Human Resources

Six Tips to Improve Company Morale

Have you ever worked in a company that was having a morale-boosting initiative? Remember the tense hush that fell in the conference room when it was announced? The meaning-laden glances the employees shot each other? They were all picturing the same things: Mandatory after-work happy...

12 July, 2021

From the HR Support Center: Can we require employees to have childcare if they work from home?

We do not recommend having a policy that stipulates childcare is necessary. For one thing, in practice, it often isn’t necessary. Lots of employees are able to do their jobs just fine while supervising children in the home. Imposing this requirement (and a huge financial...

08 July, 2021

FSAs and HSAs: Know the Differences

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-favored health plans that enable people to save money to pay for medically related expenses. Both FSAs and HSAs operate like a personal savings account. However, the money in these accounts can only be used for...

05 July, 2021

From the HR Support Center: Can we still require that employees wear masks?

Can we still require that employees wear masks at work? You can, yes. While the CDC has announced that those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 may go without a mask in most places, private employers still have the right to enforce mask wearing policies in their...

01 July, 2021

From the HR Support Center: Can we prohibit personal phone use during work hours?

Employees are spending a lot of time on their phones (scrolling social media, browsing the internet, listening to music or podcasts). Can we prohibit personal phone use during work hours? Yes, you can limit or prohibit use of personal devices during work hours. Employees can be...

24 June, 2021

4 Ways to Boost Your 401(k) Participation Rate

Although many employees take advantage of their employer's 401(k) plan offerings, some do not. In a 2017 report, Pew Research cited the following reasons for lack of participation: more pressing financial needs, problems with eligibility, or saving for children's tuition or the down payment on...

22 June, 2021

Is Tuition Reimbursement Worth It for Employers?

We live in a fast-paced society where people are forever on the go. There's hardly ample time for work-life balance, let alone continuing education. Yet studies show that employees want opportunities for learning and development. According to a Gallup survey, 87 percent of millennials say professional...

21 June, 2021

Can Employers Require Employees to Show Their Social Security Card?

There are two instances in which an employee may present you with their Social Security card: for payroll purposes and for I-9 purposes. But, while you can ask that employees show you their Social Security card for payroll purposes, you cannot tell them to use...

18 June, 2021

What Is Pay-As-You-Go Workers’ Compensation?

Most employers must carry workers' compensation insurance. Employers can typically purchase the insurance policy through either the state or a private insurance company. Under a traditional policy, premiums are based on your estimated payroll for the upcoming policy year. This anticipated premium can be paid as...

17 June, 2021

To Give or Not to Give Unlimited Vacation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 77 percent of private-sector employees received paid vacation time according to 2018 stats. Employers provide paid vacation or PTO as a way of encouraging employee productivity and remaining competitive in the job market. Typically, employees accrue vacation/PTO, up to...

15 June, 2021