal law limits the amount of earnings that  can be garnished, and protects employees from being terminated from their jobs  because of a first-time garnishment. A violation can mean reinstatement of a  discharged employee, payment of back wages, and restoration of improperly  garnished amounts. Employers who willfully violate the discharge provisions of  the law can be prosecuted criminally and fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for not  more than one year &#8211; or both.</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #5: Making  unauthorized deductions from an employee&#8217;s pay. </strong>Employers can legally deduct  from an employee&#8217;s pay <em>only</em> amounts authorized or required by law (such  as tax withholding), by court order (such as garnishments), and amounts  authorized by the employee (such as the employee&#8217;s share of health insurance).</p>
<p>What are unauthorized deductions? State laws vary and  it can be tricky. In addition, federal wage and hour law requires payment of  agreed upon and earned wages (with the allowed deductions listed  above.)</p>
<p>Do you ever feel compelled to dock an employee&#8217;s pay  if he or she breaks or damages company products or equipment? Check first with  your attorney to see if this is permitted by your state law &#8212; even with the  employee&#8217;s permission</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #6: Treating  some workers as <em>independent contractors</em> when they&#8217;re not. </strong>Misclassifying employees as independent contractors exposes employers to  substantial legal costs and penalties.</p>
<p>In an effort to increase collections, the IRS and  state agencies have ramped up investigations of misclassified employees. When a  misclassification is discovered, the employer becomes obligated for unreported  and undeposited withholding taxes, Social Security and Medicare contributions,  penalties, and possible liability for employee benefits. When the IRS deems the  misclassification to be negligent, the penalties can be up to 100 percent of the  uncollected taxes.</p>
<p>And the payment of unreported taxes and contributions  isn&#8217;t just for the past year. When the IRS and state agencies discover the  misclassification of just one or two employees, this can trigger audits of the  employer&#8217;s employment for prior years.</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #7: Failing to  include the value of awards, bonuses, and fringe benefits (when required) in  employees&#8217; taxable incomes. </strong>This action then results in the failure to  withhold sufficient amounts from the total reportable income and not reporting  the total reportable income to the IRS. <em>The risk:</em> The employer is  subject to under-reporting penalties of up to 15 percent of the under-withheld  and under-deposited taxes. If the failure is willful, the penalties can be up to  100 percent. And the employer could also be subject to information return  penalties for incorrect W-2 forms (up to $50 penalty for each incorrect  W-2).</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #8: Using bogus  or incorrect Social Security numbers for employees on their W-2 Forms and  failing to accurately complete I-9 Forms. </strong>The risk: The employer can be  subject to information return penalties for incorrect W-2 Forms, of up to $50  for each incorrect W-2. This mistake or failure by the employer also creates  issues for the employees involved because they aren&#8217;t receiving proper earnings  credits through the Social Security Administration.</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #9: Failing to  pay at least the higher of the federal or state minimum wage to non-exempt  employees&#8230; as well as overtime in any seven-day workweek in which they work  more than 40 hours. </strong><em>The risk: </em>If this error is discovered, the  employer is required to compensate the employee for back pay, plus fines and  penalties. In addition to the fines and penalties imposed by the Department of  Labor, the employer likely will be subject to federal and state wage and hour  audits and owe additional amounts</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #10: Not  preparing and filing W-2 forms, and failing to send them to employees. </strong>The  risk: The employer can be subject to information return penalties for incorrect  W-2 forms, penalties of up to $100 for each incorrect or unreported W-2. For  intentional failure, the penalties can go up to $200 for each incorrect  statement.</p>
<p><strong>Mistake #11: Failing to  abide by <em>state</em> laws.</strong> It&#8217;s not just the federal wage and hour rules  that employers must comply with. Employers need to be aware of, and comply with,  the laws in the states where they have employees.</p>
<p><strong>PEOs can help prevent these mistakes</strong></p>
<p>To help avoid these costly blunders, more companies are turning to a professional employer organization (PEO), like <a href="http://www.staffone.com" target="_blank">Staff One</a>.  A PEO serves as a human resources  department for small and medium-sized businesses.  By entering into a  co-employment relationship with a PEO, companies have access to experienced  specialists who can help with many time-consuming activities in areas such as Human Resources Management, Payroll Management (including 940 and 941 filings),  Employer Liability Management, Risk and Safety Management and Benefits Management.</p>
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		<title>‘Want a job? What’s your Facebook password?’</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/07/08/%e2%80%98want-a-job-what%e2%80%99s-your-facebook-password%e2%80%99/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/07/08/%e2%80%98want-a-job-what%e2%80%99s-your-facebook-password%e2%80%99/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:31:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=561</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[from HRTechNews This employer&#8217;s taken the concept of online background checks to a new level. Candidates applying for jobs with the city of Bozeman, Montana, are asked to list &#8220;any and all&#8221; Web sites, chat rooms and social networking groups they use (&#8220;including but not limited to Facebook, Google, Yahoo, YouTube.com, MySpace, etc.&#8221;) &#8211; along [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em> from HRTechNews </em><br />
This employer&#8217;s taken the concept of online background checks to a new level.</p>
<p>Candidates applying for jobs with the city of Bozeman, Montana, are asked to  list &#8220;any and all&#8221; Web sites, chat rooms and social networking groups they use  (&#8220;including but not limited to Facebook, Google, Yahoo, YouTube.com, MySpace,  etc.&#8221;) &#8211; along with their usernames and passwords.</p>
<p>Many hiring managers Google applicants&#8217; names or look for them on Facebook,  but actually logging in to their personal profiles is something new  entirely.</p>
<p>Why does Bozeman want that access? According to city attorney Greg Sullivan,  it&#8217;s &#8220;to make sure the people that we hire have the highest moral character and  are a good fit for the city,&#8221; <em><a href="http://consumerist.com/5296940/applying-for-a-job-great-give-us-your-google-and-facebook-passwords" target="_blank">The Consumerist</a> </em>reports.</p>
<p>Sullivan also said the city doesn&#8217;t look at &#8220;the things that the federal  Constitution lists as protected things&#8221; (whatever that means).</p>
<p>The story drew a lot of attention and outcry from the media, potential  Bozeman employees and HR pros. That&#8217;s not surprising, considering there&#8217;s a  debate going on about whether hiring managers should even look at candidates&#8217;  profiles, let alone obtain log-in information.</p>
<p>Apparently all the press got the city rethinking that part of the  application. In a recent press release, Bozeman announced it will &#8220;suspend its  practice of reviewing candidates&#8217; password protected internet information until  the City conducts a more comprehensive evaluation of the practice.&#8221;</p>
