Let us Help! 2021 COBRA Keeps Changing
Let MyHRConcierge keep you in compliance with the New ARPA COBRA Requirements.
MyHRBuzz Podcast | Feb 09, 2021
Now Streaming! MyHRBuzz…The Podcast
The MyHRBuzz Podcast tackles topics relevant to the world of Human Resources, ranging from Federal compliance to workplace culture.
Learn MorePresident 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 […]
When “John Smith” Is The Wrong “John Smith”- Avoid Adverse Action Lawsuits
Why A Thorough Background Check Is Better than a Rush Job. There are many reasons why employees come and go, and in the rush of a competitive hiring climate, it is important that you get the proper background check, with a company that will get you the results as quickly as possible while following through […]
The ARPA Act Affects COBRA Subsidy Provisions
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law March 11, 2021, provides a 100% subsidy of premiums for employer-sponsored group health insurance continued under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) and similar state continuation of coverage (mini-COBRA) programs.
The American Rescue Plan
The $1.9 trillion relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, has passed Congress and has been signed by President Biden. Highlights of the bill include extended unemployment benefits, direct checks to individuals and more.
2021 Employee Wellness Trends To Watch
Recovering 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 […]
CDC Guidance For Vaccinated People.
CDC Issues Long-awaited Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidance for people who have been fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. Such individuals have been given the go-ahead to resume many activities that have been on hold since the beginning of the pandemic. What’s Changed […]
Podcast: Are You Eligible For Employee Retention 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 wages paid before Dec. 31, 2020. Find out more about this in this detailed article and Podcast.
House Passes $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill
(Updated information will continue to be provided as details are made public.) The House of Representatives has passed its version of President Joe Biden’s proposed stimulus bill, which includes extended unemployment benefits, direct checks to individuals and more. The bill is now with the Senate, where some provisions will likely change. Democrats hope to pass […]
Biden Alters PPP To Benefit Smaller Busineses
The Biden administration recently announced a 14-day period of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payment Protection Program (PPP) when only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for relief.
Updated IRS FAQs on Form W-4
The IRS released a new Form W-4 on December 5, 2020. All of your employees must complete this form, the Employee’s Withholding Certificate, in order to begin employment. We answer some frequently asked questions for employers as well as employees about the new form.
Podcast: Can your business Require Employees to get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Episode 8 of the MyHRBuzz Podcast helps to answer many frequently asked questions by employers about the COVID-19 vaccine. Listen to the conversation between our co-founder, Chris Cooley, and attorney Bill Gault of Nippes, Healy and Gault LLC.
Preparing HR For A Future Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for HR departments. Now, HR is expected to understand public health challenges swiftly and manage them efficiently. MyHRConcierge offers four ways that HR teams can prepare for future public health crises while coping with the current COVID-19 fallout.
Communicating With Employees About COVID-19 Vaccines
Do 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 […]
Now Streaming! MyHRBuzz…The Podcast
The MyHRBuzz Podcast tackles topics relevant to the world of Human Resources, ranging from Federal compliance to workplace culture.
SBA’s PPP Fully Opens for Second Round of Loans
The U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced updates to eligibility for Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan applications, allowing borrowers to apply through larger lenders. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, the portal will open for borrowers to apply for both first (known as First Draw PPP Loans) and second (known […]
5 HR Trends to Monitor in 2021
The 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 […]
Second Round of PPP Accepting Applications
More pandemic relief for SMBs. Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, applications will be accepted for the second round of loans in the SBA’s Payment Protection Program (PPP). This second round includes $284 billion in funding that was allocated for the PPP in the stimulus bill passed on Dec. 27, 2020. This round of funding will run through March 31, 2021.
Infographic: Comparing The COVID-19 Stimulus Plans
On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law. The bill was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year. Notably, the […]
2021 ACA Reporting Deadlines
Affordable Care Act reporting deadlines for the 2020 calendar year are due in early 2021. Learn about this, furnishing deadlines, and penalties for not meeting requirements.
