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 […]
Learn MoreFBI Fingerprints Aren’t As Accurate As You Think Many industries like healthcare, childcare, finance, and other safety-sensitive positions are required by law to do a fingerprint-based background check. However, you should not ONLY rely on fingerprint background checks. This can give employers a false sense of security because the bulk of the information can often […]
Learn MorePCORI Fees Due Aug. 1, 2022 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return). Issuers and plan sponsors are generally required to pay the PCORI fees annually […]
Learn MoreDon’t cut corners and skip employee background screening for seasonal and summer employees, even if you need to urgently fill a position.
Learn MoreLabor law penalties are rising for employers. The hard truth is that the maximum penalty for federal posting violations has risen to over $38,000 since newly announced increases by the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have gone into effect – highlighting the seriousness of posting compliance.
Learn MoreEmployers 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 […]
Learn MoreIf you did not file your 1094/1095 forms with the IRS or furnish the 1095 forms to your employees, it is important to file and furnish them as soon as possible. Get with an HR Expert to assist you in ACA reporting after the deadline.
Learn MoreThe Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire members of certain targeted groups. Previously scheduled to sunset at the end of 2020, the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit through the end of 2025.
Learn MoreNearly 1 in 5 Americans (21%) say they regularly wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Pew Research Center Wearable tech: Pros and Cons For Employers Wearable technology isn’t a new feature. For years, personal gadgets such as smartwatches have been gaining popularity among people who want better insight into their health trends. In fact, wearable […]
Learn MoreBy Training Employees HR Can Lead The Cybersecurity Fight Cyberattacks are a growing concern for employers across the globe but especially for those in the United States. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of reported U.S. data breaches rose 68% between 2020 and 2021, increasing to a record-setting 1,862 incidents. Of these […]
Learn MoreLearn How Your Business Website Design Can Become An HR Risk DOJ Guidance on the ADA and Web Accessibility for Businesses and State and Local Governments On March 18, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance on how public and private entities can ensure that their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities, […]
Learn MoreOn 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 […]
Learn MoreThe 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 […]
Learn MoreEmployers Gain Insight With The State Of The Union Address On Tuesday, March 1, President Joe Biden gave the 2022 State of the Union address (SOTU). The SOTU is an annual speech delivered by the president around the beginning of each year. Generally, the speech outlines how the country is doing and signals future initiatives the […]
Learn MoreThe landmark health care reform legislation enacted in March 2010 was designed to expand the availability of health insurance, reform the regulation of health coverage and restructure its delivery. A key component—and a key cause of confusion—within the ACA is the employer mandate, which requires employers with 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent (FTE) […]
Learn MoreThe 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.
Learn MoreCOBRA 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.
Learn MoreThe California Department of Industrial Relations has published answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a poster for employers to use in connection with the state’s new COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave law. The law takes effect Feb. 19, 2022, but is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022. FAQs There are 37 FAQs in all, covering the following topics: General Questions […]
Learn MoreOn Feb. 10, 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (the Act). The U.S. House of Representatives had previously passed the Act, which is now expected to be signed by President Biden. Once signed, the Act will go into effect immediately. Ending Forced Arbitration Act The […]
Learn MoreWhat can employers do to prepare for ADA and prevent liability? The burden has shifted, now more than ever, to employers to provide reasonable accommodations when possible and show care in handling disability-related issues in the workplace.
Learn MoreDetails 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.
Learn MoreBusinesses 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 […]
Learn MoreUpdate, January, 2022 – The deadline for ACA reporting forms to employers has been extended but with all of the busy new year HR tasks, it will be important to keep this deadline on your radar. Late or inaccurate forms could lead the IRS to notify an employer that it may be liable for a penalty […]
Learn MoreOn 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 […]
Learn MoreAs the news of the OSHA Vaccine Mandate for Employers spreads, we look for more information. In this article, we discover why the Court’s decision was made and look at the expectations of employers moving into the new deadline for vaccination.
Learn MoreWhen it comes to background checks, the information you verify and how often it is evaluated will prevent legal risk and build trust. An inconsistent approach to background checks could result in poor hires and could also leave employers open to potential negligent hiring lawsuits.
Learn MoreTips for making your hybrid model workplace succeed.
Learn MoreSince COVID-19 vaccines first became available, several states have enacted laws that restrict or ban certain entities from mandating them or requiring proof that an individual has received one (also known as a “vaccine passport”) in order to be allowed entry or access to services.
Learn MoreNow 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.
Learn MoreRead these frequently asked questions about the Flu Season and COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control.
Learn MoreWork smarter by outsourcing HR compliance duties Even if you have an HR professional(s) on staff, it is smart to outsource for HR assistance. Laws and policies are changing more often than ever, due to recent current events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of compliance mistakes is increasing. Keeping up with these new or […]
Learn MoreThe Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final 2021 forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. 2021 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B are the forms that will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage (MEC), including self-insured plan sponsors that are not applicable large employers (ALEs), to report under Section 6055. 2021 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C are the forms […]
Learn MoreThe 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 […]
Learn MoreOSHA can classify the COVID-19 ETS citations as ‘‘willful,’’ allowing it to propose higher penalties with increased deterrent effects.
Learn MorePart 2 of our Join Chris Cooley as he breaks down how to determine if you meet the 100 employee threshold for the OSHA ETS Vaccination Mandate. We also discuss part-time, contract, seasonal employees, and more…
Learn MoreAs large businesses receive news of the mandatory Jan 4 deadline for COVID-19 vaccination, this creates many questions. Chris Cooley breaks down some of these FAQ’s and prepares us for the ramifications of the mandate. This podcast helps to work through the details.