<p>What do you think? Did the public overreact to Bozeman&#8217;s hiring practice, or  was the negative response justified?</p>
<p>Should social networking profiles play any role in the background check  process at all?</p>
<p>Let us know what you think in the comments section below.</p>
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		<title>Wellness: The five keys to success</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/07/07/wellness-the-five-keys-to-success/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/07/07/wellness-the-five-keys-to-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:28:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=558</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[from HRBenefitsAlert Wellness programs come in all shapes and sizes. But regardless of plan design there are five common components that set the successful programs apart from the rest. At their core, wellness programs require constant monitoring and periodic adjustments. The programs that get mediocre results are the ones that are left to run on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em> from HRBenefitsAlert </em></p>
<p>Wellness programs come in all shapes and sizes. But regardless of plan design  there are five common components that set the successful programs apart from the  rest.</p>
<p>At their core, wellness programs require constant monitoring and periodic  adjustments. The programs that get mediocre results are the ones that are left  to run on autopilot. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s crucial to:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Know thine enemy. </strong>You have to know what&#8217;s driving your  biggest claim costs on your healthcare plan &#8211; both among employees and their  dependents.</li>
<li><strong>Create realistic expectations. </strong>With wellness, what an  employer gets will almost always depend on how much it spends, how well it plans  and how well it sustains communications with participants and the vendor.</li>
<li><strong>Maintain strong communications. </strong>The wellness initiatives  that achieve the greatest success are those which are communicated aggressively  from the get go and are sustained. Repetition is your friend when doing employee  education.</li>
<li><strong>Integrate wellness with other benefits.</strong> Real-life  experience has shown that you should consider your employee assistance programs  (EAPs) an extension of the wellness program. You should also consider issues  like absenteeism, disability and worker&#8217;s compensation to be pieces of the  wellness puzzle.</li>
<li><strong>Practice what you preach. </strong>The key to ensuring employee  buy-in is for management to lead the program by setting a positive example. If  senior managers are unwilling to participate and address their own health  issues, don&#8217;t expect many employees to take the program seriously.</li>
</ol>
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		<title>DOL Health Care Reform Guidance For Children Up To Age 26</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/05/26/dol-health-care-reform-guidance-for-children-up-to-age-26/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/05/26/dol-health-care-reform-guidance-for-children-up-to-age-26/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 15:18:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=542</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Guidance has been issued with regard to the new health care reform coverage for children up to age 26.  The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has issued a fact sheet, a series of questions and answers, and an interim final regulation about the new requirements. Basically, the health care reform act signed by President Obama [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Guidance has been issued with regard to the new health care reform coverage for children up to age 26.  The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has issued a <a href="http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/fsdependentcoverage.html" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>, a series of <a href="http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-dependentcoverage.html" target="_blank">questions and answers</a>, and an <a href="http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/dependentcoverage.pdf" target="_blank">interim final regulation</a> about the new requirements. Basically, the health care reform act signed by President Obama will allow children to remain on their parents&#8217; health coverage up to age 26. This provision is effective for plan or policy years beginning on or after September 23, 2010. Plans and issuers must give children who qualify an opportunity to enroll that continues for at least 30 days, regardless of whether the plan or coverage offers an open enrollment period. This enrollment opportunity and a written notice must be provided not later than the first day of the first plan or policy year beginning on or after September 23, 2010.</p>
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		<title>IRS Issues Guidance On Group Health Coverage Of Older Dependents</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/04/29/irs-issues-guidance-on-group-health-coverage-of-older-dependents/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/04/29/irs-issues-guidance-on-group-health-coverage-of-older-dependents/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:02:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=536</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Employers with cafeteria plans can now allow employees to make pretax contributions to cover benefits under the company&#8217;s heath plan for dependent children up to age 27, the Internal Revenue Service said April 27 (Notice 2010-38).  The change is related to the new health reform law, IRS said.  The notice will appear in the May [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Employers with cafeteria plans can now allow employees to make pretax contributions to cover benefits under the company&#8217;s heath plan for dependent children up to age 27, the Internal Revenue Service said April 27 <a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=222193,00.html" target="_blank">(Notice 2010-38)</a>.  The change is related to the new health reform law, IRS said.  The notice will appear in the May 17 edition of the <em>Internal Revenue Bulletin 2010-20</em>.</p>
<p>House Democrats, meanwhile, asked health insurers to stop canceling coverage for policyholders who become sick before a provision in the new law takes effect in 2014.  The chairmen of three House committees <a href="http://go.usa.gov/iPx" target="_blank">urged seven insurers</a> in a letter April 27 to stop the rescissions, a move that they said would be consistent with changes allowing older dependents to remain on a parent&#8217;s health plan.  Separately, WellPoint said it would implement a nonrescission provision May 1.</p>
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		<title>A Look at the Health Care Bill</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/03/29/a-look-at-the-health-care-bill/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/03/29/a-look-at-the-health-care-bill/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:39:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=413</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by The Associated Press Here are some of the features of the legislation. HOW MANY COVERED: 32 million uninsured. Major coverage expansion begins in 2014. When fully phased in, 94 percent of eligible non-elderly Americans would have coverage, compared with 83 percent today. COST: $938 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em> by The Associated  Press</em></p>
<p>Here are some of the features of the  legislation.</p>
<p>HOW MANY COVERED: 32 million uninsured. Major coverage expansion begins in  2014. When fully phased in, 94 percent of eligible non-elderly Americans would  have coverage, compared with 83 percent today.</p>
