HR Chat w/Employco USA: Bossware

Curious about how companies are tracking remote employees? Join Rob and Jason in this HR Chat as they break down the rise of “bossware” — the latest tech monitoring tools, from tracking mouse movements to seat scales. With many employers pushing for a return to the office, they explore the balance between productivity and privacy.

Need guidance on remote work policies? Contact hr@employco.com.

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Managing Politics in the Workplace

Join Rob and Jason in this HR Chat as they discuss managing political conversations at work during election season. With 83% of employees engaging in workplace political discussions—and nearly the same number preferring to avoid them—they’ll share how employers can balance free speech with maintaining a respectful environment. Learn tips on updating policies to prevent conflicts, foster civil discourse, and navigate legal limits on regulating political talk.

Need help with your company’s policies? Contact hr@employco.com.

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Employees Not Taking Earned PTO + Stealth PTO

In this latest HR Chat, Rob and Jason discuss recent trends and survey results surrounding PTO (Paid Time Off) usage, revealing that a significant percentage of U.S. employees aren’t fully utilizing their earned time off. They explore the reasons behind this, from the challenges of disconnecting to the rise of “stealth PTO” where employees take time off without officially recording it, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments.

They also highlight the benefits of taking PTO, not just for personal well-being but also for boosting productivity and engagement upon return. If your organization is facing similar challenges, reach out to us at hr@employco.com – we’d love to help!

Podcast: Politics in the Workplace

In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason delve into the complex issue of politics in the workplace. With the election season in full swing, many employees find themselves caught in political conversations they’d rather avoid. The team examines a revealing SHRM survey, which shows that while 83% of employees have engaged in political discussions at work, almost the same number wish they hadn’t. They also explore the delicate balance employers must maintain between free speech and a respectful workplace, updating workplace policies, coaching supervisors, ensuring heated political debates don’t escalate into conflicts involving protected classes, and more.

If your company needs guidance on drafting or updating policies, don’t hesitate to reach out to hr@employco.com.

Podcast: Politics in the Workplace

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Lower Pay Increases Planned for 2025

As businesses start preparing their budgets for 2025, recent surveys indicate a downward trend in merit raises. Join Rob and Jason in this HR Chat as they discuss lower pay increases, cost of living adjustments, employee attraction and retention, the importance of company culture and benefits, and more.

Stay ahead of the curve and contact hr@employco.com for help with employee attraction and retention strategies.

HR Chat w/Employco USA: FTC Non-Compete Ban Still Effective for Sept 4 (for now)

Join Rob and Jason in this HR Chat as they discuss the upcoming changes surrounding the FTC’s non-compete ban, which is expected to take effect on September 4th. They provide insights into what this could mean for employers and employees, emphasizing the need for preparation and clear communication – “be ready.”

The discussion also outlines some of the differences between non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants, providing practical advice to help businesses stay ahead of these changes and maintain compliance. Reach out to hr@employco.com for HR assistance on these topics and more.

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Best Practices for Employee Terminations

Join Rob and Jason in this HR Chat as they explore best practices for employee terminations. Learn how to avoid terminations through training and coaching, plan the termination process carefully considering state laws and safety, and keep the conversation short and to the point.

We’ve created a checklist with best practices for the termination process. Reach out to us at hr@employco.com for a copy.

Podcast: Best Practices for Workplace Drug Testing

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they dive into best practices for workplace drug testing. In this episode, they cover the alarming increase in drug test cheating and the growing positivity rates in office environments. They explore the four common types of drug testing from an employer’s perspective, discuss whether pre-employment drug testing makes sense for your organization, examine the impact of state laws and legalized marijuana, and more.

They also share information on valuable resources, including a reasonable suspicion checklist, HR Insights articles, and tips on enhancing your drug testing program. Reach out to hr@employco.com for more details.

Podcast: Best Practices for Workplace Drug Testing

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Mid-Year Changes to Benefits

We’re over halfway through the year, and summer is in full swing. Join Rob and Jason in this HR chat as they explore which benefit plan changes are allowed outside of open enrollment. They highlight qualifying events, the difference between a calendar year and a plan year, benefits that can be changed at any time, and more.

Check out this chat for some helpful reminders as we enter the second half of the year, and let us know if you have any questions at hr@employco.com.

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Impact of Supreme Court Change to Chevron Deference

The Supreme Court overruled Chevron deference in a 6-3 decision. Join Rob and Jason in this HR chat as they give some background info and discuss how this might affect several pending laws such as the overtime threshold, non-compete ban, independent contractor status, and more.

Check out our HR newsletter article for more details on this topic: U.S. Supreme Court Overrules Chevron Deference

Reach out to hr@employco.com if you have any questions on how this may impact employers.