Steelworkers Set to Join with European Cohorts
American unions are going global, reaching across the Atlantic in a bid to gain more clout.(Forecast, July 29, 2008)
Health Care Premiums to Rise 8% Next Year
But that's where the "good news" ends. Escalating medical costs will push rate hikes into double-digit territory after that.(Forecast, July 11, 2008)
More Job Losses Spell Weaker Consumer Spending
In the face of rising costs, companies look to continue to eliminate jobs.(Forecast, July 3, 2008)
Court to Rule on Tough Arizona Immigration Law
A federal appeals court will soon decide the legality of a state law that could put Arizona firms out of business for hiring illegal immigrants.(Forecast, July 2, 2008)
The Impact of Gay Marriage Ruling on Benefits
The legalization of gay marriage makes it prudent for companies with employees in California to review how their benefit plans deal with spouses -- especially pension plans.(Recommends, June 2008)
California Same-Sex Marriages May Affect Employers Elsewhere
Think the Golden State ruling on gay marriages won't affect your firm? Think again. (Forecast, June 19, 2008)
Forget All You Think You Know About Talent Management
Most companies fret way too much about a talent shortage and too little about figuring out how many people and what types of skills they need. (Recommends, May 2008)
Improving Company Performance Through Work-Based Learning
Learning programs are moving out of HR and into the hands of managers, who are matching skills being taught to specific company objectives.(Recommends, May 2008)
NLRB Switches Positions in Key Areas
The NLRB sided with employers and reversed precedent in four key cases that involved back pay, striker replacement and union relations.(Recommends, March 2008)
Community Colleges -- The Key to U.S. Competitiveness
Community colleges have a demonstrated ability to turn out the specialized, skilled workers that employers are starved to have, but they need more resources and cooperation.(Recommends, March 2008)
Bad Business Ethics Is Bad Business
Companies with lax ethics programs and enforcement are flirting with disaster, but that hasn't stopped ethical misconduct from soaring.(Recommends, February 2008)
Employers Face New Immigrant Hiring Rules
Four months after a federal court put a hold on an attempt to crack down on employers, the Bush administration is ready to try again.(Forecast, February 22, 2008)
Expansion of American Disability Law Now Looks Likely
Business groups say that the planned legislation goes way too far.(Forecast, January 24, 2008)
New Cachet for Health Reimbursement Accounts
Both employers and retirees like the flexibility that HRAs provide.(Forecast, December 27, 2007)
Kiplinger Recommends: Recruiting Tips
Why it's tough to find skilled workers and what employers and employees alike are doing to cope with the crunch. (Recommends, December 2007)
Fixing the Retirement Mess
There could be a way out of our pension crisis -- four ways, actually -- all developed by a disparate group of retirement experts.(Recommends, November 2007)
How Vulnerable Is Your Firm to Fraud?
Fraud takes various shapes and strikes at the inherent weaknesses of particular industries. Here's how to guard against different threats.(Recommends, October 2007)
How to Reduce Absenteeism
Cutting down on sudden unexpected absences is less about workplace discipline than about helping employees cope with off-the-job pressures.(Recommends, October 2007)
How to Change Benefits Without Harming Morale
Handled properly, an employer can turn the process of changing benefits -- a potentially devastating event -- into a morale booster.(Recommends, October 2007)
Retirement Savings Expected to Surge as New Rules Kick in
More companies will automatically enroll their workers in 401(k) plans without fear of getting sued if the investments go south.(Forecast, October 9, 2007)
Cut Health Costs Through Employee Education
Most workers are just as worried about health costs as their employers, so help them understand what it takes to really save.(Recommends, October 2007)
More HR Departments Turning to Technology
With benefits changing quickly and growing in complexity, more companies are turning to high-tech tools to help employees understand them.(Recommends, September 2007)
What's the Economic Cost of a Flu Pandemic?