<p>COST: $938 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget  Office.</p>
<p>INSURANCE MANDATE: Almost everyone is required to be insured or else pay a  fine, which takes effect in 2014. There is an exemption for low-income  people.</p>
<p>INSURANCE MARKET REFORMS: Starting this year, insurers would be forbidden  from placing lifetime dollar limits on policies, from denying coverage to  children because of pre-existing conditions, and from canceling policies because  someone gets sick. Parents would be able to keep older kids on their coverage up  to age 26. A new high-risk pool would offer coverage to uninsured people with  medical problems until 2014, when the coverage expansion goes into high gear.  Major consumer safeguards would also take effect in 2014. Insurers would be  prohibited from denying coverage to people with medical problems or charging  them more. Insurers could not charge women more.</p>
<p>MEDICAID: Expands the federal-state Medicaid insurance program for the  poor to cover people with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty  level, $29,327 a year for a family of four. Childless adults would be covered  for the first time, starting in 2014. The federal government would pay 100  percent of costs for covering newly eligible individuals through 2016.</p>
<p>If the Senate approves a package of changes this week, a special deal that  would have given Nebraska 100 percent federal financing for newly eligible  Medicaid recipients  in perpetuity would be eliminated. A different, one-time deal negotiated by  Democratic Sen. Mary  Landrieu for her state, Louisiana, worth as much as $300 million,  remains.</p>
<p>TAXES: To make up for the lost revenue, the bill applies an increased  Medicare payroll tax to the investment income and to the wages of individuals  making more than $200,000, or married couples above $250,000. The tax on  investment income would be 3.8 percent. If the Senate follows through, it would  impose a 40 percent tax on high-cost insurance plans above the threshold of  $10,200 for individuals and $27,500 for families. The tax would go into effect  in 2018.</p>
<p>PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: Gradually closes the &#8220;doughnut hole&#8221; coverage gap in the  Medicare prescription drug benefit that seniors fall into once they have spent  $2,830. Seniors who hit the gap this year will receive a $250 rebate. Beginning  in 2011, seniors in the gap receive a discount on brand name drugs, initially 50  percent off. When the gap is completely eliminated in 2020, seniors will still  be responsible for 25 percent of the cost of their medications until Medicare&#8217;s  catastrophic coverage kicks in.</p>
<p>EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY: Employers are hit with a fee if the government  subsidizes their workers&#8217; coverage. The $2,000-per-employee fee would be  assessed on the company&#8217;s entire work force, minus an allowance. Companies with  50 or fewer workers are exempt from the requirement.</p>
<p>SUBSIDIES: The aid is available on a sliding scale for households making up  to four times the federal poverty level, $88,200 for a family of four. Premiums  for a family of four making $44,000 would be capped at around 6 percent of  income.</p>
<p>HOW YOU CHOOSE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE: Small businesses, the self-employed and  the uninsured could pick a plan offered through new state-based purchasing pools  called exchanges, opening for business in 2014. The exchanges would offer the  same kind of purchasing power that employees of big companies benefit from.  People working for medium-to-large firms would not see major changes. But if  they lose their jobs or strike out on their own, they may be eligible for  subsidized coverage through the exchange.</p>
<p>GOVERNMENT-RUN PLAN: No government-run insurance plan. People purchasing  coverage through the new insurance exchanges would have the option of signing up  for national plans overseen by the federal office that manages the health plans  available to members of Congress. Those plans would be private, but one would  have to be nonprofit.</p>
<p>ABORTION: The bill tries to maintain a strict separation between taxpayer  dollars and private premiums that would pay for abortion coverage. No health  plan would be required to offer coverage for abortion. In plans that do cover  abortion, policyholders would have to pay for it separately, and that money  would have to be kept in a separate account from taxpayer money. States could  ban abortion coverage in plans offered through the exchange. Exceptions would be  made for cases of rape, incest and danger to the life of the mother.</p>
<p>GOP HEALTH CARE SUMMIT IDEAS: Following a bipartisan health care summit last  month, Obama announced he was open to incorporating several Republican ideas  into his legislation. But two of the principle ones &#8212; hiring investigators to  pose as patients and search for fraud at hospitals and increasing spending for  medical malpractice reform initiatives &#8212; did not make it into the legislation.  The legislation incorporates only one, an increase in payments to primary care  physicians under Medicaid, an idea mentioned by  Sen. Charles  Grassley, R-Iowa.</p>
<p><a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hrbits.com%2F2010%2F03%2F29%2Fa-look-at-the-health-care-bill%2F&amp;title=A%20Look%20at%20the%20Health%20Care%20Bill">SHARE</a> </p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>HIRE Act Provides New Hire Tax Credit and Exemption</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/03/23/hire-act-provides-new-hire-tax-credit-and-exemption/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/03/23/hire-act-provides-new-hire-tax-credit-and-exemption/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:26:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employment Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIRE Act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Payroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[staffone.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taxes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=399</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[President Obama on March 18 signed the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (H.R. 2847), which includes a tax credit for certain new hires retained by employers and a Social Security payroll tax exemption for such new hires. Under the HIRE Act, employers generally can take a tax credit of up to $1,000 for each [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>President Obama on March 18 signed the <em>Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act</em> (H.R. 2847), which includes a tax credit for certain new hires retained by employers and a Social Security payroll tax exemption for such new hires. Under the HIRE Act, employers generally can take a tax credit of up to $1,000 for each new hire who begins employment between Feb. 4 and Dec. 31, 2010, and attests to being unemployed for at least 60 days prior to such employment (or having worked less than a total of 40 hours during the 60-day period). These employees must be employed for at least 52 consecutive weeks and earn wages during the last 26 weeks of such period equal to at least 80 percent of wages paid during the first 26 weeks. Employers cannot replace employees with these new hires unless the employees have left employment voluntarily or for cause. In addition, employers can exempt their share of Social Security payroll taxes in 2010 for these new hires.</p>
<p>More information can be found at <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:H.R.2847:" target="_blank">http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:H.R.2847:</a></p>
