The MyHRBuzz Podcast tackles topics relevant to the world of Human Resources, ranging from Federal compliance to workplace culture.
Learn MoreDOL 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
6 Ways For Your Business to Prevent a Second Wave Of Infection The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted states and regions in different ways. A second wave of cases may follow the same suit, affecting different regions at different times and in varying capacities. Similar to conducting a risk assessment for planning to reopen following the […]
Organizations can boost their recruiting efforts by ensuring that their employer brand is resonating with those seeking employment, and importantly, meeting the evolving needs of job seekers.
Employers should consult legal counsel regarding the monitoring of employees working remotely.
Monitoring Remote Workers Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more employees are working remotely than ever before. And, even as businesses begin to reopen across the country, remote work will likely remain popular for the foreseeable future. While remote work arrangements help keep employees healthy and safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they […]
Preparing for a Second Wave of COVID-19 Cases Even as stay-at-home orders and restrictions are lifted, daily operations won’t be business-as-usual for many across the country. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still going on, despite businesses reopening. Moreover, public health officials and experts are warning of a potential second wave of COVID-19 cases. Of course, […]
An Updated Q&A On EEOC Employer Guidance on Coronavirus and the ADA 1. QUESTION: Is an employee entitled to an accommodation under the ADA in order to avoid exposing a family member who is at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to an underlying medical condition? ANSWER: No. Although the ADA prohibits discrimination […]
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are not new concepts. However, as the threat of COVID-19 shifts, it’s important for businesses to not simply have a plan, but fully embrace those concepts. People have gained new and varied perspectives while living through and preparing to emerge from the pandemic. What Is Inclusion? Although often used […]
Click HERE to print and share the below infographic. For more information regarding HR policies during the COVID-19 crisis, or other HR needs, contact MyHRConcierge at 1-855-538-6947 x.108 or email ccooley@myhrconcierge.com.
Have a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan Grocery and food retail establishment employers should have a COVID-19 health and safety plan to protect employees, following CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. This plan should be shared with you and your coworkers. Employers should: Reduce Transmission Among Employees Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if […]
Trump Signs Amendment to Paycheck Protection Program into Law Since being established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act in March 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been the subject of additional stimulus bills, legal guidance and interim final rules. In the latest development, Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program […]
Infographic: 7 Ways To Prevent Employment Claims As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the United States, there has been a massive upheaval of the American workplace. Employers have found themselves drafting and implementing policies and procedures addressing a wide array of issues including remote work, layoffs, furloughs, pay cuts, workplace conditions and many more. Not […]
States Update Employee Leave Requirements for Coronavirus States are increasingly enacting laws and issuing new rules and guidance on employee leave taken as a result of COVID-19. State actions on employee leave come in addition to paid employee leave required by the Families First Coronavirus Act passed by Congress. Key features of new laws and […]
Recruiting Post-Coronavirus Like most aspects of the workplace, recruiting norms have changed as organizations prepare their post-coronavirus plans. While unemployment rates remain high, many employers find themselves struggling to connect with the right candidates. Employers can boost their recruiting efforts in the current employment market by ensuring that their employer brand is resonating with those […]
Considerations For Conducting A Remote Layoff Conducting a layoff is never easy—and conducting a layoff virtually adds new challenges for employers. While difficult for both the employer and employees effected, employers can improve this process by utilizing best practices. Effective remote layoffs can ease this difficult time for laid-off employees, while avoiding risk for the […]
Employers Learn More About Work-Life Balance The coronavirus pandemic has sparked one of the largest social experiments in history. Virtually overnight, businesses across the world have been forced to rethink how they operate. Decisions made during this uncertain period will resonate for years and may serve as the base for a new, remote lifestyle post-coronavirus. […]
See our guide to the most common potential causes of action related to COVID-19 that may lead to employment-related litigation.
