Employers know that their employees need a break once in a while. That's why companies offer paid time off (PTO) in the form of vacation days, holidays, personal leave, and sick leave. Some employers' plans offer a specific amount of days for each form of PTO, while others, particularly in the healthcare and financial industries, provide one set amount of paid days off that can be used for various reasons at the employee's discretion. The definition of paid time off is any time not worked by an employee for which the regular rate, a fixed or a prorated amount of pay, is accrued and paid to th... view article details

A pay philosophy is a company's commitment to how it values employees. A consistent pay philosophy gives the company and the employee a frame of reference when discussing salary in a negotiation.The goal of a pay philosophy is to attract, retain, and motivate employees. For companies in the private sector, this usually requires a competitive pay philosophy. For companies in the public sector, this means a well-rounded philosophy, with a focus on benefits and work life.Companies attract, motivate, and retain through total compensationThe purpose of a good compensation philosophy is to attract, ... view article details

Pleading ignorance isn't going to save your job if you show up for work inappropriately dressed. It's not a secret code. It's a dress code.Whether informally followed or clearly outlined line by line in an employee manual, trust us. It exists. Keep in mind, however, the corporate culture of your particular business. What might crisply soar through a law office might look a bit stiff in a more eclectically creative environment. Follow these tips to be sure you're a dressed for success, not disaster.Do sparkle The difference between 'sparkle' and 'flash' equates to the considerable mile... view article details

With sites like Salary.com employees have access to the equivalent of a Kelley Blue Book for jobs. The availability of online compensation information has leveled the playing field between employer and employee when it comes to negotiation and job offers. Employers who are confident in their pay practices should welcome these new data sources, as they provide external validation that their compensation is competitive with the market.Before there was online salary data for everyone, disappointments and disconnects like these were common.* The irrelevant request. Employee: I need 10 percent more... view article details

The rise of technology has led to growing concern over surveillance in the workplace. Monitoring employee productivity is not a new trend, but tech has given new breath to Orwellian skepticism about who is watching and listening – and to what extent. In many cases, surveillance policies are addressed in the onboarding process, but it’s important to be aware of the basic legalities and modern trends involved. Workplace Privacy: Legal Basics In the U.S., The Federal Privacy Act and Electronic Communication Privacy Act each address privacy rights at large, but there are no federal laws which expl... view article details

Job seekers now have the upper hand when looking for a new job. The economy is good, the stock market is healthy, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there are currently 6.7 million jobs to fill in the U.S. compared to only 6.35 million unemployed people. This is the first time ever recorded in which the U.S. has more available jobs than it has people looking to fill them. In this employment landscape, it’s unsurprising certain industries are having a hard time attracting workers. Jobs that are physically strenuous, or have a reputation of being mentally exhausting, are not attract... view article details

Job description Physicians serve an essential role in our society. They diagnose and treat sick and injured people through examinations and tests. They also advise their patients on such matters as preventative care and personal hygiene. Doctors can be general practitioners or choose a specialty, such as internal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, oncology, obstetrics, gynecology, or sports medicine. Primary care physicians tend to see the same patients on a regular basis for preventive care and to treat a variety of ailments. General and family practitioners emphasize comprehens... view article details

Job description Psychologists and counselors study the human mind and behavior. Generally, they also make a living trying to help people understand and overcome their troublesome emotions and behaviors. Psychologists apply their knowledge in many different areas, including health, management, education, law, and sports. Psychologists and counselors must have strong communication skills and be able to quickly assess emotionally charged situations. They must be able to learn new methods and skills on an ongoing basis. They also need to be interested in people and the functioning of the human mi... view article details

Folks, you might be wondering what your fellow job-seekers and compensation enthusiasts have searched the most on our Salary Wizard. Here is the top ten - with salary range and average as well as job descriptions. 1. Physical Therapist Salary range: $77,510-$91,296 Average: $84,141 What you’ll do: Evaluate and treat patients suffering from a physical disability due to injury, disease, or surgery. This person establishes treatment plans and treats patients using a variety of methods, including exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients' pain and help th... view article details

An Inside Look at Why the Rich Get Richer & the Poor Stay Put Why the Rich Get Richer & the Poor Struggle Numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau earlier this month confirm what many have known for a long time: The gap between the rich and the poor in this country is growing ever wider. And while we examined the numbers behind the income gap last week, we heard your requests for an actual explanation of why it exists loud and clear. So while the numbers don't tell us why income inequality continues to climb, the experts will. Technology -- The Double-Edged Sword Just as technology has ... view article details