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		<title>Employee Social Media Use Poses Challenges</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/03/18/employee-social-media-use-poses-challenges/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/03/18/employee-social-media-use-poses-challenges/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:49:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Practice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ASO]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=393</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Online social media, such as social networking websites or blogs, can be highly effective business tools for sharing ideas and exchanging information. They also can present problems for employers when dealing with how employees use such media in and outside of workplaces. Improper use of social media by employees can include disclosing employer sensitive or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Online social media, such as social networking websites or blogs, can be highly effective business tools for sharing ideas and exchanging information. They also can present problems for employers when dealing with how employees use such media in and outside of workplaces. Improper use of social media by employees can include disclosing employer sensitive or proprietary information over social media or using social media via employers&#8217; electronic communication systems to engage in illegal or fraudulent activities. To help reduce liability for improper use of social media by employees, employers should adopt and implement social media and electronic communications policies to set guidelines for employee use of online social media.</p>
<p><strong>Recent Staff One Presentation Developing an Effective Social Media Policy</strong></p>
<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_3403480"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/staffone/effective-social-media-policy-3403480" title="Effective  Social  Media  Policy">Effective  Social  Media  Policy</a></strong><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=effectivesocialmediapolicy-100311164232-phpapp01&#038;stripped_title=effective-social-media-policy-3403480" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=effectivesocialmediapolicy-100311164232-phpapp01&#038;stripped_title=effective-social-media-policy-3403480" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
<div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/staffone">Staff One, Inc.</a>.</div>
</div>
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		<title>COBRA Subsidy and Unemployment Insurance Extension Signed Into Law</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/03/03/cobra-subsidy-and-unemployment-insurance-extension-signed-into-law/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/03/03/cobra-subsidy-and-unemployment-insurance-extension-signed-into-law/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:47:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COBRA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employee Benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employment Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Staff One]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[staffone.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unemployment insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=370</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On March 2, 2010, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4691, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 by a vote of 78-19.  This Senate action follows House passage of H.R. 4691 on February 25, 2010.  The President immediately signed this bill into law on March 2, 2010. The Temporary Extension Act: Extends the COBRA subsidy program [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On March 2, 2010, the U.S. Senate passed <a href="http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&amp;docid=f:h4691pcs.txt.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>H.R. 4691</strong></a>, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 by a vote of 78-19.  This Senate action follows House passage of H.R. 4691 on February 25, 2010.  The President immediately signed this bill into law on March 2, 2010.</p>
<p>The Temporary Extension Act:</p>
<ol>
<li>Extends the COBRA subsidy program that was enacted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and</li>
<li>Extends unemployment benefits through April 5, 2010.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>COBRA</strong></p>
<p>The law&#8217;s COBRA provisions:</p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li>Extend the eligibility period for the 15-month 65 percent premium subsidy to those involuntarily terminated from March 1 through March 31, 2010.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li>Allow employees to receive the subsidy if they first lost group coverage due to a reduction in hours and then were terminated after enactment of the bill.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Unemployment Insurance</strong></p>
<p>The law&#8217;s unemployment insurance benefit provisions:</p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li>Extend the period during which individuals may file applications for Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) from the current end date of February 28, 2010 to April 5, 2010 and the period during which individuals may claim and be paid EUC is extended from July 31, 2010 to September 4, 2010.</li>
<li>Extend the period during which individuals may qualify for the Federal Additional Compensation (FAC), the extra $25 weekly benefit amount on state and federal unemployment compensation, from the current end date of February 28, 2010 to April 5, 2010 with weekly payment provided during the phase out period for weeks ending October 5, 2010 instead of August 31, 2010.</li>
<li>Extend the period during which 100% federal reimbursement for weeks of regular federal extended benefit payments to April 5, 2010, with the state option to continue the extended period from July 31, 2010 to September 4, 2010.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Additional Extension</strong></p>
<p>These &#8220;short-term&#8221; extensions of the COBRA subsidy and unemployment benefits are intended to give Congress more time to consider legislation to extend these programs through 2010.  Under H.R. 4213, a bill the Senate is currently debating, both the COBRA subsidy program and unemployment benefits would be extended through December 31, 2010.</p>
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		<title>Four Steps to Follow If You Are Missing a W-2</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/02/10/four-steps-to-follow-if-you-are-missing-a-w-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/02/10/four-steps-to-follow-if-you-are-missing-a-w-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:32:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employers]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Taxes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=362</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[adapted from the IRS Getting ready to file your tax return?  Make sure you have all your documents before you start. You should receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement from each of your employers.  Employers have until February 1, 2010 to send you a 2009 Form W-2 earnings statement. For employers who are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em> adapted from the IRS </em></p>
<p>Getting ready to file your tax return?  Make sure you have all your documents before you start. You should receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement from each of your employers.  Employers have until February 1, 2010 to send you a 2009 Form W-2 earnings statement. For employers who are clients of Staff One, W-2 were sent out during the first week in January.</p>
<p>If you haven&#8217;t received your W-2, follow these four steps:</p>
<p><strong>1. Contact your employer (if your employer is a client of Staff One, contact <a href="https://www.staffone.com/contact/ee_help.html" target="_blank">us</a>)</strong> If you have not received your W-2, contact your employer to inquire if and when the W-2 was mailed.  If it was mailed, it may have been returned to the employer because of an incorrect or incomplete address.  After contacting the employer, allow a reasonable amount of time for them to resend or to issue the W-2.</p>
<p><strong>2. Contact the IRS</strong> If you do not receive your W-2 by February 16th, contact the IRS for assistance at 800-829-1040. When you call, you must provide your name, address, city and state, including zip code, Social Security number, phone number and have the following information:</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li>Employer&#8217;s      name, address, city and state, including zip code and phone        number</li>
<li>Dates      of employment</li>
<li>An estimate of the wages you earned, the federal income tax withheld, and when you worked for that employer during 2009. The estimate should be based on year-to-date information from your final pay stub or leave-and-earnings statement, if possible.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. File your return</strong> You still must file your tax return or request an extension to file by April 15, even if you do not receive your Form W-2. If you have not received your Form W-2 by April 15th, and have completed steps 1 and 2, you may use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Attach Form 4852 to the return, estimating income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible.  There may be a delay in any refund due while the information is verified.</p>
<p><strong>4. File a Form 1040X</strong> On occasion, you may receive your missing W-2 after you filed your return using Form 4852, and the information may be different from what you reported on your return. If this happens, you must amend your return by filing a Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.</p>
<p>Form 4852, Form 1040X, and instructions are available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).</p>
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		<title>The High Cost of Non-Compliance</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/01/21/the-high-cost-of-non-compliance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/01/21/the-high-cost-of-non-compliance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:03:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[HR Bits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employers]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=337</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[70% of Employers are non-compliant with wage and hour laws, according to the Department of Labor (DOL). 2 out of 3 workplace-related lawsuits that go to trial are won by the employee. $10.3 Million: Civil penalties assessed against employers by the Wage &#38;  Hour Division of the DOL in 2007. $220.6 Million:  Damages paid by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<ul>
<li>70% of Employers are non-compliant with wage and hour laws, according to the Department of Labor (DOL).</li>
<li>2 out of 3 workplace-related lawsuits that go to trial are won by the employee.</li>
<li>$10.3 Million: Civil penalties assessed against employers by the Wage &amp;  Hour Division of the DOL in 2007.</li>
<li>$220.6 Million:  Damages paid by employers for wage and hour non compliance in 2007.</li>
<li>11.2 Million:  The jury award against Mary Kay Cosmetics for classifying beauty &#8220;consultants&#8221; as independent contractors.</li>
<li>$650,000:  The average jury award to plaintiffs for damages in workplace-related lawsuits.</li>
<li>88,846:  Number of violations recorded by OSHA inspectors in 2007, of which 67,176 were serious.</li>
<li>$1 million: Potential per-occurrence fine for failure to safeguard personal/non-public information against identity theft under the Gramm/Leach/Bliley safeguard Bill.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>DOL Creates New Safe Harbor Rule</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/01/19/dol-creates-new-safe-harbor-rule/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2010/01/19/dol-creates-new-safe-harbor-rule/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:23:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[401k]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=334</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ebsa/EBSA20100056.htm The federal Department of Labor&#8217;s Employee Benefits Security Administration establishes a final rule, effective Jan. 14, 2010, giving employers that have employee benefit plans with fewer than 100 participants a seven business day safe harbor period to deposit employee contributions to plans. Employers with retirement or welfare benefit plans subject to the federal Employee [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ebsa/EBSA20100056.htm</em></p>
<p>The federal Department of Labor&#8217;s Employee Benefits Security Administration establishes a final rule, effective Jan. 14, 2010, giving employers that have employee benefit plans with fewer than 100 participants a seven business day safe harbor period to deposit employee contributions to plans. Employers with retirement or welfare benefit plans subject to the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 must deposit employee contributions to plans on the earliest date that contributions reasonably can be separated from other employer assets. The safe harbor rule does not change ERISA&#8217;s requirement that employee contributions to welfare benefit plans must be made no later than 90 days after receipt, and employee contributions to retirement plans must be made by the 15th business day of the month following the month in which contributions are received.</p>
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		<title>COBRA Subsidy Extended to February 28, 2010</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/12/22/cobra-subsidy-extended-to-february-28-2010/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/12/22/cobra-subsidy-extended-to-february-28-2010/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:42:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ARRA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COBRA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employee Benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Benefits]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=325</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[President Obama, on Dec. 19, 2009, signed the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act which includes amendments to the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that provided health care premium assistance for certain individuals. ARRA revised the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to require employers with COBRA-covered group health plans [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>President Obama, on Dec. 19, 2009, signed the <strong>Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act</strong> which includes amendments to the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that provided health care premium assistance for certain individuals. ARRA revised the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to require employers with COBRA-covered group health plans to pay 65 percent of health care premiums for up to nine months for assistance eligible individuals who lose health care coverage due to employees&#8217; involuntary employment termination between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009. The new law expands the duration of the 65 percent premium assistance from nine to 15 months, and extends premium assistance to individuals who lose health care coverage due to employees&#8217; involuntary employment termination between Sept. 1, 2008, and Feb. 28, 2010.</p>