What’s NOT In The Newest Covid-19 Related Stimulus Bill
See an overview of what is included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, designed to deliver $900 billion in COVID-19 related aid.
What’s In The Newest Covid-19 Related Bill: Aid For Businesses
Recently, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law. The bill was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year. Notably, the bill provides funding for […]
What’s In The Newest Covid-19 Related Bill: Unemployment Funding And More…
On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law. The bill was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year. Notably, the […]
PPP Reopened and Second Draw To Come
The Paycheck Protection Program is reopened with over $284B in funds available for new loans and second draw loans.
Stimulus Bill Extends FFCRA Tax Credits but Not Leave Mandate
An appropriations bill, which was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, does not extend the leave mandates created by the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA), which expire on Dec. 31, 2020. As a result, the requirement for employers to provide employee paid sick […]
Trump Signs Stimulus Bill Act Into Law
Stimulus Bill Includes Ban on Surprise Medical Bills On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 into law. The Act includes a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that provides funding for unemployment benefits, direct economic payments to individuals, vaccine distribution and rental assistance. It also includes the No Surprises Act, a […]
Congress Passes $900 Billion in COVID-19 Aid
On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. The bill, which was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year, has been sent to President Donald Trump, and he is expected to sign it into law.
Will the FFCRA be extended or not?
As of now, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) paid-leave requirements will expire on December 31, 2020. The FFCRA provided paid sick leave through the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act for certain coronavirus related instances and extended paid leave for employees with children whose child care was shut down through the Emergency Family and […]
PCORI fee increases in 2021.
The IRS is raising the fee that insurers or self-insured health plan sponsors will pay in 2021 to fund the federal Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) trust fund. The fee will be $2.66 per plan enrollee, up from $2.54 for the 2020 plan year, according to Notice 2020-84, which the IRS issued on Nov. 24, 2020. The […]
Can I Require Employees To Get A COVID-19 Vaccination?
The COVID-19 vaccine has created a new buzz. With hope comes concern and many questions are already beginning to be asked. As COVID-19 vaccines become available, many employers are asking if they can require employees to get vaccinated, and what they can do if workers refuse. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) weighed in with […]
Employee Mental Health, the Holidays and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Learn more about how to support employee mental health during the holiday season.
Emergency Use COVID-19 Vaccination Begins
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for drugmaker Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine, developed in partnership with German drugmaker BioNTech.
The Consequences of Overlooking Labor Poster Compliance
Posting the required labor law posters is one of the most overlooked employer obligations. What are the consequences for businesses who fail to obtain and post their labor law posters?
2021 Labor Poster Compliance
Order 2021 Labor Law Posters in order to maintain the compliance of your small or medium sized business.
CDC Says Shorter Quarantine After Covid-19
During a recent media briefing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an update to quarantine guidelines, offering options for shorter quarantine periods.
Holiday Parties Have Gone Virual?!? It’s a 2020 Thing.
Explore Virtual Workplace Holiday Parties At the end of the calendar year, workplace holiday celebrations are an experience that many employees look forward to as a highlight of the season. These celebrations are often a long-standing tradition allowing employees to celebrate with their colleagues—and sometimes family and guests. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, […]
DHS Extends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility
New Date For I-9 Policy The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19. This temporary guidance was set to expire November 19. Because of ongoing precautions related to COVID-19, DHS […]
The Biden Administration Will Impact HR and the Workplace
New administration means changes to the HR landscape Each presidential transition brings changes to the HR landscape. When President Donald Trump took office in 2016, he overturned or revised many of his predecessor’s federal regulations, a common trend between administrations of opposing parties. It is also something likely to continue under President-elect Joe Biden. With […]
OSHA Fines for COVID-19 Safety Violations
Coronavirus-related safety is serious business. Employers have a duty to keep workplaces free from known hazards—including coronavirus-related dangers—under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. OSHA announced on Nov. 6 that the agency has cited 179 worksites for coronavirus-related violations and proposed a total of $2,496,768 in penalties since the pandemic began, through Oct. 29. […]
Prepare for Flu Season During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Prepare your workplace for flu season during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a variety of steps employers can take to protect employees and prepare for flu season—which may include steps you’ve taken in response to COVID-19—regardless of whether employees are in the office or working remotely. Download our infographic!