Learn MoreOSHA’s ETS provisions require private employers with 100 or more employees to comply with several COVID-19-related requirements.
Learn MoreWorkers at larger businesses will have to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 4, 2022 or face regular testing under new federal rules. Read more about this Emergency Temporary Standard from OSHA.
Learn MorePresident 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.
Learn MoreFailing to comply with the ACA’s requirements can cause severe consequences for an employer. This ACA Overview (PDF) summarizes the penalties and excise taxes that may be triggered by an ACA violation. Click the document below to enlarge and print.
Learn MoreOn 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.
Learn MoreThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made a number of significant changes to group health plans since the law was enacted in 2010. Since then, several changes have been made to various ACA requirements that employers and plan sponsors should be aware of. It is important for employers to periodically review their benefit plans in order to maintain compliance with these various requirements.
Learn MoreOn 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; […]
Learn MoreAs 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 […]
Learn MoreNew 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 […]
Learn MorePresident 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 […]
Learn MoreImportant 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 […]
Learn MoreIn this short podcast, we talk candidly with background check expert, Kim Lewis, about hiring and screening for the healthcare industry – beyond just drug testing, including the big difference in the FBI database search vs. a more comprehensive advanced healthcare screening package and ongoing monitoring. Read more in our article HERE. Bookmarks: 1:38. Why is […]
Learn MorePresident 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 […]
Learn MoreAs employers plan to navigate the legal risks and logistics of employee vaccinations, this article explores what, how and when to communicate about COVID-19 vaccines with employees.
Learn MoreIntroducing 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.
Learn MoreWe’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.
Learn MoreWith 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.
Learn MoreEmployer 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.
Learn MoreYou 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 […]
Learn MoreWhile 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.
Learn MoreNew 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 […]
Learn MoreIn this episode, Chris will talk with labor attorney Wendy Shelton, of Nippes Healy & Gault on the issue of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in regards specifically to gender identity and acknowledgment in the workplace. We look at ethical and legally compliant treatment of gender recognition in the workplace.
Learn MoreJuly, 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 […]
Learn MoreAs 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 […]
Learn MoreIn this episode, we talk with John Yerger of MyHRConcierge regarding ways to increase your success when contesting unemployment claims. We will review how to best document responses, procedures and other ways to ensure you are put in the best place to win your cases.
Learn MoreBurnout 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, […]
Learn MoreOSHA Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). The ETS was developed to protect health care and health care support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19 in settings where people with COVID-19 are reasonably expected to be present. The […]
Learn MoreAdverse employment action – in a nutshell. “Adverse action” isn’t a term most of us hear every day. An “adverse action” is either a denial of employment or any other decision that adversely affects any current or prospective employee. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to provide a copy of the consumer report […]
Learn MoreManagers may be running into a common problem as employers advance their reopening plans: employees resisting transitioning back to working in an office full-time. Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the merits and pitfalls of working remotely were often debated. As states went into lockdown to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, many workforces were […]
Learn MoreAccording to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers have a duty to investigate sexual harassment complaints and must take actions to prevent the recurrence of such offensive conduct in their workplace. In addition to these actions, an employer should have a sexual harassment policy in place outlining the company’s intolerance for sexual harassment.
Learn MoreRecovering From 2020 in the Workplace After a year that was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of the workplace have changed, including employer-sponsored wellness programs. Prior to the pandemic, employers were already making a shift to the way they viewed and implemented wellness initiatives at their organization. Some of these changes […]
Learn MoreDo I have to get the vaccine? Employee communications related to the pandemic have played a major role in keeping employees safe and healthy while navigating operational changes and challenges. Now, the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccines have become available after the Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for two vaccines. As initial supplies of […]
Learn MoreThe MyHRBuzz Podcast tackles topics relevant to the world of Human Resources, ranging from Federal compliance to workplace culture.
Learn MoreThe Landscape Of HR Looks Different COVID-19 affected nearly every workplace function last year, and that influence will linger into 2021 and beyond. We are seeing that entire departments are being reimagined and reevaluated. Businesses will need to continually adapt quickly if they want to compete in this innovative landscape. HR departments are given more […]
Learn MoreAre you guilty of these background screening mistakes? Have you found yourself believing that you have found the perfect candidate only to discover that there was some information hidden? This is often very common and in the rush of recruiting and hiring, it can be easy to miss important background information details that could impact […]
Learn MoreEmployers should consult legal counsel regarding the monitoring of employees working remotely.
Learn MoreWith the current conflict between state, federal, and municipal laws governing CBD Oil and Marijuana, it’s more important than ever to stay abreast of current updates on this ever-changing topic.
Learn MoreDoes your small business need to file ACA Forms 1094 and 1095? It depends on the kind of insurance you offer your employees.
Learn MoreStart Creating a Modern Workplace Today Getting Inspired by the Big Industry Leaders In late June, John Yerger, my business partner, and I attended what some call “the best – and the biggest HR conference in the world,” the 2019 Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Conference. After our trip, we realized two things are […]
Learn MoreNo one looks forward to having to let an employee go. But, when it becomes clear that it is time to dismiss an underperforming or contentious employee, it is best to have a plan in place that protects business owners from discrimination or wrongful termination lawsuits.
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