Category: COVID-19

Employers Prepare for End of COVID-19 Emergency Status

As employers have anticipated the May 2023 end of the two federal COVID-19 emergency orders, they have some important new clarity on test and vaccine coverage and on how to unwind COVID-19–era extended deadlines, including for COBRA continuing healthcare coverage elections.

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Telework Policies for Your Employee Handbook

COVID-19 changed the face of the employment environment for the foreseeable future. A well-written employee handbook is essential for employers to define their remote work arrangements, streamline the process, establish expectations, and avoid legal entanglements.

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Is Long Covid-19 Still Affecting The Workplace?

Long COVID-19 Is Keeping Up to 4 Million Workers Out of Labor Market Long COVID-19—long-term effects stemming from COVID-19 infection—continues to impact the labor market and the health of employees. The U.S. Census Bureau’s June to July 2022 Household Pulse Survey found that 16.3 million working-age Americans currently have long COVID. It has been reported […]

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Things to Know When Hiring In Other States

Hiring Across State Lines Means Multi-State Compliance These days as an employer, hiring looks different. The world is your oyster, meaning the recruitment pool is nationwide. We are no longer limited by location to find the talent that can help our business to become more successful. However, hiring in a post-pandemic world has many pros […]

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Post-Covid Long-term Effects Puts A Spotlight On Employee Wellness

While we recognize that COVID case numbers are down, researchers are just now to find out what COVID’s long-term mental health effects will be.  Though this is information that will continue to change within our working landscape, employee well-being is more important than ever and we can address some areas right now in the workplace. The following […]

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The Top HR Issues In The World of Remote Hiring!

Hiring Remotely Can Solve Major Staffing Problems If You Maintain These Practices For Compliance With labor shortages, quitting and re-hiring issues, is remote hiring the answer? We know that as the landscape continues to change: Almost 60% of employees prefer a hybrid work model, and a third prefer exclusively remote, according to a Gallup study. Nearly […]

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Hiring “For Keeps” In This Healthcare Shortage

How Do We Solve This Healthcare Shortage With Our Next Hire? Read how your business can avoid more turnover at a time of need. As U.S. hospitals and clinics deal with more patients, both COVID-19 and non-COVID, many are facing staffing shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the ongoing shortage of health workers, leaving health care facilities […]

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Recognizing Mental Health Trends During Mental Health Awareness Month

Employers Are Responding to Mental Health Concerns Mental health has been a hot topic this year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, so many people have experienced issues such as burnout, depression, anxiety, and substance addiction. In fact, 40% of U.S. adults said they have struggled with mental health or substance […]

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Multi-State Employee Handbook Compliance for Remote Employees

If you are a small business owner with remote workers across multiple states, you have new HR compliance challenges. One is making sure your Employee Handbook is compliant to the state laws your workers are located. Avoid risking expensive penalties with ongoing Employee Handbook Compliance.

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COVID-19 National Emergency Extended, Deadline Relief Continues

On Feb. 18, 2022, President Biden announced an extension of the National Emergency concerning COVID-19, stating that it must continue in effect beyond March 1, 2022. This extension impacts deadline relief related to the following employee benefit plan deadlines: HIPAA time frames—The 30-day period (or 60-day period, if applicable) to request special enrollment. COBRA time […]

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More Answers to Updated IRS Tax Credit FAQs

The ARPA suspended the requirement that taxpayers repay any excess advance payments of the premium tax credit for 2020. Highlights of this article: The IRS’ fact sheet addresses FAQs regarding filing individual tax returns that include premium tax credit issues. The FAQs detail how receiving unemployment compensation in 2020 or 2021 affects household income. The […]

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Updated FAQs From IRS For Tax Credits Under FFCRA

The Internal Revenue Service updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on tax credits for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) for leave prior to April 1, 2021. Initially, the FFCRA qualified covered employers for dollar-to-dollar tax credits for amounts paid to employees who took leave for qualifying reasons. The credits also covered amounts […]

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CDC Loosens Mask-wearing Guidance for Most of U.S. Population 

The CDC is loosening guidance for a majority of the U.S. population. The agency now only recommends that individuals in high-risk areas wear a mask in indoor settings. Currently, around 70% of the U.S. population is in a low- or medium-risk county. As such, the CDC would no longer recommend that these individuals wear a mask indoors.

