Benefits February 24, 2011

Going to Work Sick not Impressive

February 24, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - A new Accountemps survey reveals 76% of employees admitted to at least somewhat frequently coming to work when feeling under the weather.
Reported by

Forty-two percent of workers said they “very frequently” go into work when they are feeling sick.  

The survey found these sick workers’ efforts are not very appreciated. According to a press release, one-third (34%) of workers interviewed said when a colleague comes in sick, they worry about being exposed to his or her illness; only 8% reported they are impressed by their coworker’s dedication.   

Never miss a story — sign up for PLANSPONSOR newsletters to keep up on the latest retirement plan benefits news.

In addition, half of employees said their managers encourage them to remain at home when they are unwell. Only 11% indicated their bosses discourage them from taking time off.  

“Some professionals come into work sick thinking it shows dedication and will impress their managers, but that’s not necessarily the case,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, in the announcement. “Most people are well-intentioned — they show up even when they aren’t feeling well because they don’t want to fall behind in their work or burden colleagues who cover for them. However, they risk spreading their illness to others and affecting the entire team.”
Benefits February 24, 2011

NY Town Settles Suit over Restricting Older Worker Pensions

February 24, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – The Village of Amityville, New York, and the Amityville Fire Department will pay $209,280 to settle a class age-discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced.
Reported by

The EEOC’s suit alleged that Amityville refused to let volunteer firefighters over age 65 accrue credit toward a “length of service award,” the equivalent of a retirement pension, because of their age. As a result, senior firefighters lost pension amounts after they turned 65, in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

The agreement filed in resolution of the suit permanently eliminates an age restriction on service credit, mandates training for individuals responsible for the program and institutes an anti-discrimination policy, according to the announcement.

For more stories like this, sign up for the PLANSPONSOR NEWSDash daily newsletter.

Further, retroactive payments will be made to 23 volunteer firefighters who had been barred from receiving credit for their service because of their age. The settlement also provides for increased monthly pension amounts for 15 of those firefighters still living.

«