This year saw the lowest unemployment rates since 1969, but employers have much more to reflect on during the last days of 2018. Our top stories from 2018 show that businesses wrestled with compliance as new laws emerged, especially ones that drew nationwide attention. Legislation around marijuana, in particular, has prompted employers to re-examine their policies in light of legalization at state and local levels. And discussions about independent contractors continued; a more isolated ruling on independent contractor status spoke to the larger dialogue about gig workers and how organizations can properly and legally employ them.
As the #MeToo movement played out and sparked action around gender parity, many employers moved to correct the pay gap and address sexism within the workplace. Throughout the year, however, research revealed that this problem is far from being solved.
Employee well-being advanced as an important topic, too. Leaders discussed how to bolster workers' emotional, financial and physical wellness and considered how to enhance their personal lives, from ensuring healthy boundaries between work and home to easing the burden of caretaker duties.
It's likely businesses won't leave any of this behind as they forge ahead in 2019. The new year may grant employers new legal standards to meet, social forces to respond to and new trends to consider. And maybe, just maybe, the U.S. Department of Labor will propose its new regulations on overtime. But only time will tell.
-
Overtime rule pushed to 2019; new 'regular rate of pay' calculation coming
Tip pooling also made a showing in DOL's latest regulatory agenda. But the overtime rule delay, while not entirely unexpected, could spell trouble for the Trump administration's plans. Read More »
-
Medical marijuana in the workplace: Where do things stand?
A growing number of jurisdictions now tolerate marijuana use, making it difficult for employers to enforce traditional zero-tolerance policies, writes Dustin Carlton, an attorney at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. Read More »
-
7 compliance issues every HR leader should know
New to the field? Need to brush up on some hot-button issues? We've got you covered. Read More »
-
Why HR needs a thoughtful remote work policy
Remote work is here to stay. But to avoid the pitfalls of ad hoc arrangements, HR needs a carefully drafted policy, experts say. Read More »
-
Women are paid up to 45% less than men for the same job, study says
The numbers in Hired's annual report haven't changed since last year. Read More »
-
How to avoid miscommunication mishaps now that 5 generations work together
Depending on the definitions, between four and five generations are co-workers for the first time in history — creating both communication and legal challenges. Read More »
-
New California independent contractor test assumes workers are employees
The "ABC test," adopted by the state's supreme court April 30, permits workers to be classified as contractors only if all prongs of the test are satisfied. Read More »
-
How leadership behaviors impact employee well-being
In a working world of stress and burnout, leaders should focus on providing three specific resources to reduce exhaustion, Cassie Batz of SAP SuccessFactors writes. Read More »
-
IRS approves employer's 401(k) incentive for student loan payments
The decision could pave the way for employers to better meet the needs of employees saddled with student debt and with little or nothing saved for retirement. Read More »
-
Marijuana is now legal in California, but employers can still enforce anti-drug policies
Zero-tolerance rules can remain despite recreational marijuana being legal — but employers must keep an eye on this issue nationwide. Read More »
