Human Resources

President Trump Signs Paycheck Protection Program Extension

CNN - President Donald Trump on Saturday signed an extension of the small business loan Paycheck Protection Program into law, according to the White House. House lawmakers unanimously passed the extension less than a day after the program expired, and PPP will now remain open to applications through August...

06 July, 2020

Making the Workplace a Safe Place to Speak Up

Right now, organizations across the country are asking themselves what they can do to make their workplaces more inclusive, diverse, and equitable, particularly for Black employees. They’re hosting conversations, acknowledging areas where they’ve fallen short, and identifying opportunities for improvement. For these efforts to be successful,...

02 July, 2020

Excel For HR Functions vs. Payroll Partners Software

Most businesses use Excel for HR functions. And some use Excel for ALL HR functions. Excel is powerful, no doubt about it. Twenty-five years ago it was the only game in town. But there are better options today. Payroll Partners has solutions for all of your HR...

01 July, 2020

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of LGBTQ Employment Protections

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that employers may not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment. This decision affects all employers with 15 or more employees. The decision was a response to three separate cases, all of which were...

24 June, 2020

Texas to Reinstate Work-Search Requirement for Unemployment Benefits

As COVID-19 continues spreading, the Texas Workforce Commission says out-of-work Texans will have to prove they are searching for work to receive unemployment benefits beginning July 6. Texans receiving unemployment benefits will once again have to prove they have searched for jobs or tried to reopen...

22 June, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Can we deny an employee’s use of accrued vacation time?

Yes, the decision to approve or deny the use of accrued vacation time is up to you, assuming you do so in a consistent and non-discriminatory manner. It would be acceptable, for example, to deny a vacation request because approving it would leave you without...

19 June, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Can We Screen Employees Returning to Work for COVID-19?

Yes. Generally, inquiries about an employee’s health or a medical exam (like a temperature check) would not be allowed, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated that screening employees for symptoms of COVID-19 is allowed since it is a direct threat to others...

05 June, 2020

Telecommuting, Coronavirus and You

Usually, when companies begin moving from an office-based to a virtual model, they do it gradually, with plenty of planning and training. However, thanks to COVID-19, many businesses are seeing the need to quickly empty out offices and send everyone home to keep the virus from...

03 June, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Do we still have to provide emergency paid sick leave or expanded FMLA if we lay off or furlough employees?

Do we still have to provide emergency paid sick leave or expanded FMLA if we lay off or furlough employees? No. Employers who are closed — either due to lack of business or a state or local order — do not have to provide these leaves....

29 May, 2020

Retool, Retrench, and Rebuild: A Framework for Managing Your Workforce Through Uncertainty

Pivoting in Uncertain Times Uncertainty is uncomfortable—and inspirational. Companies across America are pivoting to meet new demand and rethink operations. They combine creativity, determination, and technology to retool, retrench and rebuild. New production lines, online shops, takeout, curbside service, home delivery, remote work, drive-by clinics and...

26 May, 2020