While folks at The Legal Intelligencer have reported an interesting non-story related to the relentless rise in fuel prices – that lawyers in an unscientific

poll are not changing commuting habits as a result of fuel costs – there are some important considerations for businesses trying to help employees during these tough times. Some employers clearly are trying to ease the pain of $4 per gallon gas with shortened workweeks, carpooling incentives and public transportation discounts. Labor and Employment attorney Rachel Steely of  Gardere Wynne Sewell in Houston advises employers to be careful they don’t cut employees’ work hours to the point that they lose insurance or other employee benefits. "Offering flextime is a great way to keep your loyal workers satisified, and during rocky economic times retaining your skilled workers is one of the best business strategies," she says. "The cost to replace and retrain someone is much higher." To interview Ms. Steely about employee flextime, contact Rhonda Reddick at 800-559-4534 or rhonda@androvett.com.