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COBRA Confusion Continues to Challenge Employers

COBRA rules have changed over the past two years in order to recognize the complications accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting confusion can result in penalties, medical claims, litigation, and class-action lawsuits.

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California Passes Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 

Governor Gavin Newsom signs COVID sick leave bill California has enacted a new supplemental paid sick leave law requiring employers with more than 25 employees to provide them with up to 80 hours of paid leave for specific COVID-19-related reasons. The requirement takes effect on Feb. 19, 2022, but it is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022. California previously had a […]

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OSHA Withdraws COVID-19 But Not The Proposed Permanent Rule

On Jan. 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) stayed the vaccination and testing ETS. Because of this ruling, OSHA is withdrawing the ETS as an enforceable ETS. However, the agency is not withdrawing the ETS as a proposed permanent rule, and the standard rule-making process will continue.

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ALERT: U.S. Supreme Court Blocks OSHA ETS!

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s vaccine-or-test rule Thursday, January 13, 2022, declaring that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration had exceeded its authority.  The Supreme Court issued mixed rulings in a pair of cases challenging Biden administration COVID-19 vaccine mandates, allowing the requirement for certain health care workers to go into […]

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More HR Challenges Ahead For 2022.

Riding the wave of “The Great Resignation” The staffing and talent shortage, often now referred to as the Great Resignation, is making it challenging for organizations to find quality employees to fill vacant roles. To mitigate the effects of this shortage, HR leaders must devise more effective strategies for evaluating talent.  Once hired, the challenge […]

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Updated: OSHA Vaccination and Testing ETS Effective Date Requirements

Details on the Osha vaccination date requirements can be found here. On Jan. 7, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court heard an oral argument concerning the validity of the ETS. However, the OSHA vaccine and testing ETS is currently in place and enforceable. As a result, employers are expected to comply with the effective dates of  Jan. 10 and Feb. 9, 2022.

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Common Questions About COVID-19 and the ADA

Businesses Should Become Familiar With These Common Questions About COVID-19 and the ADA On Jan. 6, 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to businesses and other entities under certain circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new FAQs mainly […]

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CDC Recommends Shorter COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine

On Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced its recommended periods for COVID-19 isolation (confirmed COVID-19 infection) and quarantine (potential COVID-19 exposure).  Asymptomatic individuals infected with COVID-19 have been told to isolate for five days from the day they test positive—down from the original 10. After, they should wear a mask […]

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FDA Authorizes Pfizer COVID-19 Treatment Pill

On Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorization for an antiviral pill intended to help treat COVID-19 cases. Paxlovid, manufactured by Pfizer, is the first antiviral COVID-19 pill authorized for at-home use. According to the FDA, individuals ages 12 and up—weighing at least 88 pounds—should take the prescription-only […]

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EEOC Issues New Guidance on COVID-19 and ADA Disability

On Dec. 14, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued 14 new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about what employers may or may not do to comply with federal fair employment laws during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new FAQs specifically address the definition of “disability” and how to determine whether an individual with COVID-19 meets it under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

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Resolution To Repeal Vaccine Mandate Gets Passed By Senate

On Dec. 8, 2021, the Senate voted on and passed a resolution to repeal President Biden’s vaccine mandate for private employers. The resolution passed with a simple majority vote of 52 to 48. The resolution aims to overturn the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard (ETS) that requires private employers of 100 or more employees to implement a vaccine or weekly testing policy.

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New Court Decision Blocks Vaccine Mandate for Federal Contractors Nationwide!