On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule that allows employers to pay bonuses or other incentive-based pay to salaried, nonexempt employees whose hours vary from week to week. The final rule clarifies that payments in addition to the fixed salary are compatible with the use of the fluctuating […]
Handling the Influx of Remote Work Requests 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 forced to go online and quickly adapt to a remote-only work environment. Now, as the pandemic evolves […]
Webinar On-Demand: The New Regulatory Landscape in 2020 The coronavirus outbreak has created many new challenges to the payroll tax business and operations. As we attempt to find reliable resources for updates, we want to share with you what we know regarding navigating through this ongoing crisis as it relates to payroll taxes. In this […]
Dealing with COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety If you’re feeling stressed and anxious during these uncertain times, you’re not alone. According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly 60% of Americans reported daily stress and worry due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily life and caused stress and anxiety for many. If […]
Back To Work Cleaning Checklist Amongst COVID-19 Workplace cleanliness is on our minds. Use this helpful, downloadable checklist to help prepare your workplace after the COVID-19 quarantine. Click on the image below to download. For more information regarding HR policies during the COVID-19 crisis, or other HR needs, contact MyHRConcierge at 1-855-538-6947 x.108 or email […]
Consider These Practices When Heading Back To Work While we are all anxious to get back to a normal pace, things are still not quite normal. It is important for us to continue to be aware of personal space and cleanliness to mitigate continual spread of COVID-19 as we return to our offices. For […]
Adjusting to Screening Changes The coronavirus pandemic and its disease, COVID-19, have disrupted HR departments across the country. Essential tasks are now getting bogged down due to staffing shortages and shelter-in-place orders. This can make it even harder for the businesses still managing to operate during the pandemic, especially when it comes to hiring. Now […]
Business Travel After COVID-19 Travel—for both business and leisure—worldwide has virtually come to a standstill during the coronavirus pandemic. At this point, nobody knows when it will come back. Whenever that time comes though, travel will certainly be different than it was before. Airports, airlines, hotels and car rental companies will likely be taking new […]
EEOC Updates Employer Guidance on Coronavirus and the ADA On May 7, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how employers should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) while also observing all applicable emergency workplace safety guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic. The new FAQs […]
Many businesses have questions and concerns as they consider re-opening after the COVID-19 Crisis. This webinar addresses many of these concerns and answers to questions on this topic.
Coronavirus Back to Work Action Plan for Small to Mid Sized Businesses As you navigate your way back and mitigate the risks of your return, this work action plan pdf can help to lay out some guidelines and things to consider for your business. Click the image below to view and download the PDF. For […]
. WAU.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Issues New Model Notices for COBRA The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued new model notices for group health plan administrators to use to comply with COBRA notification requirements, the agency announced on May 1, 2020. Plan administrators are not required to use the updated model notices. However, […]
What does Working After COVID-19 Sheltering Look Like? There was no way to predict the change in the workplace landscape that would take place mid-March of 2020. As a small business owner, you not only feel financial threat and health fears but also all kinds of new learning, remote and virtual. There are pros and […]
As we near a re-opening phase of the Coronavirus crisis, many workers are leery about stepping back into the workforce. Some essential workers are even refusing to come to work out of fear of contracting the coronavirus. It’s important for employers to think about the employees’ legal rights and health concerns as well as trying to meet the organizations’ business needs.
Senate Passes $484 Billion Coronavirus Relief Package On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the U.S. Senate voted on and passed the newest coronavirus aid bill, which includes funding for small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing. This announcement comes almost two weeks after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that small businesses don’t need to worry about not […]
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) gives some great guidance for • Discontinuing Isolation following a COVID-19 Diagnosis and • Those essential workers that have ben exposed to COVID-19 These Helpful Infographics can be printed and shared. Click on the images below. For more information regarding HR policies during the COVID-19 crisis, COVID-19 […]
Deciding whether to lay off or furlough employees is not an easy task. Employers must weigh the welfare of their employees against the financial realities of running a business. In these situations, transparency is key for a smooth transition.
