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Leave-donation programs -- which allow workers to donate paid leave to coworkers -- had been rising steadily until last year. Employers that offer them tend to employ large numbers of working mothers. One expert says more companies than ever are looking into them.

Federal investigations -- and a lawsuit -- into allegations of mistreatment of temporary guest workers from India are drawing negative attention to the H-2B visa program. HR leaders need to make sure their companies treat such workers ethically and humanely, and only use reputable recruiting agencies that do not make false promises. Even then, however, combined with high unemployment in this country, the bringing in of foreign workers can be a "toxic" mix.

The Obama administration is bringing back an ergonomics record-keeping rule issued by the Clinton administration, but rejected by former President George W. Bush. Experts, who say the proposed rule may pave the way for increased citations, advise HR leaders to proactively pay closer attention training and record-keeping issues.

The risks and opportunities of Web 2.0 for HR professionals in the hospitality industry was the subject of a keynote speech, while a large panel of senior-level HR leaders, academicians, attorneys and thought leaders batted around such issues as sexual harassment, union organizing and employee engagement.

Organizational success is an impossibility without the partnership of employees in the enterprise, said the keynote speaker during the first day of the HR in Hospitality (tm) Conference. Another session dealt with troublesome legal issues affecting the industry, while a third session explored the differences between the art and science of HR.

A proposed new position at the Department of Labor is designed to improve enforcement effectiveness, but business organizations fear that the political appointee put in charge will instead focus enforcement efforts on those companies that are the targets of union-organizing campaigns. In the past, career civil servants would have been put in charge of such work, observers say.

More money allocated toward enforcing labor laws -- including those regulating employee classification, safety and payment of unemployment insurance -- could force companies to clean up their acts. Or would it be more likely to hinder today's No. 1 economic issue: job creation? President Obama's proposed budget also addresses retirement issues and workforce-readiness training.

Too many cautious employers are creating a difficult job market, especially for college graduates. The last three recessions have been jobless recoveries, and this recession -- which economists report has officially ended -- is expected to be no different. One expert says the nation's economic health depends on small business to pick up the banner.

Employees who understand how they're paid, believe their wages are equitable and see a link between their performance and compensation are likely to be more satisfied -- and engaged -- than those who do not. But most managers avoid conversations about pay and are ineffective when they do speak with employees.

New research highlights, yet again, the fear that many employees have about seeking treatment for mental-health issues, including alcohol and drug addictions. Experts offer some suggestions for HR leaders, including one that advises against holding town meetings on the issue, which she says, are counterproductive. HR must instead "craft the culture in such a way that people have avenues through which they can take care of themselves," she says.

A new study finds organizations that appoint new CEOs from within their ranks are better off in the long term than organizations that hire from outside. But, General Motors, which recently installed an outside CEO, may be a role model for an exception to the rule, experts say.

Going rapidly from 300 employees to an organization including 1,400 workers, 25,000 volunteers, along with a full contingent of sponsors and contractors, required an HR leader for the Vancouver Olympics organizing committee to focus on embedding culture and values. The experience she believes will leave a lasting legacy for all involved.

Home-based work is growing, both for those who work at home all the time as well as those who just do it occasionally. What isn't growing or changing, however, is the set of rules and guidelines that are used to determine how those workers should be supervised, compensated and evaluated for benefits or even, OSHA-related accommodations.

Salaries have begun to thaw from 2009's deep freeze, and experts see pay climbing ever so slightly in the coming months. But with such futile gains for workers, how can HR keep its talent happy? Enhancing communication efforts is a good start, experts say.

Workers' compensation fraud can bedevil employers. While some fraud-minded employees are around, the bulk of the illegality is committed by physicians, service providers, adjusters and more, according to research. Virtually anybody who touches a claim could "cheat the system," an expert says. Here are some tips for HR.