In a word, recession. Losses would vary state by state and industry by industry, but even a mild pandemic would likely halt growth nationwide.(Recommends, September 2007)
When Things Go Wrong, Don't Lie
Just like the humans who run them, companies can panic when things go awry -- and cover-up and deceive. Don't.(Recommends, August 2007)
Annuities: The Next Big 401(k) Craze
Roller-coaster stock market rides and a lack of traditional pension plans are fueling demand for annuities in company 401(k) plans.(Forecast, August 24, 2007)
How to Hire the Right People
Instinct is all well and good, but making good hires consistently requires a comprehensive system -- from recruiting through final selection.(Recommends, August 2007)
When the Leave Act Can be a Drag on Employers
The Family Medical Leave Act is a modern rarity -- a popular and workable government mandate. But businesses complain of a growing problem.(Recommends, July 2007)
Service Industry Struggles Under Immigration Crackdown
Congress' failure to pass a guest worker program creates problems for employers.(Forecast, July 17, 2007)
Can the UAW Save Detroit?
A new contract agreement to be inked in September will give the Big Three a big break.(Forecast, July 16, 2007)
Hidden Costs of Requiring Paid Sick Leave
The intentions may be good, but critics say requiring businesses to offer paid sick leave could hurt employers and employees alike.(Recommends, June 2007)
Reduce Turnover, Pump Up Productivity
Making people want to work at your company is less about pay and benefits and more about leadership -- but the result can boost your bottom line.
(Recommends, June 2007)
How to Shape an Ethical Workplace
Ethical behavior by bosses and a strong feeling of balance between work and home life are two of the most important factors. (Recommends, June 2007)
Is Your Firm Ready for a Pandemic?
There won't be much warning if a pandemic flu strikes, so make plans now to keep your business up and running. Here are key steps to take.(Recommends, May 2007)
Slow Economy, Slow Job Gains
Job growth will probably rebound from April's meager gain, but not by much. Employment will track the economy's tepid growth rate.(Forecast, May 4, 2007)
10 Steps to Fix Boomers’ Retirement Prospects
A piecemeal fix won’t do as a demographic bubble prepares to leave the workforce. Here are 10 steps that would help.(Recommends, April 2007)
Job Growth Holds Firm
The March employment rise isn't quite as strong as it looks. Still, it's a welcome sign that businesses have faith in the economy. (Forecast, April 6, 2007)
Are U.S.-Born Workers Losing Out to Immigrants?
Many Americans certainly fear that foreign-born workers -- legal and illegal alike -- are snatching up jobs. But a recent study says that reality doesn't match the perception.(Recommends, March 2007)
Older Workers Might be a Better Bargain than You Think
Older workers may be the cure for companies tired of help-wanted signs hanging for months—and may come cheaper than employers fear.(Recommends, March 2007)
How Job Interviews Can Spot Poor Performers
Careful planning and a systematic approach to questions for job candidates can prevent years of headaches. Here's how.(Recommends, March 2007)
What Employers Need to Know About 401(k) Fees
Hidden fees can sap employees' 401(k) accounts, and employers can be held accountable. Avoid trouble by asking the right questions.(Recommends, March 2007)
Hang on to low-wage, entry-level workers
(Recommends, March 2007)
How to Manage Your Team When It's Not All There
You've finally attracted a skilled team by allowing many of its members to work from home rather than battle traffic or relocate. Now what?(Recommends, March 2007)
Confidential Data at Risk
(Recommends, March 2007)
Daylight Savings Coming Early: Does Your Computer Know?
