Reports on a survey of 90 human resources professionals on the topic of older workers. Covers (1) productivity and attitude, (2) educational/training opportunities, (3) absenteeism and job safety, (4) managerial and executive positions, and (5) retirement and preretirement, among other topics. (CH)

Describes Bellevue (Washington) School District's employee wellness program's successful efforts to (1) save lives by promoting healthy lifestyles, (2) boost morale by taking health services to the workplace, (3) improve on-the-job performance by providing inexpensive, convenient opportunities for exercise and weight loss, and (4) reduce staff…

Strategic benefit planning is a management process that establishes overall objectives that form the basis for decision making on all elements of indirect compensation. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 and implications to tax-sheltered annuities are discussed. An example of a statement of university policy on employee benefits is appended. (MLW)

The provision, known as Section 89 of the Internal Revenue Code, that requires employers to make sure that their health and insurance benefits do not discriminate against low-paid employees, is discussed. The process of comparing employee benefits and a lack of federal guidance has complicated matters. (MLW)

Under a new policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, spouses of the system president and chancellors can apply for the title "associate of the chancellor" and receive benefits such as business cards, library cards, travel expenses for university business, insurance coverage, etc. (MLW)

This fringe benefit plan saves money for both employers and employees, provides a better fit for employees' actual benefit needs, and allows employees to choose options from a menu of benefits. One option is a flexible spending plan. Employees place a portion of their before-tax income into a special account from which allowable expenses are paid…

With more mothers than ever in the labor force, companies are realizing they must help workers deal with multiple roles. Employer-sponsored programs include day care centers, vouchers, and referrals; flextime; job sharing; extended leave, flexible benefits, and work-at-home plans; and support groups. (CH)

Reports findings of a survey of 12 major companies and 20 researchers and administrators to determine the importance placed on corporate training. Discusses which companies or divisions are using training, what factors affect or inhibit training, and policy considerations. (CH)

Discusses the issue of job sharing as a new alternative available to workers. Topics covered include (1) a profile of job sharers, (2) response to job sharing, (3) establishing a job share, (4) job sharing in operation, and (5) legal analysis of job sharing. (CH)

Salary, salary increase, and fringe benefit statistics for elementary school principals are compared with other school system positions, geographic regions, enrollment groups, and per-pupil expenditure groups. (DCS)

This study of the rapidly growing temporary help industry draws on Commerce Department data and the results of the authors' national mail survey of employers. The authors also conducted interviews in the San Francisco area with employers of temporary help and with representatives of temporary help agencies and labor unions. (Author/CT)

Examines the necessary requirements for implementation of merit pay systems based on individual performance. These requirements include defining performance objectives for each position and paying higher salaries to better performers. (CT)

Physical education majors have become interested in career opportunities that have developed from companies offering employee fitness programs. This study assesses the extent to which corporate fitness programs are offered in Wisconsin. Qualities necessary for employment in corporate fitness programs are identified. (DF)

A study shows that reemployment success--as measured by earnings of workers in a 1-year period following a spell of unemployment--was positively related to higher weekly unemployment insurance payments and longer periods of unemployment compensation. (Editor/HD)

This document consists of two reports on Illinois higher education. The first, "The Illinois Articulation Initiative: Annual Report 2002-2003," discusses the current status of the Illinois Articulation Imitative (IAI), which was designed to ease transfer for students among Illinois colleges and universities. May 2003 marked the end of…