Early Data Shows COVID-19 Vaccine Is 90% Effective
Drugmaker Pfizer Inc. announced that early data from its Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial indicates that the vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.
FFCRA Questions Keep Coming
Though it seems that COVID-19 has been top of mind for such a long time, new questions and COVID-19 related scenarios in the workplace keep coming.
This 2020 HR Checklist Helps End The Year In Compliance
See our updated HR Checklist HERE. Out with 2020, in with the new year. In many ways, the final weeks of the year can be a little less demanding for most employees—a season of office parties, celebratory staff lunches, and vacation time. However, it’s one of the busiest periods for HR professionals. Before we can […]
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Available Through Dec. 31, 2020
An employer may claim the WOTC for wages paid to these individuals during their first year of employment, as long as they are hired before Dec. 31, 2020, and work at least 120 hours for the employer during that first year.
Podcast: What’s the Risk? To Screen Or Not To Screen Employees?
It’s always a question for employers. Do I spend the money to screen an employee, and what if I decided not to? There is a real risk! Our answer… It’s a big one. Listen as Kim Lewis, with MyHRScreens™ weighs in on employee screening. The pros and the cons and stories to help you make […]
IRS 2021 Retirement Plan Limits
IRS Announces 2021 Retirement Plan Limits The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Notice 2020-79, containing cost-of-living adjustments for 2021 that affect amounts employees can contribute to 401(k) plans and IRAs, most of which remain unchanged. Key limits that remain unchanged include the following: The employee contribution limit for 401(k) plans will remain $19,500. The […]
Podcast: CA vs. TX Supreme Court Case — ACA in the future
NEW! MyHRBuzz – The Podcast In this episode, we visit with Misty Baker, Director of Compliance and Governmental Affairs for BenefitMall. We will discuss the upcoming CA vs. TX Supreme Court case and how it could potentially affect the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and healthcare going forward. Subscribe and look for more episodes soon! […]
Final Forms and Instructions for 2020 ACA Reporting
Final Forms and Instructions for 2020 ACA Reporting Released The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final 2020 forms and instructions for reporting under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. 2020 Form 1094-B and Form 1095-B (and related instructions) will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage (MEC), including self-insured plan sponsors that […]
How to Hire Top Candidates With Other Job Offers
Hiring can be a time-consuming, costly, and stressful process. Just when you think you’ve found the perfect candidate, you may be faced with the harsh reality that they have multiple job offers. Learn how an applicant tracking system can help make the hiring process smooth and easy
HHS Confirms COVID-19 Still A Health Emergency
HHS Renews COVID-19 Public Health Emergency On Oct. 2, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) renewed its determination that a public health emergency exists as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, effective Oct. 23, 2020. This public health emergency, originally declared to have existed as of Jan. 27, 2020, was previously […]
COVID-19 Update: PPP Loan Forgiveness For Small Loans
SBA Announces Simpler PPP Loan Forgiveness for Smaller Loans The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) recently released a simpler Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application Form 3508S and instructions. This updated, simple two-page application is for borrowers of $50,000 or less and is not for use by borrowers […]
A Helpful 2021 ACA Compliance Checklist
Affordable Care Act: 2021 Compliance Checklist The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made a number of significant changes to group health plans since the law was enacted in 2010. Since that time, a number of changes have been made to various ACA requirements that employers and plan sponsors should be aware of. It is important […]
IRS Relief for 2020 ACA Reporting
Details on IRS Transition Relief for 2020 ACA Reporting On Oct. 2, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2020-76 to: Extend the due date for furnishing forms under Sections 6055 and 6056 for 2020 from Feb. 1, 2021, to March 2, 2021; and Provide a final extension of good-faith transition relief from penalties […]
California Anti-Harassment Training Deadline for 2021
Many employers put off the training in early 2020, due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and hoped by summer they could reschedule. Because in-person training continues to be difficult, many employers thought the governor might further extend the deadline. This is not the case. The deadline still stands, steadfast as January 1, 2021.
