Balancing Act: Integrating AI and Human Insight for Optimal HR Compliance

AI can be a useful tool in HR, but human cognition matters. Learn about the limitations of AI in addressing regulatory compliance and why humans are necessary in handling complex situations.

Employer Tips For Preventing Sexual Harassment Claims

According 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.

Year-End HR Compliance Checklist

Last Updated on November 28, 2023 It’s the end of the year and having a year-end HR compliance checklist is a crucial tool to ensure that your organization is meeting all legal and regulatory requirements related to human resources. Below is a checklist that covers various HR compliance areas for the end of the year. […]

Podcast: Understanding The Employer Benefits Of Section 125 Plans

Last Updated on July 19, 2024 MyHRBuzz host, Chris Cooley, speaks with Patti Reimer, Sales Executive of Value Added Products for BenefitMall about Section 125 plans and how they benefit employers. Timestamps Listen to more episodes of the MyHRBuzz podcast.

Preparing For A Season of Summer and Volunteer Staff

Don’t cut corners and skip employee background screening for seasonal and summer employees, even if you need to urgently fill a position.

Employee Handbooks vs. Policies

Last Updated on November 28, 2023 What Is The Difference Between Employee Handbooks And Policies And Procedures Manuals? An employee handbook is written with employees as the intended audience. It is most often written using a straightforward layout for easy referencing of company policies and procedures and is a vehicle for familiarizing employees with basic […]

Gen Z Is Making Noise In The Workplace

Last Updated on April 25, 2023 A Younger Generation Brings Challenges In Engagement Managers and HR professionals have probably heard of the engagement issues alleged to have infected Millennials and Generation Z in the workplace, as manifested in terms like “quiet quitting.” Of course, workers in any age group can and certainly do engage in […]

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.

Are You a ‘Covered Employer’ Under the FMLA?

It’s important to note that FMLA obligations don’t kick in unless an employer qualifies as a “covered employer” under the statute.

Sometimes, determining whether an employer is covered can get a little tricky. The questions abound: How many employees must be retained? For how long? What if we straddle the minimum number over the course of time? What about part-time employees? Those on leave? And the list goes on.

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.

Pay Transparency Expectations for Your Company

Last Updated on March 8, 2023 Employers Continue to Prepare for Pay Transparency As the number of places that require pay transparency rises, it’s clear that the trend of pay transparency is not going away. Just because the state you’re operating in doesn’t yet require disclosing salary or pay equity information, it’s advised that you […]

Department of Labor Guidance on Telework and FMLA

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 DOL Eligibility Rules Under FMLA When Employees Telework The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published a Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) that includes guidance on how to apply eligibility rules under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when employees telework or work away from an employer’s facility. FABs […]

HR Priorities for 2023

Learn more about three top priorities for Human Resources in 2023: Employee Well-Being, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and remote work flexibility.

Podcast: Explaining Pay Transparency Laws – What Employers Should Know

Last Updated on February 10, 2023 Chris Cooley and HR expert Emily Frederick discuss pay transparency laws including what some states are requiring and how employers can prepare for pay transparency compliance.  Timestamps:  1:24  What does pay transparency mean for an employer?  1:45  What is the goal of pay transparency? 2:12  Why is it important […]

Podcast: The Dirty Details of ACA Reporting – Your Questions Answered

In this podcast episode, Chris Cooley talks in detail about ACA reporting, including common misconceptions, affordability details, and penalties.

Employer Information About Pay Transparency

Last Updated on November 30, 2022 Pay transparency is when an employer openly communicates pay-related information through established practices to current or prospective employees. Employers can provide this information through various channels, such as online job sites, job postings or during an interview. As a result of changing labor markets, more and more employees are […]

2023 ACA Compliance Checklist

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 ACA Requirement Changes Taking Effect in 2023 Changes to some ACA requirements will take effect in 2023 for employers sponsoring group health plans. To prepare for 2023, employers should review these requirements and develop a compliance strategy. Employers should ensure that their health plan documents, including the summary of […]

DHS Extends Form I-9 Flexibilities Until July 31, 2023

Thanks to COVID-19-related disruptions, DHS has extended Form 1-9 Flexibilities, which include remote review and expired documents, until July 31, 2023.

Updated EEOC Workplace Poster October 2022

The EEOC has released a new poster called “Know Your Rights”—an update and replacement for the “EEO is the Law” poster. Learn more about the updates within the poster.

DOL Proposes New Independent Contractor Classification Rule

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule to rescind and replace its 2021 independent contractor classification rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Employers Must Show Pay Transparency In California Beginning 2023

California’s new pay transparency law requires employers with 15 or more employees to disclose pay scale information in all job postings and to current employees upon request. This law will cover approximately 200,000 employers, according to Bloomberg Law.

