Relocation benefits are under attack from budget-minded companies. Many of the classic relocation packages are going by the way side in an attempt to avoid some huge expenses generated by trying to hire employees that are underwater with their current homes. The old-school relocation packages frequently covered losses associated with the newly-hired employees selling their old homes at a loss. With the real estate situation in the U.S., nowadays, this can create a huge burden on the hiring company. A recent Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services report stated 74 percent of surveyed companies projected relocation program costs to increase in 2011, with 65 percent reporting a "high to extreme" impact of the current real estate market. As a business owner, you should make sure you understand the total cost associated with hiring candidates being served up from your recruiting staff, or outsource. Taking a $50,000 hit on the relocation for a $80k per year employee, can make the choice very difficult. If ...

The NFL is currently a defendant in over 20 lawsuits around the country claiming it negligently misled several hundred players about the dangers of head injuries and concussions. Experts anticipate the NFL to utilize and exclusive remedy defense in liability litigation brought by hundreds of former pro football players who suffer from concussion-related injuries and cognitive disorders. The “exclusive remedy defense” is built upon the original nature of the workers compensation insurance system. An employee gives up the right to sue an employer when they are injured. In return, the employee accepts a slate of employee benefits. This leaves the employee with this “exclusive remedy” of addressing work related injuries. Exclusive remedy also includes the concept that the issue of who is at fault is never raided. The employee has access to the benefits whether the employer is at fault or not. Experts state the NFL will probably attempt to claim players who suffered concussions should ...

Pension plans normally include a well funded investment strategy to help provide the financial support retired employees expect during post employment years. As companies fund these pension benefits packages, they make choices about how to invest the funds to, ideally, grow to cover the financial liabilities and responsibilities. But, with interest rates near record lows, finding the right investments to create the growth of the finaincial pool have continued to become a challenge. In addition, with an aging workforce and increased anticipated expenses, being able to properly fund a pension plan has become very difficult. According to a report from consulting firm Milliman, market value assets for the 100 largest corporate defined benefit plans increased $12.3 billion to $1.22 trillion in 2011 from $1.21 trillion in 2010. But, pension liabilities rose $248.7 billion to almost $1.7 trillion in 2011 from $1.4 trillion in 2010. Companies with pension plans that are now less than 80 percent funded must abide ...

Weight loss device manufacturers are pushing for weight-loss surgery to become a standard part of benefits packages. The manufacturers are talking about the advantages of having a more lean workforce. Weight loss can help prevent a variety of life-threatening illnesses and help save billions of dollars in health care costs for companies. The manufacturers include Allergan Inc, the makers of the LapBand silicone cuff that restricts the top part of the stomach to lower food intake. Other companies involved offer surgeries like stapling a portion of the stomach and redirecting portions of the food intake to lower portions of the intestines to limit the nutritional absorption. The manufacturers are pursuing acceptance of all kinds of bariatric (weight loss) surgery in an attempt to get the entire category approves by private and public insurers. The benefits of weight loss include Lower instances of injury. Fewer cases of diabetes. Shorter work-loss situations related to illnesses.  ...

No matter what type of company you have or how small or large it is—keeping your workers both engaged and committed is critical to your success. It’s no secret that workers keep being asked to do more for less. You should know you can ask your workers to do more, while making them feel appreciated at the same time. Employees who believe in the company they work for and are committed to their job are obviously more productive than those who are not. So what can you do to make sure your employees remain connected with your company? Encourage New Ideas – Fresh ideas should always be welcome and encouraged at your company. Workers should know if they think of a way to make a process operate more efficiently, that their ideas will be welcome. This makes people feel part of a team and lets them know management is open to new ideas. Regular brainstorming sessions should be held to encourage new ideas. Awards can also be presented for the most creative ideas that are presented to management ...