Why A Fast Employee Screening Turnaround Matters!
Don’t risk a good candidate to slow screening turnaround. Employee screening is a key focus area for HR professionals to ensure they protect their company and hire the best employees. Fast employee screening turnaround can be the difference between hiring a candidate or losing them to a competitor. You can’t afford to lose good candidates. […]
Time Tracking in the Time of COVID-19
Keeping track of employee productivity has always been important, but it’s even more significant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the majority of employers allowing remote work, accurate time tracking isn’t always a guarantee.
California Update on Family and Medical Leave
California Expands Family and Medical Leave Under the CFRA Effective Jan. 1, 2021, amendments to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) expand the law’s leave requirements to cover employers with at least five employees, provide new grounds for leave and remove leave limits. Explaining the CFRA The CFRA provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave […]
Supreme Court Vacancy May Affect ACA Litigation
On Sept. 18, 2020, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87. Whether the Court vacancy created by Justice Ginsburg’s death should be filled prior to the November election is the subject of much controversy. Under federal law, the President is responsible for nominating a new Supreme Court Justice […]
COVID-19 Infographic: Pandemic Fatigue
Click the graphic below to enlarge and print the following infographic. The supporting article can be found here.
Growing Tired of The Pandemic
Combating Pandemic Fatigue An unintentional phenomenon is on the rise—pandemic fatigue. Many people are tired of staying at home and want to be the social creatures they inherently are. In short, a lot of people want their “normal” back. Pandemic fatigue occurs when people show low motivation or energy to comply with safety guidelines. In […]
Verification of I-9 extended into November for some
Remote Verification of Form I-9 Documents Extended to November 19 Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is allowing employers that are operating remotely to conduct a remote verification of approved Form I-9 documents. On Sept. 15, 2020, DHS extended yet again this exemption for an additional 60 days. […]
DOL Revises FFCRA Regulations
DOL Revises FFCRA Regulations in Response to Court Decision The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued revisions to regulations that implement the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The revisions were issued in response to a New York federal court decision that […]
Pandemic leading to struggles and substance abuse
Substance Abuse Among the Coronavirus Pandemic Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials have cautioned the public about the potential negative mental health effects caused by these uncertain times. Even though staying at home, self-quarantining or isolating when necessary, and social distancing are necessary for preventing the spread of COVID-19, these actions […]
Are You Guilty? Top Mistakes Made In Pre-employment Screening
Are 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 […]
What Records To Keep – FFCRA
What records do I need to keep when my employee takes paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave? Regardless of whether you grant or deny a request for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave, you must document the following: The name of your employee requesting leave; The date(s) for which […]
Recruiting and screening have gone virtual during COVID-19.
Are the days of face to face interviews gone? So much has changed in the job market since COVID-19 arrived. In the area of recruiting, both recruiters and candidates have been forced to adapt to virtual platforms for interviewing, and even going through the complete hiring process from home. Many companies are unexpectedly finding that hiring […]
Updated CDC Information for Quarantine After Exposure to COVID-19
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, employers are discerning appropriate actions to prioritize health and safety within their workplace. Organizations are responsible for protecting the health of their employees, which can include recommending self-quarantine to employees who have been exposed to COVID-19. An exposure to COVID-19 may take place within the workplace, or an employee […]
Form I-9 Extended Another 30 days!
Form I-9 Requirements FlexibilityExtended Past August 18 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19. This temporary guidance was set to expire August 18. Because of ongoing precautions related to […]
DOL Reveals Revised FMLA forms
The Department of Labor (DOL) revised Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms this summer. Extensive changes have been made that require more specific information in notices and medical certifications. The use of the forms is optional as many employers create their own. It is important to note that additional changes to the forms could be […]
COVID-19 Brings Unemployment Related Scams
Unemployment Scams The presence of unemployment-related scams has grown in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Current unemployment scams include both fraudulent claims and unemployment-related phishing attempts. As many employers are currently dealing with the reality of a high amount of unemployment claims, organizations can take steps to prepare for fraudulent activity and to […]
CDC Says: Isolate When…
See the CDC’s guidance for people who have been infected with COVID-19: who needs to isolate, what steps to take, and when to be around people again.
