Web site helps employers with hiring vets
The U.S. Department of Labor rolled out a new online resource to help employers in their employment of veterans with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, two common battlefield-related conditions.
The new America's Heroes at Work Web site offers information about TBI and PTSD, as well as tools and guidance on how to implement workplace accommodations and other services that benefit affected individuals.
"One of the best ways we can help these courageous men and women and honor their sacrifice is to help them return to full, productive lives through work. Employment can also play a role in their recovery," says Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
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LTC costs continue to swell
New research should make it a little easier for HR professionals and benefit advisers to make the case for long-term care coverage, as Prudential reports that the average cost of care -- depending on type --grew between 5% and 13% over the last two years.
The average daily cost for an assisted-living facility topped $100, reaching $3,241 monthly. The average daily cost of a private room in a nursing home now stands at $17, or $79,205 annually. Home health care climbed just 5% over the past two years, increasing the average hourly rate for an aide from $20 to $21.
Alaska, New York City and Stamford, Conn., are the most expensive areas when it comes to LTC, according to Prudential's research. Oklahoma City, St. Louis and South Dakota are the cheapest areas. Visit Prudential online for more of its LTC pricing data.
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Expert discusses trends in paternity leave polices
Associate Web Editor McLean Robbins recently conducted a Q&A session with Tarun Mehta, an attorney at Bryan Cave LLP, about new developments regarding paternity leave.
Q: What advice do you have for employers regarding paternity leave policies?
A: What I do advise employers to do is have a written record of problems with employees. Document it. Also, make sure that the employees acknowledge any deficiency. You also need to enforce policies uniformly.
I counsel my clients that, when they put out their employee handbook, it should have an FMLA section in it. Also have a separate section for paternity leave. Also, incorporate it into your training. Keep it in employer law, anti-harassment training programs.
To read more of the Q&A session, click here.
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Government can do more on health care, reveals HR survey
Many corporate human resource managers would like to see the federal government play a bigger role in regulating health care costs and coverage, according to a survey by Workscape, an outsourced benefits and talent management firm.
The Massachusetts-based outfit polled 1,242 HR professionals on trends and measures that they use to address health care benefits and activities.
The results show that many believe neither political party offers a clear-cut resolution.
Respondents were evenly divided on whether the viewpoints of either presidential candidate, John McCain or Barack Obama, could positively affect the current state of rising health care costs and coverage gaps in the United States.
"Even though our survey respondents showed skepticism about the two political parties, the upcoming political conventions present a significant forum for each candidate to clarify his position on health care costs and coverage," says Workscape's president and chief executive officer, Tim Clifford. "As our survey results validate, health care costs remain front-and-center in the minds of both HR professionals and the employees they serve," he adds.
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