Conducting a Risk Assessment Even after the government allows businesses to reopen, firms still need to determine if it makes sense to resume operations. Safely restarting your business won’t be as simple as unlocking the front door. Before reopening, businesses should perform a risk assessment to determine what steps must be taken. While the complexity […]
Reopening a Business After the Coronavirus Shutdown As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have an unprecedented effect on daily life, many business owners are looking forward to the future and a return to normalcy. However, even when stay-at-home orders are lifted and nonessential businesses are allowed to resume operations, there’s a lot for organizations […]
We’re Still At it. Social Distancing and Teleworking Takes Its Toll For many workers, their new “normal” routine consists of getting out of bed and logging on to work. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shifted the workplace from the office to kitchen tables and living rooms for thousands of employees. This shift to […]
Employee Stress Surrounding the Coronavirus Pandemic, Easing Into Uncertain Times As the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus increases daily, employers, employees and their families are experiencing immense uncertainty. As businesses across the country are temporarily closing, many aren’t able to compensate their employees during the closures. While this may not be the case for […]
CDC Recommendations: What to do following a diagnosis or exposure On April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for discontinuing home isolation following a COVID-19 diagnosis. The CDC also issued guidance for what essential workers should do following exposure to COVID-19. CDC Guidance for Essential Workers Who Have Been […]
Recently the Department of Labor (DOL) issued clarifications to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) regarding the “health care provider” exemption to employer-provided paid time off and paid leave.
IRS Notice 2020-23 extends the Form 5500 filing deadline for ERISA-covered retirement and welfare plans that have an original or extended filing deadline on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020. These plans have until July 15, 2020, to file their Forms 5500.
Employers should become familiar with the expanded benefits available under the CARES Act and advise any workers who may qualify for them to apply through the UI agency of the state in which the workers were employed. Employers should also monitor DOL and applicable state websites for guidance on how the benefits will be administered. […]
Treasury Secretary Says More Funding Coming for Small Businesses In a press interview on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that small businesses don’t need to worry about not being able to receive funding from the U.S. government in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. He added that the […]
What employers need to know about the Emergency Paid Sick Leave & Emergency Paid Leave Act.
Is Your Business Eligible for Employee Retention Tax Credits Employers whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for an employee retention tax credit. The amount of the credit is 50% of qualifying wages paid, up to $10,000 in total. Employers can be reimbursed for the credit by reducing their payroll tax […]
10 Ways to manage symptoms of COVID-19 at home. Click on the graphic below to print the PDF
This form may be used by an employee to request paid sick leave. This form accommodates a new type of leave that can be used by an employee in the event they need to stay home in order to care for their child whose school or child care facility has been closed due to coronavirus […]
The Look-back Measurement Method and COVID-19 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires applicable large employers (ALEs) to offer affordable, minimum value health coverage to their full-time employees or possibly pay a penalty. This employer mandate is also known as the “employer shared responsibility” or “pay or play” rules. ALEs can use one of two methods […]
A Question about Employee Notification Requirements Under the FFCRA We have received many questions regarding what documentation an employer can require from an employee that is requesting paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave. On April 1, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) provided some clarification of the information an employer can require […]
Easing Employee Stress Surrounding the Coronavirus Pandemic The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which was first detected in Wuhan, China in late December 2019, has now spread to over 150 countries, including the United States. As the number of confirmed cases increases daily, employers, employees and their families are experiencing immense uncertainty. As businesses across […]
Employee Retention Tax Credits for Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) creates an employee retention tax credit, which is designed to encourage eligible employers to keep employees on their payroll, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19. The employee retention credit is a fully refundable tax credit […]
Clarifications of Exemption Process for Employers Under 50 On April 1, 2020; the Department of Labor (DOL) released clarifications regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. One of the clarifications related to the ability of employers with fewer than 50 employees to be exempt from the Act. Under the Act, these employers have to be […]
In response to the American economy reeling from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the federal government recently signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Among other provisions, the CARES Act provides businesses suffering under the debilitating effects of the pandemic with unprecedented access to emergency loans. This document will serve […]
IRS Regulations and guidance for the FFCRA We recently learned that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued regulations for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) today, which confirmed that employees must give notice to their employers of the need to take leave and provide documentation to support paid sick leave and emergency family […]
IRS FAQs: FFCRA Tax Credits for Small and Midsize Businesses The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the FFCRA) tax credits apply to small and midsize businesses. The FFCRA, was signed by President Trump on March 18, 2020, provides small and […]
COVID-19 on Various Surfaces A Helpful Infographic. Click here to download. For more information regarding HR policies during the COVID-19 crisis, COVID-19 support and information or other HR needs, contact MyHRConcierge at 1-855-538-6947 x.108 or email ccooley@myhrconcierge.com.
