Equal Pay Act - Find Out How This Law Protects You

Equal Pay Act - Find Out How This Law Protects YouEqual Pay Act - Find Out How This Law Protects YouThe Equal Pay Act (EPA) became law in 1963 as an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It mandates employers pay workers substantially equal pay for performing the same job regardless of their gender. The EPA does not only cover salary. It also includes overtime pay, bonuses, and benefits like stock options, profit sharing, life insurance, health insurance, and vacation and holiday pay. An employer is not allowed to provide different hotel accommodations or reimbursement for travel expenses for their male and female employees. Additional U.S. laws that protect workers from employment discrimination, including compensation discrimination, are Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans With Disabilities Act. Some states may have laws that prohibit pay discrimination. What Is Substantially Equal Work? To better understand the Equal Pay Act, it is helpful to know the definition of substantially equal work. Substantially equal does not mean that two jobs are identical. They must involve a significant number of the same tasks and require comparable skill level in terms of ability, education, experience, and training. When Is Unequal Pay Okay? When the following factors exist, work cannot be considered substantially equal. Therefore the mandate that employers must give equal pay to two workers regardless of gender does not apply in these cases. There can be a pay differential for higher educational attainment even if two workers perform similar job duties. For example, if one worker has a graduate degree, for example, and the other has a bachelors degree, the one with the higher level of education could earn a higher salary.An employer could also give a higher salary to a worker based on their job location. The work would not be considered substantially equal unless the same manager oversees their w ork or they can easily transfer between sites. Employees working in two different cities could receive different salaries. Jobs without similar levels of accountability and responsibility do not have to pay the same. For example, a worker who supervises other employees can get a higher salary than one who does not, even if both individuals have the same job title.If one worker must travel between job sites while another can work in the home office every day, their jobs differ substantially. The one who must go to different locations can earn more.Employers can have a seniority system in place that rewards workers for longevity with the organization. Merit systems reward workers for exceptional job performance and are allowed.Employers can also provide an incentive to workers for the quality or quantity of their output without violating the Equal Pay Act.Employees who work during less desirable shifts may also have higher earnings. What to Do If Your anfhrer Violates the Equal Pay Act While it seems only fair that people performing similar work for the same organization should have the same earnings, many employers try to do the complete opposite. If you feel your boss has violated the Equal Pay Act, you can either bring a lawsuit against the company in court or file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the government agency that oversees the Equal Pay Act. Whether filing a charge with the EEOC or taking the company to court, you must do so within two years of the time the compensation discrimination took place. In 2018, the EEOC received 1,066 complaints about employers violating the EPA. Of these, there were 257 merit resolutions. That means they had outcomes that were favorable to the charging parties. The EEOC may have found there wasnt reasonable cause to pursue the other claims, but that does not mean the charging parties did take their charges to court where they may have won favorable judgments. Source Equal Employment O pportunities Commission.

How Employers Use Structured Job Interviews

How Employers Use Structured Job InterviewsHow Employers Use Structured Job InterviewsA structured job interview is a standardized way of comparing job candidates. The employer creates interview questions focused on the skills and abilities the company is seeking. Each interviewee is asked the exact same questions, in the exact same order. The employer also creates a standardized scale for evaluating candidates. Every interviewee is ranked on the same scale. Benefits for Employers Employers use this interview format when they want to assess candidates impartially. Because questions are pre-determined, and there is a ranking system, there is little chance for unfair or subjective assessment. This helps interviewers avoid any legal issues related to unfair hiring practices. A structured job interview also allows the employer to focus on the specific skills and abilities required for the position. With questions focused on specific skills, this interview style is often considered a more effective way of testing a candidates potential wertmiger zuwachs on the job. This interview format also allows employers to assess hard-to-meakoranvers skills, like interpersonal skills and oral communication. Benefits for Candidates Candidates can also feel confident that they are being judged on their skills, rather than any subjective factors. Because the questions are the same for every candidate and asked in the same order, every candidate knows he or she has an equal opportunity to provide the same information. Types of Questions Asked Questions vary, of course, depending on the job, and all questions relate to the positions requirements. Typically, however, structured job interview questions are open-ended. Often they are behavioral interview questions, which ask about how a candidate has handled a work-related situation in the past. These interviews can also include situational interview questions where the candidate is asked how he or she would handle a hypoth etical work situation. Examples of Questions While questions vary based on the skills required for the specific job, here are some common questions for a structured job interview Tell me about yourself.What makes you an ideal candidate for this job?Why are you interested in this job?What are your strengths? Weaknesses?Would you be willing to travel for extended periods of time for this job?Tell me about an incident during the past year in which you were particularly proud of your performance and share it with us.Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work. How did you handle the situation? What welches the result?Describe a situation in which you had to deal with a conflict among team members. What actions did you take? What was the result? An angry client comes to your desk and complains that she has not received the reimbursement she was told was in the mail. How will you help her?You have an important project with an upcoming deadline, but then you are given a second project to be completed immediately. How would you handle this situation? How Interviewers Rate Candidates The way an interviewer rates candidates in a structured interview can vary. However, there is always a common rating scale for all candidates. Typically, the interviewer rates the candidates skill level in a few key competencies. These competencies might include key hard or soft skills necessary for the job. How to Prepare Make sure you know how your skills and qualifications fit the particular job. Also, look back at the job listing, and underline the job requirements. Then, make a list of your skills and abilities that match those requirements. Make sure you are prepared to explain how you have demonstrated those skills and abilities in the workplace. Also, review some common interview questions, as well as common interview questions for the particular job.

COBRA Regulations for Human Resources and Employee

COBRA Regulations for Human Resources and EmployeeCOBRA Regulations for Human Resources and EmployeeCongress passed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) in 1986. It adds amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to provide continuation of group health coverage. COBRA set forth regulations that give employees who lose their health benefits because of unemployment, the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan. These extended health care benefits are also extended to the families of those who lost their jobs. These health care benefits may be extended for limited periods of time under certain circumstances, according to the COBRA regulations. The COBRA regulations state that circumstances such asvoluntary or involuntary or job loss reduction in the number of hours an employee works, transition and life events such as death, divorce, and unemplo yment may make individuals eligible for continuing their healthcare benefits after termination. Qualified individuals may be required by the employer to pay the entire health insurance premium for health care coverage up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan. COBRA Regulations COBRA regulations state that the health insurance plan used by an employer, with 20 or more employees in the prior year, must provide for continuing coverage through the COBRA option.? Employers must notify health plan administrators within 30 days after an employee becomes eligible. Plan participants and beneficiaries generally are sent a COBRA election notice within 14 days of the plans notification. If it has been more than two weeks since your termination and you haventheard anything, please call your HR department. An individual has 60 days to decide whether to elect COBRA continuation health coverage and 45 days after electing coverage to pay the initial premium. Deciding If You Should Use Cobra When you leave a job (whether voluntarily or involuntarily) and dont have a new job that provides health insurance, you may questions if you should you sign up for COBRA. Of course, you need some kind of health insurance, but COBRA may or may not be your best option. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you can apply for health insurance through the Federal or state health insurance exchanges within 60 days of your health care coverage ending. You also have 60 days to decide about accepting COBRA coverage. Its important to note that 2017 was a turbulent year for the Affordable Care Act. Legislative battles in Congress, fluctuating support from healthcare stakeholders, and threats of repeal have left many payers facing an uncertain future. Even though Congress has not yet succeeded in scrapping the law, the ACAs opponents will likely continue to use all of their available powers to weaken the bill throughout 2018 and beyond. Payers should expect the changes in the ACA to impact prem ium rates and add challenges to the individual health plan market, so you need to keep an eye on this. Meanwhile, you can compare the costs and benefits of each plan. If you are currently undergoing treatments, it may be in your best interest to go with COBRA so you dont have to change doctors or treatment plans. Although, if youre unhappy, now is the time to change. Regardless of which choice you make, youre pretty muchstuck with that until the next open enrollment period, or COBRA comes to an end. Of course, if you have a qualifying life event, like marrying someone with health care coverage who can add you to their plan, you can change at that time. Whatever you decide, its something youll have to deal with until you get a new job with health coverage. Make a careful comparison of the costs. You might balk at the monthly cost of COBRA versus the ACA plan, but check things like deductibles and figure out what is best for you and your family. If youve just been laid off or fired,yo u might be so panicked about your job loss that you cant take the time to think about your health insurance. Dont make that mistake. The last thing you want to happen is to end up without any health coverage at all, which can happen if you dont make up your mind within the 60 day time period. Dont panic if you get the flu or break a leg. COBRA is retroactive back to the last day of company coverage, as long as you sign up and pay your premiums within the allowed 60 day period.

Study says this is the best color to wear for job interview and date

Study says this is the best color to wear for job interview and dateStudy says this is the best color to wear for job interview and dateColors mean different things and can have a deep impact on not only our moods but the people we come into contact with when we are wearing them. But can a color be as powerful as a great resume? Apparently yes.According to new research, black is the way to go for a job interview. The study surveyed1,500 British people and 43% chose black as the optimal color for an interview. And for men, it is also the chosen color for a first date. For women, red is the color for the first date because it is associated with love. Wink, wink. But if you want to just have fun during a night out, wear silver (12% said this was the way to go.)If you werent aware that colors can have such a profound impact, you arent alone. Over 75% of those surveyed were not aware of the psychological effects of colors. After all,wearing green can say something very different than wear ing yellow in a meeting.Psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman, who was involved with the research in the study, told The Mirror, An awareness of the cultural and psychological factors at play when it comes to color helps us get to know ourselves better and also gives us a way to communicate.Through the clothing and accessories we choose, we can use color to communicate, without words, a range of messages and emotions. For example, if someone dresses in very bright colors, at least on some level they are saying they want to be seen, he added.But if you are just looking to run more miles at the gym or go up a weight set, wear blue. Apparently, it is a very motivational color.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Q4 2017 Hiring Market for Accounting and Finance Positions

Q4 2017 Hiring Market for Accounting and Finance PositionsQ4 2017 Hiring Market for Accounting and Finance PositionsQ4 2017 HIRING MARKETAccounting and Finance Unemployment rates for many creative and marketing jobs are well below the national rate, making it challenging for companies to hire these professionals.UNEMPLOYMENT RATES FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCING JOBSFinance analysts 0.8%Finance managers 1.0%Accountants and auditors 1.8%Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks 2.0%Payroll clerks 2.7%National unemployment rate 4.1%MANAGERS HAVE A HARD TIME WITH HIRING49% of small and midsize geschftlicher umgang owners said most hiring managers underestimate the complexity of the hiring process.READY TO HIRE? CALL AT 1.877.635.0037.Sources U.S. Department of Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics survey of more than 1,000 business owners and human resources managers in the United States at companies with 1 to 499 employees

Top Qualities to Put on a Resume Tips!

Top Qualities to Put on a Resume Tips If possible, youre officially a flexible employee You might also bold the names of your prior employers. Odds are youve worked as part of a team on several occasions. Men and women get funky when looking for a new position. Each word on your resume can be a trigger for a question via an interviewer, and youll often be requested to provide examples of the skills which you have referenced. As an example, skills like speaking a foreign language demonstrate you are ready to try new things without being afraid. People away from the Greek systemeven people outside your precise organizationlikely dont have any idea. Make an attempt to figure out the suitable expressions and spellings. A comprehension of the processes and tools is important, but be certain that you also understand when to delegate the job. As a way to convince the hiring manager that you truly have the leadership skills, youve got to mention all the accomplishments which youve done in your prior jobs or organizations. No matter what type of position youre applying, including leadership skills in your resume will cause you to stick out among others. There are a few skills that will be totally necessary for any successful candidate. Communication, obviously, goes both ways. Communication skills are required for each and every job. Social networking is playing a crucial part in employment recruitment and LinkedIn particularly has proven itself to be an integral recruitment tool. For leaders, communication has become the most fundamental skill he or she is able to possess in regards to leading an individual, or a team. Possessing the capacity to communicate in person is critical, but having the capacity to communicate via technology is a developing hot commodity in the current workplace. No matter the work is, adopting a coaching mindset is an integral portion of being a great leader. Our wisdom and experience in service space provides you an unforg ettable internet business profile and cutting expert chance to landing your dream job Think long term about what is helpful for your department and the business. You may have helped your company gather vital info in your part-time job, while its on the lookout for potential new customers or researching an upcoming article. You have to make it crystal clear that youre conversant with your industry Hard skills have a tendency to be more technical, and each business or sort of job will often have its personal necessary set. The Chronicles of Qualities to Put on a Resume Great communication is very important to make sure that information is conveyed to others. With background checks and societal media, it is extremely simple to learn details about an individual. Read through it a couple of occasions and youll probably spot three or four crucial skills mentioned repeatedly throughout the document. For instance, if youve got a strong history with word processing and a work descri ption demands experience with a particular processor which you havent used, you may use your experience to demonstrate the employer that youve got zero issue working with new word processors. So, having the ability to drive is most likely the top rated hard skill you should have to do the job. To begin with, if youre seeing a great deal of hard skills that you just dont have, it can be far better move on to the next position. Since leadership skill is a type of soft skill that cannot be measured and this is the reason the majority of individuals dont consist of such skill since they think this may not be beneficial for them and theyre erroneous. If you wish to showcase your organization skills, obtaining a tightly structured resume certainly helps. Look through the work description and see whether any soft skills are mentioned. Hard skills arent skills that are tough to learn. Soft skills are a little more vague and open to interpretation. Soft skill like leadership skill is among the keywords that may be scanned by tracking system. What Everybody Dislikes About Qualities to Put on a Resume and Why fruchtwein standard resume formats incorporate a skill section at or close to the bottom of the resume. In a resume the choice of a layout is vital. Just remember to double-check whether adding social media to your particular resume is proper for the job A fast search on the web will display lots of cover letters for resumes examples.

18 Business Books to Read During Your Lunch Break

18 Business Books to Read During Your Lunch Break Bill Gates reads 50 books a year on average. The typical American reads four. See a connection?The fact is, reading is a fundamental part of your growth as a professional. Not only does it educate you, but it also keeps you mentally sharp and can even be a nice way to reduce stress after a long day.Unfortunately, many of us are too pressed for time to pick up a book or so we think.Your busy schedule may not let up anytimesoon, but its important to carve out space in your life for what matters. Forthose of us who work the 9-5 grind, that often means taking advantage of the gaps in our days. One of those gaps justso happens to be your lunch break.A typical lunch break lasts around an hour, making it an excellent opportunity to fit in some reading. The question is, what should you be reading?If professional success is your goal, you may want to opt for educational material related to self-improvement, bus iness and entrepreneurship, or your industry. These types of books can help you refine what you already know and learn new things about subjects you thought you had mastered.Need a more specific recommendation?Check outFunderaslist ofthe best business books you should read on your lunch break