Year-End HR Compliance Checklist

Read our checklist of important human resources compliance items to consider before the end of 2022

Is Long Covid-19 Still Affecting The Workplace?

Last Updated on September 18, 2022 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 […]

Form I-9: Don’t Make These Mistakes

Last Updated on September 7, 2023 Common Form I-9 Mistakes to Avoid Despite employers’ best efforts, complying with Form I-9 requirements can be difficult. Unfortunately, many employers leave their organizations’ Form I-9 operations to untrained staff or fail to dedicate sufficient time and resources to the process, resulting in numerous errors and untimely completion of […]

Are HR Compliance Requirements Increasing For Your Business? Work Smarter.

Last Updated on August 28, 2022 According to Ernst & Young’s Global Payroll Survey, keeping up with regulatory compliance changes was identified as the second-highest compliance challenge. But as your business grows, those compliance concerns you have today don’t go away — most often, they will multiply. Some of the biggest areas employers lose sight of as […]

A Checklist for Completing Form 1-9

Last Updated on August 21, 2022 Download This Form I-9 Checklist Federal law requires employers to hire only individuals who may legally work in the United States—either U.S. citizens or authorized foreign nationals. To comply with the law, employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of each individual they hire by completing and retaining […]

DHS Proposes Permanent Rule Allowing Remote Verification of Form I-9 Documents

Last Updated on October 15, 2023 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have recently proposed a permanent rule to allow employers to remotely review the Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9) identity and employment authorization documents when hiring, reverifying or rehiring employees. (Note on July 23, 2023, DHS revised the […]

ACA Pay or Play Affordability Percentage Decreased for 2023

Last Updated on August 3, 2022 On Aug. 1, 2022, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure (Rev. Proc.) 2022-34 to index the contribution percentages in 2023 for determining the affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For plan years beginning in 2023, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable if the employee’s required contribution for […]

How Employers Can Build Strength With DEI Initiatives In The Workplace.

Last Updated on August 1, 2022 Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Are “Buzzing” Around The Workplace. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a lot more than the newest buzzword in HR. It’s a critical element to success these days. Calls for diverse and inclusive workplaces are now becoming more common in many organizations due to major […]

DHS Proposed Rule Would Amend Section 1557 Sex Discrimination Regulations

Last Updated on July 27, 2022 On July 25, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule that would revise existing regulations for the Section 1557 nondiscrimination protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The proposed rule is intended to solidify protections against discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation […]

Early Preparation Is Crucial For 2023 Open Enrollment

Last Updated on July 22, 2022 Early open enrollment prep can be an opportunity for retention by putting employee needs first. The job market is still dealing with the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers are taking stock of their circumstances and considering which employment perks matter the most. Specifically, employees are increasingly more concerned […]

Things to Know When Hiring In Other States

Last Updated on November 3, 2023 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 […]

New Updates To EEOC Covid Workplace Policies

Last Updated on July 18, 2022 As of July 12, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its Technical Assistance Questions and Answers on COVID-19 testing and vaccine in the workplace. Employers now need to show that mandatory COVID-19 testing of employees is job-related and consistent with business necessity, as defined by the ADA. In determining […]

Form 5500 Deadline Coming Up In August!

Last Updated on July 12, 2022 Form 5500 Is Due By Aug. 1, 2022 For Calendar Year Plans. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, the IRS and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. previously announced changes to the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan and Form 5500-SF Short Form Annual Return/Report of […]

Virtual 1-9 Employment Verification Possible

Last Updated on July 6, 2022 DHS to Propose Permanent Remote Form I-9 Verification Rule The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced it plans to issue a proposed rule that would allow employers to verify employee identity and employment eligibility documentation virtually “in certain circumstances or with respect to certain employers” when completing Form […]

Retain And Attract Talent By Providing A Culture Of Learning

Last Updated on July 5, 2022 Every business and HR pro knows that the competition for top talent is tough. We’ve discovered a strategy that helps the whole employee, mentally and also professionally. We’ve discovered something that will make employees really want to stay long-term. People want to work for companies that are invested in […]

Proposed Overtime Rule Expected in October 2022

Last Updated on June 29, 2022 In its recent spring regulatory agenda, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced its plans to issue a proposed overtime rule in October 2022. According to the agency’s regulatory agenda, this proposed rule is expected to address how to implement the exemption of executive, administrative and professional employees from […]

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

Last Updated on June 27, 2022 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 […]

The Top HR Issues In The World of Remote Hiring!

Last Updated on November 3, 2023 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 […]

You Can’t Depend ONLY On FBI Fingerprint Checks For Employee Screening

Last Updated on June 5, 2023 FBI 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 […]

ACA Sets Due Date Of Aug 1,2022 For PCORI Fees

Last Updated on June 3, 2022 PCORI 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 […]

More 2022 Labor Law Changes Prove Employers Should Prioritize Labor Law Posters

Labor 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.