Responding to an Employee’s Positive Coronavirus Test As the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases grows daily, employers across the country are dealing with the difficult situation of responding to an employee’s positive COVID-19 test. Employers are responsible for handling the situation swiftly to protect the health of other employees while preserving the affected […]
Common questions about direct payment from the COVID-19 stimulus bill. The $2 trillion stimulus bill intended to help offset the financial burdens created by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now law. The package will send direct payments to Americans. This article contains answers to questions you may have about those payments. How much should I […]
What Criteria Determine If I am Exempt from the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act? One of the most frequent questions that we have received since the passing of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) is how can an employer become exempt from the Act. Under […]
$2 Trillion Stimulus Package Moving Forward as COVID-19 Concern Builds The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put a major strain on every aspect of daily life around the world, including the United States. As spread of the disease shows no sign of slowing down, there is a steadily increasing concern in the United States regarding the […]
Part two of a few more questions around the topic of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave portion of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. InterviewCOVIDPart2EmployerQ&AEmergencyPaidSickLeaveAct_1 from MyHRConcierge on Vimeo. For more information regarding HR policies during the COVID-19 crisis, COVID-19 support and information or other HR needs, contact MyHRConcierge at 1-855-538-6947 x.108 or email ccooley@myhrconcierge.com.
Guidance For Employers During the COVID-19 Pandemic We know this is a stressful time, as employers struggle to understand their responsibilities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some key issues to keep in mind when navigating COVID-19’s impact on the workplace. 1. Promote Safe and Healthy Work Environments During this pandemic, make sure […]
Presentation by MyHRConcierge’s Chris Cooley for BenefitMall, a national provider of employee benefits, payroll, HR, and employer services.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020—after days of debate—Congress agreed to a $2 trillion economic rescue package designed to provide financial assistance to Americans and their families, and billions of dollars in loans for businesses. Details are still being hashed out. The package is the largest fiscal stimulus in modern U.S. history and is the government’s […]
Download the updated employee rights poster for paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the FFCRA. The DOL requires employers to display official DOL posters where employees can readily observe them.
On March 20, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will defer the physical presence requirements when reviewing an employee’s documents related to the Form I-9. What should you do?
What employees need to know about the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act & the Emergency Paid Leave Act.
Click HERE to Register
Given the implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, countless employees across a variety of industries are working remotely. While this allows businesses to remain operational, it can create a number of risks, particularly for those who fail to take the proper precautions.
COVID-19 Support Package It is important the employers stay up to date with the ongoing COVID-19 legislation to understand how it affects their business. In order to help employers, MyHRConcierge is offering the COVID-19 Support Package help you keep up with the ever-changing laws relating to COVID-19, as well as, answer questions you may have. […]
HR professionals are more important than ever during a crisis! We know that in a normal working routine absent of COVID-19 response, Human Resources (HR) is critical. HR professionals, help to establish policy and inter-office protocols, support in a problem solving and human culture of employment, and stand alongside employers as they handle unusual and […]
Questions explained to employers regarding the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act portion of the new bill recently passed by Congress in response to COVID-19
Emergency Paid Sick Leave within the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Know The Facts! A Helpful Q & A As part of the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act”, the “Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act” (the “Act”) was passed. The Act was passed to provide compensation to eligible employees that are not working due to […]
MyHRConcierge’s co-founder Chris Cooley answers FAQ in detail for employers regarding COVID-19 and the effect within the workplace.
