Human Resources, Fair Labor Standards, and Family and Medical Leave Act Trends for 2019
As 2019 continues to fly by, we wanted to look at some of the changes that 2019 has brought to organizations and their HR departments, along with the headaches that still remain. Some of the latest changes can be attributed to talent shortages, privacy regulations and the ever-growing ‘cloud.’ Regardless of the new challenges these organizations encounter, old headaches still remain, specifically around the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). While it may be hard to keep up with all the news, we’ve highlighted some of the major 2019 news stories around these topics.
- Amazon to Retrain a Third of Its U.S. Workforce
As new automation, machine learning and other technologies continue to transform the workplace, companies are struggling to recruit and retain talent. Last month, Amazon announced that they are committing $700 million over the next six years to retrain a third of its U.S. workforce. As rapid digital transformation calls for high-tech job skills, companies like Amazon, AT&T and Walmart are attempting to prepare their workforce for new roles. READ MORE
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise announces 6 months of paid parental leave, additional benefits
This past April, HPE announced that new parents will receive sixth months paid leave after birth or adoption of a child, along with additional benefits to improve work/life balance. “Innovation is our top priority at HPE, and that is made possible by the culture we build,” said HPE CEO Antonio Neri. “We will retain and attract the best talent because of who we are, how we work, and how we treat our people, which in turn will help our customers and partners thrive.” The announcement aims at helping encourage employees to build long term careers with the company. READ MORE
- Referees Settle Independent Contractor FLSA Action: No “Penalty” For Either Side
Over the past few years, a consistent issue continues to be raised under FLSA rules: Are athletic referees independent contractors? This argument was settled last month in Pennsylvania when the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) settled with a group of referees for $260,000 to close out a FLSA case. READ MORE
- The Perils of Managing a Multi-State Workforce
Whether small or large, it is important for businesses operating across state lines, to be fully aware of the laws that govern interaction with a workforce. There are many issues that an employer will face such as enacted paid sick leave legislation, employee compensation, meal breaks, minimum wage, etc., that will be different from state to state. Compliance with FLSA and FMLA is only the beginning. READ MORE
- Employee on FMLA Leave May Have to Explain Misconduct
After firing an employee on FMLA leave who did not explain her misuse of its equipment for a competitor, question arose whether the employer had violated the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the employer and dismissed the employee’s claim that the company had interfered with her rights under the FMLA. READ MORE
- 5 Tips To Align Values for a Healthier Workplace Culture
While most agree that a positive workplace culture and healthy company values are necessary for a successful business, there remains a gap between company leadership and the teams that report in. Following these tips can help bring these values back to the forefront of your day-to-day business operations. READ MORE