Sure, you may be ready for the earlier switch to daylight saving time. But what about your customers and others? What needs to be done?(Forecast, February 23, 2007)
Many Critical Jobs Go Begging
Cuts at automakers are making headlines, but worker shortages are making headaches for employers.(Forecast, February 21, 2007)
2007 Shaping Up as Watershed Year for Labor Talks
(Forecast, February 13, 2007)
More Chief Executives Heading for the Door
Chief executive officers don't last as long as they used to. Here's why.(Forecast, February 5, 2007)
Job Growth Downshifts but Stays Strong
Despite a slower pace of hiring in January, we still expect a brisk job market this year, supporting consumer spending and the economy. (Forecast, February 2, 2007)
December Job Gains Show Business Bullish on 2007
Steady hiring will keep the labor market tight and keep the Federal Reserve from cutting interest rates anytime soon.(Forecast, January 5, 2007)
2007 Will Be Another Year of Struggle for U.S. Carmakers
The Big Three's labor pains will ease, helping their financial picture. But critical gains in market share will remain hard to come by. (Forecast, January 3, 2007)
Congress Likely to Disappoint Unions in 2007
Minimum wage? Sure. But Democratic control of the House and Senate may not lead to the other big gains labor is hoping for.(Forecast, December 19, 2006)
Last-Minute Move Makes HSAs a Better Deal
A catchall tax bill passed by Congress in the wee hours of Saturday morning will boost participation in Health Savings Accounts.(Forecast, December 11, 2006)
More Firms Cut Health Costs with Innovation
Better information on what works and what it costs will help employers keep health premiums under control.(Forecast, December 7, 2006)
Rising Public Pressure Will Slice CEO Pay Hikes
CEOs will get smaller raises next year than they're used to—but still more than most workers.(Forecast, November 28, 2006)
Testing Ground: States Take Lead on Health Care
With Congress making no headway on expanding health care coverage, states are once again picking up the baton. (Forecast, November 27, 2006)
Oct. Job Numbers Show Economy Still Has Steam
Americans aren't having any trouble finding work. That's good for spending and the economy but could pose inflation dangers.(Forecast, November 3, 2006)
Cheaper Drugs: FDA Puts Generics on a Fast Track
(Forecast, October 23, 2006)
ETF Options Prove Popular in 401(k) Plans
Deciding how to invest your 401(k) money can be complicated—but new options make it worth your while to do some homework.(Forecast, October 19, 2006)
Health Warning: Avian Flu Still a Threat
It's off the front page—but don't let that fool you: The danger from avian flu remains great.
(Forecast, October 12, 2006)
Flu Strategies: Employers Offer Shots for Kids
(Forecast, October 12, 2006)
Some 401(k)s Pose Legal Risk for Employers
A 401(k) retirement plan can work well for workers and employers—but that's not always the case.(Forecast, October 9, 2006)
Worker Benefits: What Will Firms Offer in 2007?
Preventive health care is in, tuition reimbursement is out—part of the changing mix of employee benefits.(Forecast, October 5, 2006)
Medicare Subsidy Disappoints Firms
Now it's employers that are complaining about parts of the Medicare drug program.(Forecast, September 25, 2006)
Higher Paychecks at No Added Cost
Here's an easy way to give the average worker more than $500 extra to spend this holiday season.(Forecast, September 25, 2006)
Bonuses, Awards, Not Big Raises, for Top Workers
"Variable pay" is a catchphrase being heard much more commonly in HR circles these days. Yours, too?(Forecast, September 8, 2006)
Jobs and the Law: Caregiver Suits Are on the Rise
Think caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's means an employee can't handle a stressful job? Better think again.(Forecast, September 5, 2006)
Surgery Abroad Can Reduce Health Costs
First-rate hospitals with lower prices have some employers offering cash, airfare and resort stays to workers who undergo surgery overseas.(Forecast, August 14, 2006)
Keep an Eye on Blogging Workers
Firm policies can ward off potential harm from employee bloggers, whether they write from home or the office.(Forecast, August 7, 2006)
Job Figures Cut Chances of Rate Hike
The Federal Reserve now has more reason to take a pause, but lingering wage pressures mean a rate hike can't be ruled out.(Forecast, August 4, 2006)
Will Pension Bill Really Help?
