The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development this week fined Uber and its subsidiary Raiser $649 million, after an audit revealed millions of dollars in unpaid employment taxes from 2014 to 2018. Uber is challenging the audit's findings, stating that drivers are independent contractors.

A survey by HR.com and Sense of companies employing contingent workers found that 45% of these organizations have poor communication with these individuals. Companies can address this problem by implementing a formal communication plan designed for managers and contingent workers.

A casino in Wisconsin has created a program aimed at helping employees who have transportation issues. The program, which begins Monday, will provide workers with free or discounted Lyft rides for specific times of the day or in certain weather conditions.

Panera Bread founder Ron Shaich says he's always trying to discern the next trend in food and how to capitalize on it. "It may turn out to be disruptive, but my goal is simply to deliver something that matters to the customer," he says.

FedEx will be chartering Bei Bei, the National Zoo's panda, to his new home in China later this month on a Boeing 777-Freighter from Dulles International Airport. The carrier has been working for the past eight weeks to make the trip as comfortable as possible for Bei Bei, who will have complimentary snacks, a window seat and his preferred temperature of 65 degrees during the flight. Capt. John Hunt will pilot the flight along with three crew members, as well as veterinarian, a zoo attendant and loadmaster. The plane, which has been called the Panda Express, will receive a special detail to commemorate the trip.