On Dec. 7, 2021, a Georgia federal judge blocked the federal contractors mandate nationwide. This new order comes right after a Kentucky federal judge issued a preliminary injunction effectively blocking the implementation and enforcement of President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal government contractors and subcontractors for Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio on Nov. 30, 2021. […]

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How Can Employers Prepare For The “Omicron” COVID-19 Variant?

Now is the time for employers to review their coronavirus-related policies and remind employees of the continued importance of following workplace safety practices. Prepare Your Workplace Now. We have the luxury of experience, with this being our third variant to experience with COVID-19. While drawing on that experience, we encourage employers to communicate and address policies such as these.

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COVID Variant Omicron Causes Serious Concern for Employers

A new variant of coronavirus initially detected in South Africa is prompting renewed concern regarding the pandemic. On Nov. 26, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new variant “Omicron.” Omicron was labeled a “variant of concern,” the agency’s most serious category for tracking. Such a designation is reserved for dangerous variants that may be more transmissible or virulent or could decrease the effectiveness of vaccines or treatments.

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EEOC Guidance on Retaliation & Interference Related To The Pandemic

EEOC addresses concerns about retaliation. The new FAQs, which were added to the EEOC’s existing guidance on COVID-19 and fair employment issues, address the rights of employees and applicants who believe they suffered retaliation for protected activities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or other employment discrimination laws.

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Diving Deeper Into The Current Stay of The OSHA ETS

On Nov. 12, 2021, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (the Court) extended the stay it ordered for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) vaccine and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) on Nov. 6, 2021. The judicial stay will remain in effect until the ETS’ legality is ultimately decided in the judicial system. The […]

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Update: The Court Speaks, Maintains Block on Biden Vaccine Mandate

The Latest Update Confirms That President Biden’s ETS Will Remain Blocked On Friday, November 12, 2021, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked President Joe Biden’s coronavirus vaccine mandate in a ruling. The three-judge panel for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans affirmed its initial stay order from last week, stating that […]

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Attraction and Retention Amid President Biden’s Vaccine Mandates  

President Biden recently directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to draft a new emergency rule requiring businesses with 100 or more employees to ensure workers are either fully vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 weekly. Read an overview of the impending rule, talent market implications, and employer considerations for employee attraction and retention.      

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EEOC Adds FAQs Addressing Religious Objections to COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates

On Oct. 25, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how employers should comply with Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act. The new FAQs address questions about religious objections to employer COVID-19 vaccine requirements. They were added to the FAQs that the EEOC initially issued on March 18, 2020, and then updated several times. The last major update to this guidance was made in May 2021. The EEOC also made minor updates to some of the Q&As on Oct. 13, 2021.This Compliance Bulletin contains the EEOC’s updated FAQs in full.

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OSHA Warns Several States to Adopt a COVID-19 Health Care ETS

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the health care COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) in June 2021. Since then, three of the 21 states with their own state plans have not adopted the federal standard or developed their own equivalent. The three states are Arizona, South Carolina and Utah. Under the OSH Act, […]

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Cal/OSHA Amends Notice and Reporting Requirements for COVID-19

On Oct. 5, 2021, California approved Assembly Bill 654 (AB 654) to amend California’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 notice and reporting regulations. The bill became effective upon adoption on Oct. 5, 2021. The bill requires employers to give notice of COVID-19 outbreaks to:  Qualifying individuals or employees exposed to qualifying individuals within one business day; […]

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Federal Employers Receive Deadline Of November 22 To Be Vaccinated

Breaking Down The November 22 Deadline By Vaccination October 15, 2021 – President Joe Biden announced, on Sept. 9, that OSHA would issue an ETS requiring covered businesses to mandate that their workers be vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo weekly testing. Covered employers will also have to give workers paid time off to get […]

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Signs That OSHA ETS, Vaccination Mandate Is Moving Forward

As OSHA Submits Draft of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate ETS As Next Step Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it submitted a draft of its emergency temporary standard (ETS) for private employers requiring mandatory COVID-19 testing or vaccination to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The ETS will require all businesses […]

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How At-Home COVID-19 Tests May Help The Employer.