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act Know The Facts! A Helpful Q & A As part of the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act”, the “Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act” (the “Act”) was passed. The Act was passed to expand the Family Medical Leave Act to provide job protections and income to eligible employees […]
President Trump Signs the Families First Coronavirus Act Effective April 2, 2020
Employers should heed compliance WARN Act will be important during COVID-19 fallout As the COVID-19 quarantines continue, many companies are struggling and will be forced to perform mass layoffs or plant closings. As companies go through the decision-making process related to these layoffs, they should make sure they stay compliant with the Workers Adjustment and […]
Telecommuting/working from home is new for many. As more and more employees work from home for the first time, We have provided a helpful guide to assist in their transition. We suggest employers share this with their workforce.
Employer COVID-19 Concerns A Coronavirus Reality: Furloughs With the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic literally “hitting home,” a number of employers are considering , or already have begun, the process of placing large numbers of their employees on furlough or terminating employment altogether. As we monitor the situation, new information will continue to surface and […]
A video resource for handling COVID-19 illness and symptoms at home. HandlingCOVID-19at home_1-mediashare
Telecommuting Authorization Form A sample form for you to use as a guideline for employees as they navigate telecommuting in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
In the wake of COVID-19, we will keep the Human in HR. We are especially sensitive to HR challenges as well as the employer’s role in this fast-changing situation. We have created special and specific content around this crisis for your information, which can be found in a special COVID-19 category in MyHRBuzz.
Dear Employee, As an employer we know you all want to be sure to maintain a cohesive and unified message during this time. So what should you tell your employees? What message should an employer send about the Coronavirus response that is compliant and informative as well? Attached is a helpful letter that can serve […]
Do you know your company’s sick leave policy? Because of the nature of this widespread health scare, it is important for employers to identify whether their state or local paid-sick-leave laws cover situations where employees are directed to stay home due to their own illness, concerns they may become ill, a relative’s illness, or school or business closings.
Helping Employees Embrace Workplace Change Workplace changes are common across all organizations. Although some employees may embrace various changes to company systems or procedures, most individuals find workplace changes to be confusing, stressful and overwhelming. A recent study found that 71% of employees who experienced a large company change within the last year were less […]
Two New Model COBRA Notices Available from the Dept. of Labor The Department of Labor (DOL), through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has released updated versions of its model COBRA General Notice and model COBRA Election Notice, both with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2023. To administer coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget […]
How can a virus or global health emergency affect your HR protocol? In this article there are a few great things to consider in HR in regard to any virus, or health scare such as the Coronavirus. MyHRConcierge cares about your workplace wellness.
Did you konw there is a new I-9 ? Get the most current information on transitioning to the new I-9 as well as information on the I-9 itsef.
Making the Smart Hire Makes Sense Hiring the right employee is a challenge in any small to medium size business. Hiring has never been easy, but the current business trends are more challenging than we may have predicted. As a business owner it is important to adapt to the trends and to implement systems within […]
MyHRScreens Press Release January 2020.
Keep your employees happy, healthy, and satisfied in 2020 by keeping up on the latest trends for human resources Workplace Wellness programs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 15, 2020 Ridgeland, MS— January 15, 2020 —MyHRConcierge will start 2020 by launching a new product called MyHIRE. This service is a fully integrated, and user-friendly hiring and applicant tracking service (ATS) that is designed to make hiring easy for everyone. It is a fully integrated system that includes […]
