The Employco HR team members continue to provide expertise and serve as a valuable resource for navigating the pressing challenges facing employers today. This team fields questions each day from employers seeking answers to their HR questions. In recent months, employers have been requesting clarification or seeking guidance on benefits, the new overtime rule, Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility, and specific leave of absence situations. While questions surrounding these topics can vary based on locality, employer, and individual circumstances, federal agencies offer guidance that can aid employers in addressing day-to-day challenges in the workplace.

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In today’s rapidly evolving employment landscape, managers and HR professionals are crucial in shaping and driving organizational success. However, the role has become increasingly complex. By staying current on trends companies can plan for changing compliance requirements, navigate new technologies, and adapt to employee needs. This can ultimately enable your management and HR teams to contribute meaningfully to their organizations by better attracting, developing, and retaining talent; driving employee engagement; and fostering innovation.

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Rhode Island Passes Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program – On June 26, 2024, Senate Bill 2045 was signed into law, establishing a state-operated retirement savings program called Rhode Island Secure Choice. Employers who do not already offer a retirement savings plan will be required to offer workers access to the Secure Choice program, which will be administered by the Office of the General Treasurer and implemented in phases.

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On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce. The Court overruled its 1984 decision in Chevron, U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council Inc., which held that courts should defer to federal agencies to interpret ambiguities and gaps in the laws that the agencies implement (known as Chevron deference).

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The following 2 case study reports provide real-world examples of employers found to be in violation of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws or in violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The case studies include snapshots of violations and general guidance on how employers can prevent similar issues. Employers can examine these case studies to learn from the mistakes of others and avoid costly violations.

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In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing workplaces, employee retention is at the top of many employers’ minds. As such, savvy employers are offering continuous learning and development (L&D) opportunities to make their organizations attractive places to work and stay. Employers who invest in robust L&D programs not only enhance their workforce’s skills and knowledge but may also boost employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational performance.

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Workplace drug testing programs are designed to help maintain a safe work environment by identifying and discouraging drug use. Since the 1980s, when companies began implementing drug tests, there has been a consistent decline in drug use among employees who are tested. Determining the appropriate utilization for drug tests is crucial for selecting the right drug testing solution for your organization. The most common reasons for conducting drug tests are pre-employment screenings, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion.

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California: Preparing for the New Workplace Violence Prevention Law – On Sept. 30, 2023, California enacted the California Workplace Violence Prevention Law (WVPL), enforced by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). The WVPL takes effect on July 1, 2024, and requires most employers in the state to comply with expansive workplace violence prevention requirements.

Read more: California HR Compliance Bulletin

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