Weekly HR news wrap: IKEA makes amends with staff; Government over-spends on temps

Family owned since 1903, Wisconsin company Badger Corrugating has transferred as much as 40% of the firm’s equity to its 170 employees. Company president Mike Sexauer, who was previously the sole owner, created the employee stock ownership plan as a way to engage employees and save on taxes.

Badger Corrugating gives staff 40% ownership
Family owned since 1903, Wisconsin company Badger Corrugating has transferred as much as 40% of the firm’s equity to its 170 employees. Company president Mike Sexauer, who was previously the sole owner, created the employee stock ownership plan as a way to engage employees and save on taxes.
 
Time to redecorate your New Jersey office with gender equity notices
Beginning January 6, companies with 50 or more employees must conspicuously post gender equity notices in their New Jersey offices, pursuant to legislation that was put into law in September last year. The notice informs employees of their rights to be free of gender bias in their employment. The notice is available from the State of New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
 
Online job openings hit all-time high in Florida
Available positions advertising online in Florida increased 7% in November to 279,789 openings. The figure marks the record high since The Conference Board began tracking data in 2005.
 
IKEA attempts to make amends with employees
In the aftermath of IKEA’s employee-spying scandal in France (the company spent $654,170 over a decade to stalk staff who took sick leave), the Swedish furniture giant has launched a new retirement contribution program. Its 136,000 workers across the globe will all receive annual contributions to their retirement plans after five years with the company. IKEA said the contribution amount would be the same across all levels of staff, but would not comment on just how large those contributions would be.
 
Government over-spending on temporary staff, report finds
An inquest into the State of Massachusetts’ use of temporary staff has recommended that state agencies slash temporary employees’ paid time off. It concluded that the state is spending significantly more than it should on temporary staffing services.