With Congress having passed the pension bill, lawmakers will tout it as a big win for workers. It is—but that's not the whole story.(Forecast, August 3, 2006)
New Tactics Could Hold Down Drug Costs
Additional generics are coming for some costly and popular medications and so are new approaches to drug pricing.(Forecast, July 18, 2006)
What to Do When Laptops Go Missing
The least of a company's worries when an employee's computer is stolen is the cost of the machine.(Forecast, June 26, 2006)
Firms to Face New Scrutiny on Discrimination
Starting in a little over a year, you'll have to tell the EEOC more about your company's top brass.(Forecast, June 13, 2006)
Employers Beware: Immigration Bill Has Nasty Surprise
Firms need to ask themselves whether a guest-worker program would be worth a big new liability headache.(Forecast, June 8, 2006)
New Strategies for Fighting Flu
Set aside fears of a possible avian flu pandemic for a moment—there's lots to do to tame the economic and human costs of the ordinary flu.(Forecast, June 1, 2006)
Are Unions Stronger After 2005 Split?
After the AFL-CIO split last year, do unions have more muscle or less?(Forecast, May 24, 2006)
Cooler Hiring Pace Signals Easing for GDP Growth
Rising labor costs give the Fed another reason to hike interest rates May 10(Forecast, May 5, 2006)
New Tack Coming on Discrimination
A plan by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to target systemic bias has some employers worrying. Should they?(Forecast, May 1, 2006)
Immigration Bill Still a Long Shot
Protests and scattered walkouts probably won’t help—and may even hurt—the push for foreign-worker legislation.(Forecast, May 1, 2006)
Engineers Wanted: Shortage Looms
As the number of Chinese and Indian engineers soars, the U.S. share of engineers is shrinking. Does that spell trouble ahead for American companies?(Forecast, April 24, 2006)
Look Beyond Health Savings Accounts to Cut Health Costs
Health savings accounts are hot, but employers need to team them with other approaches that help workers change their thinking and habits. Here's a guide.(Forecast, April 21, 2006)
Immigration: Why Time Isn't on Reform's Side
Coast-to-coast demonstrations on both sides of the issue highlight the political obstacles in getting a bill through Congress. Changes will be enacted, but probably not until next year. (Forecast, April 10, 2006)
Will the Job Market Lose Its Sizzle?
Growing consumer caution will temper the year's early sizzle. This week's Kiplinger Letter surveys the economy.(Forecast, April 7, 2006)
U.S.: Running Out of Workers?
It's getting harder and harder for employers to find the right help—or any help, in some cases. That's one reason business interests don't want to curb immigration.(Forecast, April 5, 2006)
Funding Crisis Will Force States to Cut Services
Looming pension obligations will put governors and state legislatures in a cash crunch. For some, that means tax hikes.(Forecast, March 29, 2006)
Immigration Policy: A Look at What's Ahead
Reforming the nation's immigration laws to help employers is inevitable, but it will take many more months of spirited debate before Congress acts.(Forecast, March 27, 2006)
Employers Using Incentives to Trim Health Costs
Paying employees to take better care of themselves can reduce health costs. But avoid problems by understanding tricky laws.(Forecast, March 7, 2006)
Bird Flu Plans Crucial to Economic Stability
It won't be just health at stake when an overdue flu pandemic strikes the U.S.(Forecast, March 3, 2006)
Know Who Works for You
Background checks are essential for making sure that potential employees are on the level and have the skills they claim.(Forecast, February 14, 2006)
MBAs: A New Growth Industry For China
Chinese managers are learning modern business techniques while foreigners want to be schooled in the ways of this new economic giant.(Forecast, February 13, 2006)
Many Unions Face Tough Talks This Year
Some low-wage workers in service industries may see improvements in labor contracts this year, but industrial workers and public employee unions can bank on givebacks. (Forecast, January 20, 2006)
OSHA Reform Dims After Mine Disaster
Congress is no longer in the mood to soften its approach to regulating workplace safety.(Forecast, January 13, 2006)
