Dear %_FirstName% %_LastName%:

In the upcoming weeks, BLR will be conducting a series of brief, targeted surveys on employee benefits. Employers will be able to use the findings to see how their benefits stack up against those of other employers, which will help them determine whether their benefits are effective retention and recruitment tools. The findings of the surveys will be presented free to all employers that complete and submit the surveys. The first survey will cover 401(k) benefits and should take only a few minutes to complete online.

• Complete the 401(k) Benefits Survey

Upcoming survey topics include:

• Health Care
• Benefits for Part-Time Employees
• Relocation and Business Travel
• Incentive Plans/Bonuses
• Disability Plans
• Voluntary Benefits
• Non-Traditional Benefits
• Paid Time Off

Last Week's Poll Results: See how other employers are handling end-of-the-year bonuses.

This Week's Poll: Are you currently looking for a new job?

HR Question of the Week: In the states of CA, FL, and GA, is it legal to deduct negative vacation balances from an employee's final paycheck?

Find the answer in HR FAQs here .

Recent and Upcoming Compliance Dates:

• October 3, 2009--For plan years beginning after October 3, 2009, key changes made by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act took effect.
• October 9, 2009-- Michelle's Law took effect. The law requires group health plans to continue healthcare coverage for dependent students who would otherwise lose their coverage because of a medically necessary leave of absence from college.
• October 28, 2009--Changes to the family military leave provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act became effective.
• November 21, 2009-- Employment-related provisions of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) go into effect. Get updated EEO poster.
• November 30, 2009--HIPAA enforcement rule goes into effect.

NATIONAL UPDATES

Health Information Privacy (HIPAA)—HIPAA Enforcement Gets More Teeth



Disabilities (ADA)—GINA poster.—Information about the new EEOC poster including GINA information is available.




11/16/2009—Leave of Absence (FMLA)—Pandemic Flu and the Family and Medical Leave Act: Questions and Answers

11/13/2009—AIDS and Disease—Pandemic Flu and the Fair Labor Standards Act: Questions and Answers



Health Information Privacy (HIPAA)—Pay Attention to GINA: She’s Officially Here (11/12/2009)



Alcohol and Drugs—Worker Sues After Termination for Legal Marijuana Use (11/16/2009)

Employment Contracts—Salesman Claims He Agreed to Pay Revision ‘Under Duress’ (11/16/2009)

AIDS and Disease—Pandemic Flu, FLSA, and FMLA Guidance (11/13/2009)

Health Information Privacy (HIPAA)—HIPAA Enforcement Gets More Teeth (11/13/2009)

Sexual Harassment—Cheesecake Factory Settles Suit Alleging Same-Sex Harassment (11/12/2009)

Maternity and Pregnancy—Employer Pays High Price for Acting on Stereotype (11/11/2009)

Bonus Payments—Did Salespeople Actually Receive Commission? (11/10/2009)



AIDS and Disease—Your Restroom Sign's Too Polite

Ethics—Maybe a Little Too Hockey-Crazed?

Sick Leave—Giant 'Germs' Rally to Support Paid Sick Days






Sexual Harassment—Cheesecake Factory Settles Suit Alleging Same-Sex Harassment (11/12/2009)




Maternity and Pregnancy—Employer Pays High Price for Acting on Stereotype (11/11/2009)




Civil Rights—Did Sex Bias Case Merit $2 Million in Damages? (11/10/2009)




Bonus Payments—Did Salespeople Actually Receive Commission? (11/10/2009)






Employment Contracts—Salesman Claims He Agreed to Pay Revision ‘Under Duress’ (11/16/2009)





Sex Discrimination—Salt Lake City. Effective April 1, 2010, a Salt Lake City ordinance prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.




Alcohol and Drugs—Worker Sues After Termination for Legal Marijuana Use (11/16/2009)