Pay for company sponsored events

Q: My query is in regards to payment to employee for company sponsored events. I'm interested in policies that employers follow for a non-work related "fun" event, such as a summer picnic which takes place on a regularly scheduled day. Specifically, it would be extremely beneficial to learn if companies pay (or otherwise incentivize) employees who are unable to attend these events (due to work schedules and coverage needs). Of course this would apply to hourly ee's only (we have a large % of our ee's are non-exempt), but this being the case, any employers out there who provide an incentive to exempts who must work during co events? We have a healthcare type of environment which requires support of Mgrs/Exempts and non's during these events, and would like to get some help from you and the community on how others manage this.

A: All respondents have stated our policy to be beyond what they do or have encountered, however, our organization is different than most as we are a 24/7 and have a large population of non-exempt ee's. Most respondents told me that they do not pay for employees to attend company social events. None pay a shift differential, and (1) provides gift cards to employees who work during company events. Typical response "We have 2 annual employee events and we don't do any sort of pay for those who cannot attend, or have to work. We agree that every year we would make sure the one's who didn't attend the last event could be free to attend the next one." Another response: "We do not provide additional incentives for employees to attend company wide events; usually the free food and alcohol is enough of a draw:)"

English as a Second language for Scientists

Q: We have several scientists who have requested help with adapting their English to the business environment. English is not their native language. Have any of you had success in providing that type of resource or support?

A: UCSD Extension offers a number of ESL courses. We have sent quite a few of our postdocs/scientists for various courses. It has really helped them immensely. There are most times noticeable improvements in their speech and written communication. Click to download the UCSD flyer.

Holiday Closure Survey 2010

Q: How many BEDC-member companies are planning a holiday shutdown for the week between Christmas and New Year's 2010? Here's the info from last year (2009):
Of those who are closing, the vast majority are requiring employees to use vacation or PTO for at least three days that week (Dec 29-31). A few companies will be open again on Friday, January 2nd, but most who are closed that week are closed for the entire week.
42 total responses:
22 yes | 20 no | 1 maybe
Please add your comment below!

Recommendation for Tradeshow Booths & Materials

I just wanted to post a recommendation for Jason Lethert at Skyline San Diego. They provide all sorts of services related to tradeshow marketing. I've worked with Jason and he's terrific.

Jason Lethert
Marketing Consultant
jason@skylinesandiego.com
Ext.858-552-9033 ext 318
f.858-552.8237
6455 Weathers Place, San Diego, CA 92121
www.skyline.com | www.skylinesandiego.com

Compensation Consultant - Equity Analysis

Q: We are looking to hire a consultant to educate our Board on equity options, pros/cons etc. Does anyone have a company, and contact information, that you think is worth recommending?

A: Thanks for the great feedback. Download CompensationConsultants.xls for all of the responses.