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		<title>Why Outsource HR? Benefits of Partnering with Staff One</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/12/01/why-outsource-hr-benefits-of-partnering-with-staff-one/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/12/01/why-outsource-hr-benefits-of-partnering-with-staff-one/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:30:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HR Outsourcing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=317</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Human resources outsourcing is a strategic move to improve the quality and flexibility of your workforce, while improving your organization&#8217;s ability to accommodate change and stay ahead of market forces. Today, many companies are outsourcing their human resource functions. The benefits affect owners and executives, HR managers and employees and can include cost savings, access [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Human resources outsourcing is a  strategic move to improve the quality and flexibility of your workforce, while  improving your organization&#8217;s ability to accommodate change and stay ahead of  market forces. Today, many companies are outsourcing their human resource  functions. The benefits affect <a href="#owners">owners and  executives</a>, <a href="#directors">HR managers</a> and <a href="#employees">employees</a> and can include cost savings,  access to highly skilled professionals and advanced technology, which  collectively result in a sustainable competitive advantage.</p>
<p><strong><a id="owners" name="owners"></a>BENEFITS TO OWNERS &amp;  EXECUTIVES</strong></p>
<ul type="circle">
<li><strong>Reduce Liability -</strong> A single poorly  handled employee incident can imperil your entire organization. Issues from  wrongful termination to a hostile workplace need never be an issue in an  organization that is doing all the little things necessary to prevent them. The  problem is that many organizations are not aware of their responsibilities, and  this can lead to disaster. Our clients sleep well at night knowing that these  things are being professionally and competently handled.</li>
<li><strong>Increase Employee Productivity -</strong> Staff  One implements strategic performance management plans for every employee in your  organization which are aligned with your business goals. We then put systems in  place to monitor, report and review the performance of each member of your team.  Employees appreciate knowing exactly what is expected of them, and will rise to  exacting standards when they know their performance is being measured and  reviewed.</li>
<li><strong>Decrease Total Cost of Labor -</strong> Staff One  will analyze your entire cost of labor from <a href="http://www.staffone.com/solutions/benefits_management.html" target="_blank">benefits</a>, <a href="http://www.staffone.com/solutions/risk_safety_management.html" target="_blank">workers&#8217; compensation</a>, <a href="http://www.staffone.com/solutions/compliance_management.html" target="_blank">compliance  management</a>, <a href="http://www.staffone.com/solutions/payroll_tax_administration.html" target="_blank">payroll administration</a>,  low productivity and more, and find the places where your organization could be  more efficient. Depending on the size of your firm, that could mean hundreds of  thousands of dollars a year in savings.</li>
<li><strong>Increase Profits -</strong> Staff One&#8217;s strategic  human resources solutions lower your overall cost of labor, and our performance  plans and metrics mean your entire organization will be operating at higher  levels of output.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Decision Making -</strong> Making good  decisions requires good information. Our HR systems management makes strategic  planning and efficient allocation of scarce resources much easier for our  clients.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Turnover -</strong> One of the biggest hits  to your productivity and profitability is employee turnover. Keeping good  employees happy doesn&#8217;t happen by accident. It is planned! Our clients benefit  from thoroughly planned and proven <a href="http://www.staffone.com/solutions/solutions.html" target="_blank">HR administration</a> that dramatically  reduces turnover. From recruiting the best people, to designing effective  compensation plans, to regular performance reviews to training and development  programs, we can help.</li>
<li><strong>Focus On Business -</strong> Staff One handles HR,  freeing you up to focus on growing your business.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a id="directors" name="directors"></a>BENEFITS TO HR MANAGERS</strong></p>
<ul type="circle">
<li><strong>Focus on People -</strong> You got into human  resources because of your dedication to your employees. But over time you spend  more and more of your time on paperwork. It doesn&#8217;t have to be that way. Our  proven systems reduce the paperwork dramatically. Get back to what matters &#8211;  your employees.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Workload -</strong> Imagine what your  career would be like if you could eliminate or dramatically reduce the  paperwork. You would have more time to focus strategically, instead of stomping  out fires. Our web based HRIS system includes full employee self-service  functionality. Your employees can access payroll records, W-2s, benefits plans,  performance reviews, company policies and more any time of the day or night  securely over the Web. How much time would that save you every day?</li>
<li><strong>Data Driven Management -</strong> We provide <a href="http://www.staffone.com/login.html" target="_blank">HRIS</a> reliable reports  specifically designed to keep you informed of all information critical to doing  your job. Good information is critical to making good decisions.</li>
<li><strong>Eliminate Administrative Burden -</strong> Are the  certain aspects of HR that you just don&#8217;t like? COBRA? FMLA? Regulatory  compliance? We handle the things you don&#8217;t like so you can get back to focusing  on your business.</li>
<li><strong>Keep Within Budget -</strong> You have budgetary  responsibilities, and keeping within budget is critical to your success. We  provide budget tracking reports that help you stay informed. Furthermore, our  solutions may help cut your costs. We will also improve your organization&#8217;s  productivity, which means you will have to hire fewer people in the future to  get the same output. <strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a id="employees" name="employees"></a>BENEFITS TO EMPLOYEES</strong></p>
<ul type="circle">
<li><strong>&#8220;Big Company&#8221; Benefit Plans -</strong> Our <a href="http://www.staffone.com/solutions/benefits_management.html">benefits plan</a> design and administration provides enhanced benefits to your employees without  significantly increasing costs. An attractive benefit and compensation plan is  crucial to attracting the best people.</li>
<li><strong>Clear Expectations -</strong> Employees truly  appreciate knowing exactly what is expected of them. When communication between  management and staff is clear, everyone benefits.</li>
<li><strong>24-Hour Access To Records -</strong> Your  employees will appreciate being able to access important data online securely  any time of the day or night. They can see their own <a href="http://www.staffone.com/solutions/payroll_tax_administration.html">payroll</a> records,  personal profiles, learning and development resources and more.</li>
