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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.

Hewitt Associates recently announced a partial spin-off of its executive compensation consulting practice. The news, which comes just a month after the Towers Perrin/Watson Wyatt merger, may be further encouragement for companies to seek out independent compensation consultants, experts say.

Last year saw the second-highest number of workplace-discrimination charges ever filed with the EEOC. As if that weren't enough, a report finds that talented and experienced class-action litigation attorneys are increasingly focusing on employers.

With the economic forecast slightly improving, recent research finds that HR buyers plan to increase their budgets by 25 percent this year. Corporate social-networking tools, employee-wellness programs, performance-management systems and leadership-development initiatives are among the items on HR's wish list for 2010.

The National Labor College's new online program is expected to offer degrees in areas such as criminal justice, education and business. It may also offer opportunities for employers and unions to partner together to increase the education and skills of the workforce.

A civil trial will soon begin to determine whether a scientist, who allegedly was infected with a mystery virus, was illegally terminated by the pharmaceutical company that employed her. Regardless of the verdict, it's a warning to HR leaders that they need to be aware of the best ways to handle a worker who reports getting sick at work, regardless of whether symptoms are apparent.

A report shows a 44-percent hike in wage-and-hour lawsuits in 2009. With more employees out of work and uncertain of their futures, that number may increase, experts say. HR needs to audit company practices -- especially in light of some of the changing job responsibilities brought on by the recession -- to pre-empt a class-action lawsuit against their organizations.

In his first State of the Union address, President Barack Obama highlighted the growing economy, stumped for jobs and tried to re-energize his healthcare initiatives. It's unclear, however, whether the reform effort still has a future. Obama also addressed a retirement initiative as well.

The study of a hotel and casino chain by Cornell University found that large work units and those with a high percentage of newcomers had the most trouble dealing with turnover-induced disruption and were the worst at satisfying customers. While the study offers some helpful strategies, some experts say HR's role is limited and that front-line managers must be made accountable for retention.

A recent survey finds that nearly half of U.S. adults take work home with them, and that those with college or postgraduate degrees are more likely to find work interfering with their personal lives. HR needs to keep the issue of work/life balance at the forefront of organizational discussions, experts say.

HR professionals -- especially those in recruiting and training functions -- have lost their jobs during the recession. While the economy -- and hiring -- may be picking up, it is still a buyer's market. Companies looking to hire are taking their time and looking for exact matches.

The controversy over the nomination to the National Labor Relations Board of a former union attorney with an "extreme point of view" continues to percolate, as President Obama resubmitted his name to the Senate for reconsideration. And, as the drama plays out, the understaffed board has only two of five members -- and its ability to make decisions has been legally challenged.

A controversial new law in Oregon that would allow employees to opt out of attending certain workplace meetings is being challenged in court by pro-business groups. Will the law stand up to legal scrutiny?

A recent survey finds job dissatisfaction at a record high, with the biggest jump seen among the nation's oldest and youngest workers. And it's not strictly tied to the recession, experts say, who warn HR leaders that if they have not responded to this phenomenon yet, they had better get moving.