ARTICLES
Federal Min Wage History-2025 Minimum Wage Rates by State
Employee Retention – HR Toolkit
Company Culture – HR Toolkit
Disaster Recovery Checklist
HR Checklist
Open Enrollment Checklist
It is time… for time in the cloud!
Switching to a cloud-based timekeeping system will streamline your payroll process, improve accuracy, and save time by allowing employees to punch in from various devices, with real-time data accessible to managers instantly. Consider factors like your business size, future growth, and system integration to choose the best solution, and eliminate the frustration of outdated processes.
Fun at Work for Employees and Business: A Winning Strategy for Both!
Incorporating fun into the workplace can boost employee morale, teamwork, and overall productivity, helping to prevent burnout and isolation. Simple activities like award ceremonies, social events, or even team chats with jokes can energize employees, foster creativity, and strengthen their connection to the organization.
Overwhelmed with Medicare Part D Requirements?
Remember that you must send a yearly notice to Medicare-eligible employees about whether your prescription drug plan is “creditable.” To simplify compliance, you can electronically distribute this notice or mail it first class, and consider using services to handle these tasks for you.
Lions, and Tigers, and ACA…oh my!
If you receive a letter from the IRS regarding your status as an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it means you may be required to provide health insurance coverage and report it to avoid penalties. To stay compliant, ensure you maintain proper records and consider using a service like ConceptHR for assistance with ACA filings and contesting potential penalties.
Interviews: What’s Illegal to Ask?
When conducting interviews, ensure that your questions are strictly job-related and avoid asking about personal information such as race, gender, age, marital status, religion, or disability, as these are protected by anti-discrimination laws. Always focus on assessing an applicant’s qualifications for the job rather than probing into areas that are irrelevant and illegal to inquire about.
The Necessity and Advantages of Employee Confrontation
Employers need to confront employees promptly when issues arise, focusing on clear communication and expectations. Approaching the conversation with empathy and a calm demeanor will encourage improvement and positive outcomes.
Important Employment Law Changes in 2023
As 2024 begins, it’s crucial for employers to be well-versed in employment law changes to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks. This article highlights important employment law changes that occurred in 2023, equipping employers with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape.
Fact Sheet #17A: Exemption for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Computer & Outside Sales Employees Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
NEWSLETTERS
Preparing for the Fall and Winter Virus Season
As we enter the fall and winter virus season, employers should prepare by reviewing risks, establishing remote work and leave policies, and encouraging vaccinations for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Supporting employee health through education on healthy behaviors and keeping workplaces clean will help minimize the spread of respiratory viruses and maintain a productive workforce.
Early Preparation Is Crucial for 2025 OpenEnrollment
To prepare for 2025 open enrollment, start early by tailoring your benefits offerings to meet employees’ needs and communicate clearly to ensure they understand the value of their benefits. Use simple, jargon-free messaging and a mix of channels to engage employees, helping them feel confident in their enrollment choices.
Avoiding Common FLSA Overtime Mistakes
To avoid common FLSA overtime mistakes, ensure that non-exempt employees are properly classified and paid overtime for hours worked over 40 per week at one-and-a-half times their regular rate. Be cautious of misclassifying employees, using “comp time” improperly, or failing to track all compensable hours accurately, as these can result in legal and financial penalties.
USCIS Extends Form I-9 Expiration Date
The USCIS has extended the expiration date for Form I-9 to May 31, 2027. Employers should transition to the new form as soon as possible, but no later than July 31, 2026. Be sure to download the updated version from the USCIS website to ensure compliance with employment eligibility verification requirements.
NLRB Voluntarily Withdraws Joint-employer Rule Appeal
Due to the NLRB’s decision to withdraw its appeal regarding the 2023 joint-employer rule, the 2020 joint-employer standard remains in effect, meaning businesses will only be classified as joint employers if they have substantial direct control over employment terms. Employers should rely on the 2020 rule for determining joint employment while staying alert to potential future changes from the NLRB.
2024 Minimum Wage Rates By State
The current federal minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour. However, most states have adopted minimum wage rates that are higher than the federal rate. When both the federal and state rates apply, the higher rate will prevail.
Federal Youth Employment Laws
This HR Compliance Overview provides employers with a broad overview of FLSA youth employment protections and compliance strategies for employers.
Overview of the EEOC’s Workplace Guidance to Prevent Harassment
On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published its final guidance on harassment in the workplace, which went into effect immediately upon issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Furloughs and Other Reductions in Pay
The following information is intended to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that have arisen when private and public employers require employees to take furloughs and to take other reductions in pay and/or hours worked as businesses and State and local governments adjust to economic challenges.
U.S. Workers Are Satisfied With Their PTO, But Don’t Exhaust It
The survey reported that most U.S. workers get between 11 and 30 PTO days yearly. Last year, the average employed American took 15 paid days off despite many being allowed more. The top use cases were vacation and health and wellness (e.g., sick days and doctor appointments).
What Employers Should Know About On-Demand Pay
On-demand pay is a method of paying employees’ wages as they earn them instead of using traditional weekly, biweekly, or monthly pay cycles. Some retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and health care organizations are already embracing demand pay since most of their employees are paid hourly.