Recognizing Mental Health Trends During Mental Health Awareness Month

Last Updated on May 11, 2022 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 […]

I Missed My ACA Deadline, Now What?

If 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.

Claim Your Employer WOTC Federal Tax Credit

The 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.

Wearable Technology and the Workforce

Last Updated on April 20, 2022 Nearly 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 […]

HR’s Role in Preventing Cyberattacks

Last Updated on April 4, 2022 By 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 […]

Your Website Might Not Be ADA Compliant!

Last Updated on March 23, 2022 Learn 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 […]

COVID-19 National Emergency Extended, Deadline Relief Continues

Last Updated on March 22, 2022 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) […]

More Answers to Updated IRS Tax Credit FAQs

Last Updated on March 9, 2022 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 […]

From The Hill – President Biden Addresses Employee Benefits and the Workplace

Last Updated on March 3, 2022 Employers 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 […]

ALERT: March 2022 ACA Deadlines Are Here!

Last Updated on March 1, 2022 The 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 […]

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.

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.

FAQs, Workplace Poster Issued for Calif. Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

Last Updated on April 5, 2022 The 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, […]

Congress Bans Forced Arbitration and Waivers of Sexual Harassment and Assault Claims

Last Updated on February 14, 2022 On 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 […]

Avoid These 10 ADA Compliance Mistakes

What 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.

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.

Common Questions About COVID-19 and the ADA

Last Updated on October 26, 2022 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 […]

Don’t Be Late. Extended 2022 ACA Deadline To Keep In Mind

Last Updated on January 4, 2022 Update, 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 […]

CDC Recommends Shorter COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine

Last Updated on December 29, 2021 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. […]

Behind the 6th District Court Decision to Approve the OSHA ETS Vaccine Mandate

As 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.

Why Consistency Is Key In Corporate Employee Screening

When 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.

How to Make Your Hybrid Model Workplace Succeed

Tips for making your hybrid model workplace succeed.

Update On State Laws Restricting-19 Vaccine Mandates and Passports

Since 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.

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.

Is It The Flu Or Is It COVID-19?

Read these frequently asked questions about the Flu Season and COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control.

It’s Worth It. Why An SMB Should Outsource HR Tasks.

Last Updated on November 3, 2023 Work Smarter By Outsourcing HR Tasks Even if you have an HR professional(s) on staff, it is smart to outsource HR tasks to supplement your internal HR team. Laws and policies are changing more often than ever, due to recent current events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of […]

Final 2021 Forms For ACA Reporting Released

Last Updated on November 15, 2021 The 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 […]

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

Last Updated on November 15, 2021 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 […]

Penalties for the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS

OSHA can classify the COVID-19 ETS citations as ‘‘willful,’’ allowing it to propose higher penalties with increased deterrent effects.

Podcast: Part 2 OSHA ETS, Does This Affect You?

Last Updated on November 5, 2021 Part 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…

Podcast: Part 1. Jan 4th OSHA ETS for Employers 100+ Explained

Last Updated on November 5, 2021 As 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.

What Does the OSHA ETS Require From Employers?

OSHA’s ETS provisions require private employers with 100 or more employees to comply with several COVID-19-related requirements.

Update: OSHA ETS Mandate Date Set For Jan 4!

Workers 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.

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.      

2021 ACA Violations & Penalties For Employers

Last Updated on January 13, 2022 Failing 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.

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.

2022 ACA Compliance Overview

The 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.

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

Last Updated on October 21, 2021 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 […]

Partner Podcast: Federal Vaccine Mandates, Discussed With Journey Payroll

Last Updated on October 19, 2021

Signs That OSHA ETS, Vaccination Mandate Is Moving Forward

Last Updated on October 21, 2021 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). […]

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

Last Updated on September 30, 2021 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 […]

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

Last Updated on January 13, 2022 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 […]

OSHA Developing Private Sector Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19

Last Updated on September 29, 2021 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 […]

Podcast: The Importance Of Healthcare Specific Screening As You Hire During Covid-19 In The Healthcare Industry

Last Updated on September 14, 2021 In 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 […]

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

Last Updated on September 10, 2021 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 […]

How To Communicate About The Vaccine With Employees

As 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is There Something Good To Gain From All This Hiring?

Last Updated on August 9, 2021 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 […]

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.

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

Last Updated on July 29, 2021 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 […]

Podcast: Gender Identity Considerations In The Workplace

Last Updated on July 28, 2021 In 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 […]

OSHA Revises Its COVID-19 National Emphasis Program

Last Updated on July 14, 2021 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 […]

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

Last Updated on July 12, 2021   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 […]

Podcast: Unemployment Claims Post-COVID. Important Facts & Must-Have Documentation

Last Updated on July 14, 2021 In 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.    

Protecting HR Teams From Burnout

Last Updated on July 12, 2021 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 […]