Top Story

ACA's employer mandate is targeted in GOP bills
Republicans in the House and Senate have introduced bills that seek to void the provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires employers to provide health insurance to workers. "The employer mandate is a drag on our economy, forcing too many of our nation's job creators to stop hiring," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in a statement. The Hill/Healthwatch blog (2/28)

Recruiting & Retention

Rooftop scooters may be part of Google's planned headquarters
An architectural rendering of Google's planned headquarters appears to include features such as space to pitch a tent, a rooftop that accommodates scooter riding and a place to reflect on the meaning of existence. Quartz (2/26)

Office pets may help reduce stress
More employers are letting workers bring pets to the office, as at least one study has indicated that pet-friendly policies can help reduce stress, Raygan Swan writes. Seventeen percent of workers said in a 2008 survey that their workplace allowed pets. The Indianapolis Star (tiered subscription model) (2/27)

Benefits & Compensation

3 ways to boost employee retention without giving out raises
Even if you can't offer your employees higher salaries, you can encourage them to stay by giving them the flexibility needed to excel, communicating your business' purpose and giving them some control over their work, according to Daniel Pink. In fact, for some employees, those actions provide more workplace satisfaction than money, Pink says. Business Insider (2/27)

Want healthier workers? Start a lottery
About 80% of major U.S. companies offer their employees cash incentives to encourage them to exercise and eat more healthily. However, experts say that most could be deploying those incentives more effectively. Workers respond better to the chance of winning a large amount than they do to the guaranteed payment of a smaller amount, so companies can get more bang for their buck by running lotteries open only to workers who complete health-risk assessments, a study from early last year says. Knowledge@Wharton (2/27)

Regulatory & Legal Update

NFL's workers' comp ban in Calif. is unconstitutional, lawsuit argues
A lawsuit filed by more than 60 former National Football League players seeks to overturn an arbitration decision that bars them from seeking workers' compensation in California. The players say the decision that supported the NFL's management council is unconstitutional. Bloomberg Businessweek (2/28)

The HR Leader

One job skill to rule them all
Emotional intelligence is one of the most powerful factors to determine whether a person will be successful, Amanda Ebokosia writes. To enhance it, you should focus on five areas, including motivation. Ebokosia suggests creating notes that describe what drives you so that you don't lose sight of your goals. Black Enterprise (2/19)

Workplace Chatter

Ever wanted to be a gummy bear? Now's your chance
A Japanese company is offering to make gummy-bear replicas of its customers. For $65, the firm will process customers with 3D scanning technology and use the data to produce delicious and meticulously accurate candy replicas. "I don't know a single sane person that wouldn't be excited about doing this," writes Casey Chan. DesignTAXI.com (2/26), Gizmodo (2/25)

SmartQuote

Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius." -- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Scottish-born writer Share: