More HR leaders are devising workforce-planning initiatives, but too many plans focus on short-term priorities instead of strategic scenario planning. HR executives also need to couch such plans in the language of business, focusing on risk, opportunity and capacity versus demand, for example, experts say.

Global mobility professionals cite cost as their major concern with international relocation assignments, but they also are seeing an increased reluctance by employees to take such assignments and an increased tendency by such employees to negotiate relo packages. And, as always, determining ROI remains an issue.

The Obama administration's proposed 2013 budget continues to stress stepped-up enforcement of worker-protection laws at various federal agencies. It provides for more hiring at the DOL, continues to focus on possible employee misclassification issues and seeks to encourage state paid-leave initiatives.

Work-related homicides and injuries due to workplace assaults are down dramatically from their levels in the mid-1990s, according to a new report, but experts caution HR leaders shouldn't relax when it comes to preventing violence in the workplace.

There are a multitude of ways employers can be sued for their fiduciary responsibilities related to employee retirement plans. Here are some ways they can protect themselves.

Crafting an anti-nepotism policy needs to take into account the potential for unintended discrimination or disparate impact created by such a rule. It also should address issues associated with cohabitating or romantically involved co-workers.

An initiative taking place in the UK is designed to ensure individuals from lower social-economic backgrounds are not excluded from opportunities. It's something HR leaders in the United States should think about as well.

A new report finds the No. 1 stressor for workers is money, but experts say HR is well-positioned to both allay workers' worries and bring down healthcare costs for the organization.

There are quite a few laws and regulations that bar discrimination and require accommodations to pregnant and caregiving employees, and that maze of rules makes it difficult for employers to comply at times. An EEOC hearing on the issue may signal more rules to come.

The long-term outlook for employment looks better than the current situation, according to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, much of the projected growth is for jobs that only require a high-school diploma -- jobs that usually garner lower wages and fewer benefits.

HR leaders based in Asia-Pacific countries don't place as high an importance on leadership skills as do their counterparts in North America and Europe -- mostly because that is a competency in short supply in those fast-growing economies. Experts offer some ways to seek out talent with the necessary skills.

This note is in response to Diversity of Autism Offers HR Challenges.

Employees who are "heavy social networkers" tend to be more likely to witness unethical behavior -- and more likely to accept such behavior, according to a recent study. Compounding the problem is the overwhelming lack of social-media training being provided by employers as well as the lack of social-media policies at many companies.

Many employers are making tough decisions about benefits and compensation -- and keeping salaries flat, healthcare premiums up and bonuses small or nonexistent. The result, not surprisingly, is a dissatisfied workforce. Excess frugality by employers, however, could backfire in the long run.

As sporadic caregiving tasks transition into heavy responsibilities, employees could use some help from their employers. Here are three lessons for HR leaders to help their workers balance caring for loved ones with their productivity at work.

A smaller budget isn't expected to impede progress at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as officials seek to continue reducing backlog and implementing efficiencies. The agency also has issued a draft strategic plan that revises federal-sector case-management and enhances social-media use for "enforcement and education and outreach activities."

Human Resource Executive&reg is conducting a poll on employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. Please take a minute to respond to this brief poll. We will post the results in early March.

Recent research finds overall CEO turnover rates declining -- except in the retail industry, where CEOs face some unique challenges. But regardless of the industry, experts say, it's crucial for HR leaders to be instrumental in smoothing the transition during CEO transitions, and ensure their organizations are primed for success.

Check out The Leader Board blog for some information and reaction to Oracle's announced acquisition of Taleo Corp. for about $1.9 billion, which, according to some comments on the LinkedIn HR Technology Conference group, has been rumored for a while. The insights from the members of that group are always worth reading.

Expatriates and business travelers face significant risks around the world this year due to increased social activism, potential natural disasters, and continued risks from crime and terrorism. HR leaders need to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in creating -- and communicating -- detail-rich crisis-management policies and procedures.