In today’s economic climate, characterized by high inflation and financial volatility, many employees are facing significant financial challenges. These challenges often lead them to resort to short-term financial solutions that can have detrimental long-term impacts. Human Resources (HR) teams have a unique opportunity to support employees through these tough times by offering flexible benefits, such as Paid Time Off (PTO)
In the complex landscape of federal overtime rules, recent court decisions have added another layer of complexity for employers attempting to navigate through evolving regulations. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has seen various attempts to adjust the minimum wage threshold for overtime exemption across different administrations, leading to a turbulent decade for organizations trying to stay compliant. Back in
The recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Mayfield v. U.S. Department of Labor has brought to light the critical importance of proper employee classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This decision has served as a stark reminder for HR professionals to remain vigilant in their compliance efforts to avoid costly legal repercussions. In an era where
As multi-cloud adoption gains momentum in the public sector, federal agencies are increasingly looking to innovative frameworks to ensure financial oversight and maximize the value of their cloud investments. One such framework that is gaining traction is FinOps, a financial management practice tailored specifically for cloud computing. Most public sector CIOs and IT decision-makers expect their use of cloud applications
The recent developments regarding the overtime rule affecting executive, administrative, and professional (EAP) exempt employees in the United States have sparked significant discussion. A federal district court has overturned the rule that was set to increase the minimum salary level required for overtime exemption and this decision has far-reaching implications for both employers and employees, creating a complex landscape of
In a significant move to uphold employees’ rights, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) recovered over $310,000 for underpaid ‘cheap eats’ employees in Adelaide following extensive inspections across various suburbs. These inspections, which took place in areas like Bowden, Croydon, Allenby Gardens, Woodville, Grange, and Flinders Park, focused on fast food outlets, restaurants, and cafes after intelligence indicated widespread underpayment issues.
In a recent development, Liberty Hill Equity Partners LLC, operating under the name Precision Vehicle Holdings in Indiana and Michigan, was mandated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to pay over $56,000 in back wages and damages. The company had miscalculated overtime pay for 234 employees by failing to include nondiscretionary bonuses in their regular pay rates. This miscalculation
In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued an opinion letter on November 8, 2024, that clarifies just how employers should handle expense reimbursements when calculating an employee’s regular rate of pay for overtime purposes. This opinion comes as a response to an inquiry from an oil and gas industry employer who sought guidance on the reimbursement
In a significant development highlighting the ongoing issue of child labor law violations within challenging industries, Smithfield Foods has decided to settle with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) for a sum of $2 million. The agreement, reached after the DLI’s two-year audit uncovered employment of underage workers in hazardous conditions, has sparked conversations about industry standards and
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations are increasingly turning to independent contractors as a strategic alternative to traditional full-time employees. This shift is driven by the need for flexibility, cost-efficiency, and access to specialized skills. However, leveraging independent contractors also presents unique challenges that businesses must navigate to maximize the benefits while mitigating potential risks. The Rise of the
For the first time since Autumn 2020, public sector pay awards have surpassed private sector raises, according to the recent CIPD Labour Market Outlook. Over the last three months, the median pay awards in the public sector have climbed from 2.5% to 4%, with expectations of further increases to 5% in the upcoming quarter. Meanwhile, the forecast for private sector
The holiday season is a critical period for many businesses, especially in sectors like retail, shipping, logistics, and warehousing. The surge in demand for products and services necessitates a corresponding increase in staffing levels. However, the process of hiring seasonal employees can be fraught with challenges, particularly in a tight labor market. This article explores effective strategies businesses can employ
