Human Resources

Taking the Pulse: Use Employee Polls to Head Off Workplace Issues

Often companies decide to conduct formal employee surveys when leaders "begin to feel that things have turned slowly south," or when a crisis hits, says Tom Agnew, co-author of a book titled "The Enemy of Engagement, Put an End to Workplace Frustration — and Get...

02 March, 2020

New Hire Reporting: Are You In Compliance?

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) is a federal law that requires employers to report specific information on new hires and rehired employees to the state. Generally, all new employees and rehires who are required to complete a Form W-4...

24 February, 2020

Your Most Common Payroll Questions, Answered

Payroll is one of the most complex administrative tasks employers face. And because of the tremendous importance of payroll to American households and the economy, there are many rules surrounding it. Here are answers to some payroll and employment questions you may have: Q. Is an...

17 February, 2020

Stop Tardiness and Attendance Problems with Clear Policies

Tardiness and absences. These are problems every employer and supervisor has to deal with at one time or another. And they are problems which cost employers money, are disruptive to co-workers, and tend to lower morale. A good way to reduce tardiness and absences is to...

13 February, 2020

From the HR Support Center: New Form I-9 Released

On January 31, 2020, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a new Form I-9. The form is dated 10/21/2019 and should be used immediately. USCIS is allowing employers a three-month grace period, however, during which the old form (dated 07/17/2017) may be...

03 February, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Can We Reduce Hours and Pay to Accommodate a Disability?

We have an employee who has an illness covered by the Americans with Disability Act. The employee provided us with a letter from her doctor stating that she needs to be able to work from home 2 to 3 days per week. This employee is...

27 January, 2020

Employee Loans and Their Tax Consequences

A salary, or wage, advance is a type of short-term loan from an employer to an employee. The employee receiving the advance must pay back the money within a specified time frame, as dictated by the company's salary advance policy. Under federal law, employers can make...

22 January, 2020

From the HR Support Center: When Is It Appropriate to Use a Performance Improvement Plan?

When is it appropriate to use a performance improvement plan as opposed to a disciplinary action notice or a record of employee conversation? Performance improvement plans (PIPs) are best suited for performance issues, such as an employee not hitting their required sales goals or failing to...

20 January, 2020

From the HR Support Center: What Federal Laws Will Apply to Us When We Reach 15 Employees?

We are about to hire our 15th employee. I heard that some federal regulations go into effect then. What do I need to know about these? Once you have 15 employees, the federal laws below would apply to you. Here is a brief summary of what...

13 January, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Can We Require That At-Will Employees Give Notice Before Leaving?

How do I keep an employee at-will but require them to give notice before leaving? Unfortunately, an employer may not simultaneously utilize the at-will employment provisions and require that an employee provide notice ahead of separation. Instead, we recommend requesting that employees provide notice as a...

06 January, 2020