H.R. expert explains what employers need to know about new marijuana regulations

Research shows that there has been a 33 percent increase in positive drug tests on employees.

“We are looking at an increase in employee usage of marijuana in industries across the board,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA (a national employment-solutions firm) and human resources expert. “Most importantly, test results showed that there was a double-digit jump of marijuana use in transportation and warehouse fields, which could be very problematic as operating heavy machinery while under the influence of marijuana could be very dangerous indeed.”

However, with 10 states making it legal to use marijuana recreationally, and 33 states making it legal to use medically, employers might wonder what rights they have when taking a hard line on drug use in the workplace.

“Your ability to monitor drug use among your employees is going to depend on whether or not you are a unionized or private workplace,” says Wilson. “While you have the right to expect and require sobriety from workers on the job, it can become a bit tricky when you suspect drug use and want to act on your fears.”

Wilson says that if you work in a non-unionized environment, you should ask a supervisor or human resources team member to help you determine if an employee is under the influence of marijuana.

“If your suspicions are backed up by other leaders in your company, you can discipline and even terminate your employee,” says Wilson.

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Human resources expert discusses ageism in the workplace and what employers need to know about managing older workers

Ageism continues to be a growing concern in the workplace, with a new study finding that over half of workers who are 50+ years say that they have been pushed out of their positions before they were ready to retire.

Yet despite this research, older workers report that they are happy to work under younger managers and don’t mind navigating any generational differences in order to succeed at their job.

“Research shows that 8 in 10 older workers say that they are comfortable reporting to a younger boss,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment trends expert. “However, the fact remains that there could be some challenges presented by these age gaps…for instance, by a baby boomer being managed by a millennial.”

Wilson says that study respondents identify several key issues that are presented by a multigenerational workforce, including: dissimilar work ethics or values (26 percent), leadership or learning styles (22 percent) and using technology in different ways (25 percent).

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Employment expert explains how businesses can stay on the right side of immigration law

President Trump has made global headlines with his most-recent tweets which pledge to build a border wall at Mexico’s expense. Meanwhile immigration crackdowns at places of business will no doubt continue to increase during 2019.

In fact, ICE reports a 650 percent surge in workplace arrests since Trump became president.

“Employment audits are part of President Donald Trump’s commitment to changing the face of immigration policy in this country,” says Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA. “Businesses need to realize that this administration is taking immigration records very seriously, and if they fail to produce the proper paperwork when questioned, they could face fines or even criminal charges.”

Wilson says that states like California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas should be on special alert, as it is known that these are the states with the highest number of undocumented workers.

“President Trump is going to start by cracking down in places that are known to have a history of undocumented workers,” says Wilson. “And, he’s going to be tough on employers. Unlike past administrations which focused more on the workers themselves, Thomas Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, promises a significant increase on work site raids and he says that they will prosecute those who knowingly hire undocumented workers.”

The employment trends expert says that there are several things companies need to do in order to ensure that their businesses are “ICE-proof,” including:

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H.R. expert talks the do’s and don’ts of holiday gifts

A recent survey found that 41% of employees say that the number one holiday gift they want from their boss this year is a holiday bonus. However, 46% say that holiday bonuses are not given at their company, with 13% going on to describe their boss as “stingy” this time of year.

“It’s a tricky line to walk because you don’t want to seem like Scrooge, but at the same time, giving out bonuses to each employee is not necessarily feasible for many companies,” says Rob Wilson, human resources expect and President of Employco USA, an employment solutions firm that works with clients across the country.

Wilson also says that many employees can struggle with holiday giving as it relates to their own colleagues or managers.

“Not only do many workers feel chagrined if they don’t receive a bonus from the boss, but they also have the added pressure of figuring out what to give their boss or managers, and how much to spend on coworkers,” says the employment trends expert.

To help circumvent these holiday headaches and keep employees focused, Wilson suggests the following do’s and don’ts as it relates to holiday giving:

Set a rule about in-office gifts. When emailing about your office holiday party, Wilson advises employers to include a line asking for employees not to give presents to their managers. “A simple line such as ‘While we appreciate your generosity, please no gifts for us.’ This will help to remove any fears of ‘brown-nosing’ or people getting favorable treatment just because they are able to splurge on a big gift for the boss while others cannot afford to do so.”

Give back to the community. “Rather than deal with the stress of Secret Santa or the distraction of a white elephant game, ask for employees to bring in one unwrapped toy to give to kids in need. Then, you can drop the toys off to a local YMCA, Toys for Tots, or similar charity. Not only will this remove stress about holiday giving in the office, but it will increase holiday spirit and joy in the office.”

Give the best gift of all: time off. “Research has found that employees say ‘time away from the office’ as their favorite thing that employers give them this time of year. If you don’t have the funds for bonuses or a big holiday party, simply giving the team an extra day off or even half-a-day can go a long way in inspiring goodwill. Even turning the week of Christmas into a ‘casual dress’ week can help employees to feel relaxed and appreciated by the boss.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

Human resources expert explains what employees and employers need to know about pot in the workplace

After the 2018 midterms, three states voted in favor of marijuana legalization, with Missouri and Utah approving the drug for medical use, and Michigan approving it for recreational use. Additionally, states like Wisconsin and Illinois voted for several crucial medical marijuana and legalization measures.

But, what does this mean for employees and employers when it comes to marijuana and the workplace? Will these new regulations make drug testing a thing of the past?

Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and human resources expert, says no.

“Employers can still administer drug tests and prohibit their employees from using or being under the influence of marijuana at work or during work hours. However, some state laws prohibit an employer from taking adverse employment actions against an employee based solely on a positive marijuana test.”

With this in mind, Wilson advises employers to become familiar with laws in their state that address drug testing.

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