<li><strong>A Better Workplace -</strong> The goal of any HR  Department is to provide a friendly and rewarding workplace for all employees.  Employees who love their job and their company stick around and produce more.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>EEOC Revises Mandatory Poster</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/10/27/eeoc-revises-mandatory-poster/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/10/27/eeoc-revises-mandatory-poster/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:10:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ADAAA]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=277</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released on Oct. 22 a revised &#8220;Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law&#8221; poster (EEOC-P/E-1 (Revised 11/09)) that incorporates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (effective Nov. 21, 2009), and updates from the federal Department of Labor. Employers [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released on Oct. 22 a revised &#8220;Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law&#8221; poster (EEOC-P/E-1 (Revised 11/09)) that incorporates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (effective Nov. 21, 2009), and updates from the federal Department of Labor. Employers that are covered by federal nondiscrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, must display this poster in conspicuous places on their premises where notices to employees and applicants typically are posted. EEOC advises employers to post the new November 2009 version of the poster or display a supplement next to a prior version of the poster issued by EEOC (September 2002) or the federal Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (August 2008).</p>
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		<title>CDC offers Web-based resources to fight obesity</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/10/27/cdc-offers-web-based-resources-to-fight-obesity/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/10/27/cdc-offers-web-based-resources-to-fight-obesity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:03:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One [AR]</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=278</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[From Employee Benefit News Employer and employees have a new resource that can be used to help battle obesity in the workforce. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unveiled LEANworks!, a web site full of free resources for employers to develop wellness programs to address obesity. The site, www.cdc.gov/LEANWorks, includes research [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>From Employee Benefit News</em></p>
<p>Employer and employees have a new resource that can be used to help battle obesity in the workforce. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unveiled LEANworks!, a web site full of free resources for employers to develop wellness programs to address obesity. The site, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/LEANWorks" TARGET="<br />
_blank">www.cdc.gov/LEANWorks</a>, includes research reports, case studies, ROI information, and an obesity calculator. It features how -to information about assessing the needs of the workforce, developing an effective program, setting goals, budgeting, and strategies for implementing and promoting the program.</p>
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		<title>How and Why to Stay Culturally Competitive #HR #PEO</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/10/20/how-and-why-to-stay-culturally-competitive-hr-peo/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/10/20/how-and-why-to-stay-culturally-competitive-hr-peo/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:12:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[HR Bits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HR Outsourcing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Human Resource]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=272</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the unemployment rate at more than 9%, talk of layoffs, and the closing of numerous businesses, it&#8217;s easy to see why many organizations are tightening their reins.  However, it is important to maintain, or create, an atmosphere of security, flexibility, and contentment for employees especially during an economic crisis.  The temptation may be to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With the unemployment rate at more than 9%, talk of layoffs, and the closing of numerous businesses, it&#8217;s easy to see why many organizations are tightening their reins.  However, it is important to maintain, or create, an atmosphere of security, flexibility, and contentment for employees especially during an economic crisis.  The temptation may be to put more emphasis on the bottom line than on those that create the bottom line.  This could create more cost than you think.  For example, turnover rates for 2008 (both voluntary and involuntary) averaged 18.7%.  According to Watson Wyatt, total turnover costs including hard dollars and lost productivity are approximately 48% &#8211; 61% of salary.  If a company has 60 employees with an average salary of $40,000, that could mean a cost of $215,424 to $273,768!</p>
<p>So how does an employer stay competitive without spending a lot of money?  There are several things employers can do that cost little, but can go a long way in eye of an employee.</p>
<p>1.       <strong>Communicate.</strong></p>
<p>Communication creates a sense of security for an employee.  Not only communication about operations and product offerings, but culturally and structurally as well.  If people feel that they have a good understanding of where the company is going and how it is going to get there, they are generally more connected and invested in it.  Communication creates a purpose and meaning to come and work every day.</p>
<p>2.       <strong>Be flexible.</strong></p>
<p>Increasing flex-time or being more flexible with work schedules is a great way to add value in the eye of the employee.  Being aware of the scheduling needs of employees and then trying to meet those needs creates a loyalty and appreciation to your company.</p>
<p>3.       <strong>Recognition and Rewards.</strong></p>
<p>Recognizing a job well done or rewarding employees that have just finished a project shows that they are appreciated for their efforts and it is noticed.  Rewards could be anything from an extra vacation day or a gift card to a restaurant.  They don&#8217;t have to cost a lot to have a significant impact.</p>
<p>These are just a few ways employers can keep their employees productive, content, and loyal through wage freezes or layoffs.  Eventually the economy will turn and the last thing an employer needs to worry about when this happens is finding good employees.  Remember, investing in the your human capital doesn&#8217;t have to cost much, but will pay huge dividends in the future.</p>
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		<title>DHS Issues Final &#8216;No-Match&#8217; Letters Rule</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/10/14/dhs-issues-final-no-match-letters-rule/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/10/14/dhs-issues-final-no-match-letters-rule/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:52:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Posts]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=265</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Effective Nov. 6, 2009, the federal Department of Homeland Security rescinds the safe-harbor procedures for &#8220;no-match&#8221; letters. DHS is taking such action to focus its enforcement efforts on improving verification of employee authorization to work in the United States through DHS programs such as E-Verify and IMAGE. As part of that effort, DHS filed a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Effective Nov. 6, 2009, the federal Department of Homeland Security rescinds the safe-harbor procedures for &#8220;no-match&#8221; letters. DHS is taking such action to focus its enforcement efforts on improving verification of employee authorization to work in the United States through DHS programs such as E-Verify and IMAGE. As part of that effort, DHS filed a stipulation on July 9, 2009, to withdraw its support for the safe-harbor procedures with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California; the court issued a preliminary injunction on Oct. 10, 2007, that blocks implementation of the procedures that were to be effective on Sept. 14, 2007 (<em>AFL-CIO v. Napolitano, N.D. Cal.</em>, No. C 07-4472 CRB, <em>stipulation filed</em> 7/9/09).</p>