NY Federal Court Partially Vacates FFCRA Leave Regulations
In a case brought by the New York attorney general, a New York federal district court has vacated portions of regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
More Relief in Executive Order By Trump
President Trump Signs Executive Order on Pandemic Relief President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order and three memorandums to address pandemic relief in response to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. After negotiations for a relief package between the White House and lawmakers collapsed, the executive actions extend pandemic unemployment benefits, student […]
To Quarantine Or Not When Exposed Refresher
With Schools Starting Back, An Update About Quarantining When Exposed To COVID-19 If Your Child Becomes Exposed This article compiles important information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit cdc.gov/covid-19 for more information. We know that it is a tense time as we get into yet another month with COVID-19 sheltering and […]
Open Enrollment May Feel Different Among 2020 Pandemic
Post COVID-19: Preparing for an Unprecedented Open Enrollment Period Open enrollment following the COVID-19 pandemic will be unlike any other in recent memory. Many organizations are still trying to recover from extended closures and maintain safe working environments—open enrollment is the last thing on their minds. Yet, procrastinating on enrollment planning can actually cause more […]
Manufacturing Industry Drug Screenings Keep Business Safe And Steady
With notoriously high turnover, as well as a high risk of workplace accidents, it makes sense for a manufacturer to continually screen employees.
COVID-19: Supporting Caregiving Responsibilities
Coronavirus has created a unique and challenging caregiving situation for many. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, day cares and schools shut their doors. Months later, child care centers remain closed in many parts of the country, which means that parents are tasked with juggling caregiving and work responsibilities. In fact, according to a survey […]
Remote I-9 Verification Date Now Aug. 19
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the exemption for the physical inspection of Form I-9 documents has been extended to Aug. 19, 2020. According to the DHS, this will serve as the final extension.
Quarantining When You Have Been Exposed to COVID-19
Learn about what quarantine is, who needs to quarantine, how to quarantine yourself, and some possible scenarios to consider.
Who Should Continue to Work From Home?
Deciding Who Should Continue to Work From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic As businesses across the country continue reopening and the threat of a second wave of COVID-19 cases looms, employers are facing difficult decisions regarding work-from-home arrangements. Some employers are opting to extend work-from-home arrangements until next year, others are asking all employees to […]
COVID-19 Question: Employee Exposed! Is It Too Late?
What should I do if I find out several days later, after an employee worked, they were diagnosed with COVID-19?It can happen… an employee means well, and keeps information to themselves, or delays testing and dismisses symptoms only to find out they are COVID-19 positive. Here is what the CDC recommends.
COVID-19 Forces HR To Adjust
5 Ways COVID-19 Is Reshaping HR The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended the entire world, it seems. With fluctuating infection rates and conflicting official guidance, organizations will need to adapt quickly if they want to succeed in the post-coronavirus landscape. HR teams stand at the forefront of these efforts. For years, HR departments have been […]
Business Hiring Process Reflects COVID-19 Safety
Hiring During COVID-19 Safety Mandates The coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuing to affect the world and many businesses are taking significant measures to mitigate the spread of the disease, including cancelling major conferences, enforcing employee travel bans, and encouraging employees to work from home. As the numbers increase in many areas, employers continue to take steps to ensure the safety […]
Screening Employees Upon Entry to Work
Screening of employees prior to the work day is a strategy that employers can use to lessen the chance of allowing COVID-19 infected people into the workplace.
New Q&As on COVID-19 Workplace Laws
DOL Releases More Q&As on Workplace Laws and COVID-19 Pandemic On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the agency’s publication of additional guidance on applying federal employment laws in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance is in the form of questions and answers added to sets of Q&As the […]
Mandatory Masking for Some Workers
With the recent lift of coronavirus restrictions, more businesses are opening, but the number of cases are still rising. Masks are being advised or mandated in many states to slow the spread.