 FDA Authorizes New At-home Rapid Test for COVID-19 As an employer, within the workplace, we want to do all we can to prevent the spread or exposure from COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen test—the Flowflex COVID-19 Home Test from ACON Laboratories—to increase consumer access to testing during […]

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Update On The Extension To Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)

New Guidance on Claiming the Employee Retention Credit Although the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is expiring at the end of 2021, there’s still time for eligible businesses to claim the credit, if they haven’t already. The ERTC, also referred to as the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security […]

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At-A-Glance Guidance For Employers In Preparation For Biden Vaccine Mandate

President Joe Biden’s latest COVID-19 vaccination and testing mandate is one of the federal government’s most aggressive efforts yet. What’s more, we know it will directly impact many private sector workforces as well as federal employees and contractors. For more on the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) being proposed click HERE. We encourage you to […]

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Surcharges For Nonvaccinated Individuals – Things To Consider

On Aug. 23, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (now marketed as Comirnaty) for individuals 16 years of age and older. As a result, many employers are exploring options related to COVID-19 vaccination status within their workforce, including whether to charge a premium surcharge for nonvaccinated […]

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Podcast: OSHA Vaccination ETS & Important Guidance For Employers

Steps For Employers To Reduce Risk Prior To The OSHA Vaccination & Testing Mandate On Sept. 9, 2021, President Biden announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is developing an emergency temporary standard (ETS). The new ETS will require private-sector employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated […]

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OSHA Developing Private Sector Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19

Important Information OSHA’s ETS for employers with 100 or more employees will be required to: Ensure their employees are fully vaccinated; or require workers who remain unvaccinated to produce a negative test result weekly before coming to work. On Sept. 9, 2021, President Biden announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is developing an emergency […]

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POTUS signs an executive order for COVID-19 vaccination mandates for employers

President Biden to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine for Federal Employees and Large Employers On Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, President Joe Biden signed executive orders requiring federal workers and contractors to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Biden also directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to draft a new emergency rule requiring all businesses with 100 or […]

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Podcast: It’s Not Over… Long-Haul Covid-19 Symptoms May Affect The Workplace

Introducing Long-Haul Covid. In this episode learn how this has been affecting the workplace. Did you know employees that have lingering COVID symptoms after testing negative can be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act? Join Chris as he talks with John Yerger of MyHRConcierge about what employers should do when employees have these lingering symptoms.

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Podcast: Vaccination Policy Know-How. All About Vaccination Policy For Employers

Protect yourself with a vaccination policy. Are you an employer struggling with how to communicate your COVID policies? Join Chris as he talks with John Yerger of MyHRConcierge about what you need to know about implementing a COVID vaccination policy. Read our supporting article as well. Click HERE. Bookmarks: 1:43    Do employers need a vaccination policy?3:08    Has […]

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Employers Deal With “Long-Haul Covid” And How It Affects The Workplace

We’re nearing the end of 2021 and we are beginning to see further effects of COVID-19 in those who have had the virus previously. As people begin to get back to work, we see that some have been affected by the COVID-19 virus with continuing symptoms. The CDC has begun to refer to this condition as having “long-haul covid.” As COVID “long-haulers” re-enter the workplace they may qualify for ADA accommodations.

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With Or Without Vaccine, Delta Variant Creates Questions About Masking At Work

With a growing percentage of the United States population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, many localities and, in turn, employers, have eased mask mandates and policies. However, due to the spread of an emerging variant of coronavirus known as Delta, these policies may still need updating, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now announced updates to its mask guidelines.