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		<title>Michelle&#8217;s Law Goes Into Effect on October 9, 2009</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/09/30/michelles-law-goes-into-effect-on-october-9-2009/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/09/30/michelles-law-goes-into-effect-on-october-9-2009/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:54:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=261</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On October 9, 2008, President Bush signed &#8220;Michelle&#8217;s Law&#8221; (H.R. 2851) designed to ensure that dependent college students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage. The law was named after Michelle Morse, a college student who suffered from cancer and continued her course load, against the advice of doctors, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On October 9, 2008, President Bush signed &#8220;Michelle&#8217;s Law&#8221; (H.R. 2851) designed to ensure that dependent college students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage.</p>
<p>The law was named after Michelle Morse, a college student who suffered from cancer and continued her course load, against the advice of doctors, in order to remain covered by health insurance.</p>
<p>Michelle&#8217;s law provides that a group health plan may not terminate a college student&#8217;s health coverage simply because the child takes a medically necessary leave of absence from school or changes to part-time status. The leave of absence must:</p>
<ul>
<li>Be medically necessary;</li>
<li>Commence while the child is suffering from a serious illness or injury; and</li>
<li>Cause the child to lose coverage under the plan.</li>
</ul>
<p>To take advantage of the extension, the child must have been enrolled in the group health plan on the basis of being a student at a post-secondary educational institution immediately before the first day of the leave. Coverage must extend for one year after the first day of the leave (or, if earlier, the date coverage would otherwise terminate under the plan). The student on leave is entitled to the same benefits as if they had not taken a leave. If coverage changes during the student&#8217;s leave, then this new law applies in the same manner as the prior coverage.</p>
<p><strong>Physician&#8217;s Certification and Notice</strong></p>
<p>The group health plan must receive written certification by the child&#8217;s treating physician stating the child is suffering from a serious illness or injury, and the leave (or change of enrollment) is medically necessary. In addition, when sending any notice describing the plan&#8217;s student certification requirements for coverage, the plan also must include a description of the terms for continued coverage under this law.</p>
<p>Michelle&#8217;s Law is effective for plan years beginning on or after October 9, 2009.</p>
<p>Learn more at <a href="http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&amp;docid=f:h2851enr.txt.pdf" target="_blank">http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&amp;docid=f:h2851enr.txt.pdf</a></p>
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		<title>Retirement and Savings Initiatives Announced by White House and IRS</title>
		<link>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/09/17/retirement-and-savings-initiatives-announced-by-white-house-and-irs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hrbits.com/2009/09/17/retirement-and-savings-initiatives-announced-by-white-house-and-irs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:16:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Staff One</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[401k]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hrbits.com/?p=242</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[From MHA On September 5, 2009, President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner announced a set of new initiatives designed to encourage retirement savings. The new guidance expands opportunities for automatic enrollment in 401(k) and other retirement plans and enables employees to contribute amounts representing unused vacation or similar leave time to retirement plans (including [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>From MHA</em></p>
<p>On September 5, 2009, President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner announced a set of new initiatives designed to encourage retirement savings. The new guidance expands opportunities for automatic enrollment in 401(k) and other retirement plans and enables employees to contribute amounts representing unused vacation or similar leave time to retirement plans (including 401(k) plans). The guidance also updates the IRS&#8217;s model rollover notice. The IRS also issued Special Edition Newsletters of both Employee Plans News and Retirement News for Employers with information about the changes.</p>
<p><strong>Automatic Enrollment</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Revenue Ruling 2009-30. This ruling addresses automatic enrollment in 401(k) plans that contain a feature under which employee deferrals to the plan automatically increases each year without an affirmative election by the employee. The ruling describes two situations-one involving a basic automatic contribution arrangement and the other involving an arrangement intended to satisfy the requirements for a qualified automatic contribution arrangement (QACA) and an eligible automatic contribution arrangement (EACA).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-09-30.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to view Revenue Ruling 2009-30</a></p>
<ul>
<li>Notice 2009-65. This notice contains two sample plan amendments to facilitate the use of automatic enrollment. The pre-approved automatic enrollment language will allow employers to amend their plans to adopt automatic enrollment more quickly-and without the need for case-by-case approval from the IRS. The notice states that plans are not required to adopt either amendment verbatim.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-09-65.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to view Notice 2009-65</a></p>
<ul>
<li>Notice 2009-66 and Notice 2009-67. These companion notices provide guidance and a sample amendment, respectively, for including an automatic contribution arrangement in SIMPLE IRA plans.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-09-66.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to view Notice 2009-66</a> or <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-09-67.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to view Notice 2009-67</a></p>
<p><strong>Unused Vacation or Other Similar Leave</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Revenue Ruling 2009-31. This guidance illustrates two situations in which the dollar equivalent of unused paid time off (PTO) can be contributed to an employer&#8217;s profit-sharing plan without adversely affecting the plan&#8217;s qualified status.</li>
</ul>
<p>Revenue Ruling 2009-32. This guidance addresses similar contributions at termination of employment.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-09-32.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to view Revenue Ruling 2009-32</a></p>
<p><strong>Updated Model Rollover Notice under Code Section 402(f) </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Notice 2009-68. This notice simplifies the presentation of an employee&#8217;s options when receiving an eligible rollover distribution. It provides a rollover roadmap that satisfies the required notice that must be provided to employees taking their retirement assets. The notice also reflects law changes (such as information on a distribution from a designated Roth account under an employer plan) and explains rules that apply in special situations (such as when a distribution is made to a surviving spouse or other beneficiary).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-09-68.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to view Notice 2009-68</a></p>
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