On W-2 Employers Must Report Pay for FFCRA Leave
Employers are required to report the amount of qualified sick and family leave wages paid to employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on Form W-2, according to guidance from the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. The guidance was provided in Notice 2020-54, issued by the agencies on July 8, 2020.
COVID-19: New Mental Health Needs of Essential Workers
For essential workers, the psychological toll of working in public spaces during the pandemic has been and continues to be significant.
Opening Dialogue and Addressing Bias at Work
How employers can help mitigate bias and discrimination at their business by acknowledging bias, establishing open dialogue, and evaluating current workplace practices.
Is this COVID-19 Case Work-related?
The COVID-19 pandemic is widespread across the country, and it’s likely that employers may be faced with the difficult situation of responding to an employee’s positive diagnosis and determining whether their illness is work-related. Before making any decisions, employers should consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Deadline to apply for PPP extended through August 8.
Congress has passed legislation to extend the application deadline for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through Aug. 8, 2020. Prior to the extension, the deadline to apply for these funds was June 30, 2020. The extension enables eligible small businesses to apply for funding for five more weeks. The legislation has been sent to President Trump, who is expected to sign the measure into law.
Avoid these top mistakes made in screening of employees
Have you ever wished you knew something important before you made a mistake? Important parts of the hiring/re-hiring and management component of a company include background checks and screening. Being thorough about checking into your workforce and continually monitoring, can make a difference. Being diligent about screening can often help your business avoid complex HR […]
What if employees protest ? Expectations.
Employer and employee expectations in protests All around the country we see protests continuing over racial injustice, so what are employers to do if workers are arrested for protesting? Another common question is, what if employees don’t show up for work? It is a good idea for employers to apply their attendance policies consistently, understand the […]
COVID-19: DOL Helpful FFCRA Tool
DOL Launches Employee Tool for Assessing FFCRA Leave Eligibility The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has created an online tool to help workers determine whether they qualify for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The tool works by posing a series of questions that […]
EEOC Issued More COVID-19 Guidance
EEOC issues further Return-to-Work Guidance New Answers to Current Questions regarding return to work and COVID-19 On June 11, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued more guidance concerning COVID-19 and return to work. This article compiles some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) from the new guidance. As a best practice, and in […]
COVID-19 Forward: Questions about masks, distancing and more…
Workplace FAQ’s With OSHA Guidance As the national economy reopens, an unprecedented number of workers will be required to wear faces masks in the workplace for the first time. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the Act), employers must provide a safe work environment for their workers. For many, this will include properly training […]
COVID-19 Infographic: 7 Ways To Prevent Employment Claims
7 Ways To Prevent Employment Claims This helpful infographic lists a few examples of the most common types of claims that may arise as a result of COVID-19. Employers should be aware of these potential issues and proceed accordingly. We suggest sharing this graphic or posting it somewhere for reference. Click the image below to […]
Cyber Criminals Seeking to Capitalize on Coronavirus
Cyber Criminals Taking Advantage of Pandemic Criminals prey on unfortunate circumstances, seeking to capitalize on victims during times of panic and hardship. Unfortunately, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is no exception. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, told individuals to be vigilant about scams related […]
Kim Lewis Adds Strength To Screening Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MyHRScreens™ Strengthens Team With An Expert Hire in Screening Services Ridgeland, MS— June 23, 2020 — MyHRScreens™ is proud to announce and welcome Kim Lewis as Client Development Manager. MyHRScreens™ is a background check and screening company and is a sister company to MyHRConcierge®. Lewis will develop and spearhead initiatives for […]
SBA Releases EZ Forgiveness Application
The SBA’s Streamlined Loan Forgiveness Application The Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of Treasury recently released a streamlined loan forgiveness application called the EZ Forgiveness Application. This newly released three-page EZ application is significantly shorter than the traditional loan forgiveness application and requires fewer calculations and less documentation than the full application. Who can […]