Unions go right along with politics and religion on the list of topics not to discuss at a dinner party. While opinions regarding the usefulness and relevance of unions range from impassioned supporter to unwavering opposition, the fact remains that unions exist and their extinction is unlikely.
There has been much litigation in recent years regarding the application and implementation of wage and hour regulation, particularly concerning overtime wages. This heightened awareness of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its requirements can actually help employers recognize potential problems with their wage practices and assist them in taking the necessary steps to prevent future litigation. These steps may even result in lower costs to employers while paying legitimate overtime.
Since 2001, Effective Resources, Inc. has been providing salary, wage and benefit data for the State of Florida and its major metropolitan regions via SalarySurveyOnline.com. This survey is developed by professionals for professionals. The survey is an invaluable source of information for employers of all sizes, business owners, human resource professionals and educational institutions with graduating seniors.
With the exception of the economic turmoil over the last couple of years, benefits usually are a standard or expected part of a total compensation package. Certainly, not all small employers could afford to do so, but if an organization is looking to attract and retain top talent, insurance benefits in the form of healthcare, dental and vision are usually the norm.
Undoubtedly, the recession of 2008 and 2009 has proven to be a wake-up call for business globally. Relatively few enterprises have been left untouched, and those who have survived may have experienced layoffs, furloughs, wage freezes and other drastic cost-cutting measures merely to weather the storm and come out on the other side somewhat intact. For no one has it been business as usual.
Although we may have hit the bottom of the economic slump, HR leaders are still faced with overcoming one of their greatest challenges –- the continual rise of healthcare costs. Now more than ever, companies are faced with making hard choices on how to trim costs yet keep employees motivated.