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Booster Anyone? Third Vaccine Dose Available

Employer information about the third (booster) COVID-19 vaccine. On Thursday, August 12, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a third vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals—roughly 3% of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Delta Variant Affect On Return-to-Work Mask Policies

With a growing percentage of the United States population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, many localities and, in turn, employers, have eased mask mandates and policies. However, due to the spread of an emerging variant of coronavirus known as Delta, these policies may still need updating, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has […]

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4 Lessons Learned From Open Enrollment During the Pandemic

4 Lessons Learned From Open Enrollment During the Pandemic There’s no denying that the 2020 open enrollment season was unprecedented. It’s challenging enough most years to engage and educate employees to actively make decisions about their health care and other employer-sponsored benefits, and the prevalence of remote and hybrid workplaces added another level of complexity […]

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Is There Something Good To Gain From All This Hiring?

You Could Be Eligible For Tax Credits.   Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the employee retention credit, a provision of the CARES Act, is available through June 30, 2021 to eligible employers who retained employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS issued guidance in early March for the credit as it relates to qualified […]

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Does Your Business Need Guidance About A Vaccination Policy?

While many are still undecided about being vaccinated, numbers for the COVID-19 Delta Variant are continuing to rise. As an employer, should there be a vaccination policy in your employee handbook? This article aims to clarify that whether an employer requires vaccines or makes them voluntary, including it as a clear policy within your handbook could save you great risk.

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PPP Update: SBA Simplifies PPP Loan Forgiveness With New Direct Portal

New Direct Portal Makes PPP Forgiveness Easier The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced the opening of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Direct Forgiveness Portal, which is intended to simplify applications for loan forgiveness for the smallest PPP borrowers. The PPP, which was created in March 2020 by the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and […]

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Do Your Work Crews Travel?

How to Prepare for Off-site Project Work—are Your Crews Ready? Late summer means hurricane season, where many weather emergencies will arise. Conditions can sometimes create a need for crews to deploy to other areas to help, and we want you to be prepared. Many industries see this as an opportunity and proper screening meeting the […]

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Different Industries Will Have Different Screening Needs. Here’s The Scoop.

The transportation, distribution, manufacturing, and healthcare industries all have different employment needs, and balancing the demand for new hires and safety for these various industries is something companies are challenged by. With the influx of employee hiring in these industries in these post-pandemic times, the need for qualified and stable individuals remains a priority.   […]

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OSHA Revises Its COVID-19 National Emphasis Program

July, 2021 – On July 7, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its national emphasis program (NEP) for COVID-19. The revised NEP adjusts the targeted industries to those most at risk for COVID-19 exposure but still includes health care and non-health care, such as meat and poultry processing. The original NEP was […]

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The Wake Of The Covid Pandemic Continues To Shake Up Hiring For SMBs

  As many Small Businesses (SMBs) re-open following the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggle continues due to the lack of workers to fill positions. A March survey by the National Federation of Independent Business found that 42% of owners had job openings that could not be filled, a record high. Ninety-one percent of those […]

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Protecting HR Teams From Burnout

Burnout is a commonly discussed issue these days—particularly while many workforces are still working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Being isolated, stressed and overworked puts employees in a difficult position and can lead to increased burnout. Oftentimes, it’s HR’s responsibility to help employees cope with burnout and its contributing factors. However, in many cases, […]

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The Wake Of The Covid Pandemic Continues To Shake Up SMBs As They Re-hire.

  Challenges To Re-Staff Businesses Post-pandemic Continue As many Small Businesses (SMBs) re-open following the shut downs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggle continues due to the lack of workers to fill positions. A March survey by the National Federation of Independent Business found that 42% of owners had job openings that could not be filled, […]

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Are Your Post-Covid Work Policies Up To Date?

Protect Your Workplace In A Post-Covid Time. 8 Policies To Review For New Post-Covid Office Norms Returning to in-person work is a top priority for many workplaces. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lessens, employers are eager to get employees back in their buildings. But that comes with a series of complications. New policies, […]

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Handling the Influx of Remote Work Requests

As the decision is made for employees to come back to the office, employees may begin to have remote work requests. Likewise, companies may be more accepting of those requests than prior to the pandemic. Some companies could even make their entire operations remote as a new way to manage facility costs.

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Best Practices and Monitoring Remote Workflow

Monitoring Remote Workers Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more employees are working remotely than ever before. And, even as businesses begin to reopen across the country, remote work will likely remain popular for the foreseeable future. While remote work arrangements help keep employees healthy and safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they […]

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​Hiring After COVID-19 Shutdown Still Remains A Challenge

The Status Of Unemployment Benefits Is Changing The Hiring Forecast There continues to be an increase in the number of states planning to end enhanced unemployment benefits, which were made available due to the pandemic. So where does this all stand? We hope to shed some light on the current state of hiring and unemployment […]

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Podcast: New Vaccine Mandate Q&A.

Can Employers Mandate Vaccination For Work? Many employers are struggling with whether they can mandate the COVID-19 vaccination for work. Employers Are confused as to what they can and can’t do as the COVID-19 becomes more prevalent and how to navigate new CDC guidance. Join us as we speak with Bill Gault with Nippes, Healy […]

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Employers Should Be Careful Asking If An Employee Has Been Vaccinated.

May 27, 2021 – Now that many federal and state officials have relaxed COVID-19 safety rules for people who are fully vaccinated, employers may want to ask workers for proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status. But employers should be careful not to ask for more information than is necessary. According to the U.S.  Equal Employment Opportunity […]

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Employee COVID-19 Vaccine Cards

May, 2021 – All adults in the United States are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. With vaccine distribution reaching the general public, a growing proportion of the workforce is now vaccinated. In turn, many of these vaccinated employees have also received a vaccine card. It’s worthwhile for employers to understand what COVID-19 vaccine cards are […]

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Hiring Frenzy Post Pandemic

Don’t Let The Rush To Staff Up Affect The Quality Of Your Next Hire. The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the workplace and now we are seeing an influx in job needs and hiring. What will this look like for this next season of reopening? It is unsure. We know restaurants and other small businesses […]

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Post-Pandemic HR Fatigue Is Setting In

Burnout is a commonly discussed issue these days—particularly while many workforces are still working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Being isolated, stressed and overworked puts employees in a difficult position and can lead to increased burnout. Oftentimes, its HR’s responsibility to help employees cope with burnout and its contributing factors.

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IRS Issues Employer Resources on FFCRA Leave Tax Credits

The IRS has released new resources explaining the tax credits available for employers who opt to provide paid family leave and paid sick leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through Sept. 30, 2021. The new resources consist of a fact sheet and a  “snapshot” document […]

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New Vaccination Tax Credit for SMBs

President Biden announced a paid leave tax credit for small- and medium-sized businesses. This credit will allow eligible employers to fully offset the cost of paid leave for employees to get vaccinated and recover from any after-effects of the vaccination.

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More Employers Consider Vaccine Policies

As U.S. vaccination numbers rise,employers consider vaccination policies The vaccine effort in the United States has ramped up nicely. Recently we have seen dispersion as high as 2.5 million a day. The federal government will send out 27 million doses of vaccine soon — so the challenges of vaccination are going to change rapidly. The rapidly expanding vaccine […]

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2021 IRS Employee Retention Credit Changes/Updates

On April 2, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Notice 2021-23 to provide guidance for employers claiming the employee retention credit (ERC) for the first two quarters of 2021. The ERC was originally created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), and has since been modified and extended by other […]

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Congress Passes Extention of the PPP

PPP Extension moves beyond March 31. Congress has passed the PPP Extension Act of 2021, a 60-day extension of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payment Protection Program (PPP), which was set to expire on March 31. The bill will be sent to President Joe Biden shortly, who is expected to sign the extension before […]

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President Biden Extends ACA Special Enrollment Period

ACA Special Enrollment Period Into August President Joe Biden’s administration recently extended access to the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to Aug. 15, from the previously announced end date of May 15.   This direction comes after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opened this SEP for […]

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