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.

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.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they unpack the FTC’s ban on non-compete agreements, set to take effect on September 4th. They go over the specifics, some exceptions and caveats, required actions for compliance, employee notification, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, and more. They also review some upcoming HR regulatory changes you should be aware of for mid-year.

Stay informed on how to comply with these new regulations and other upcoming HR changes. Need further assistance? Reach out to hr@employco.com for personalized support and resources.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they discuss “Watch Me Get Fired” videos, a growing concern for employers nationwide. They explore what they are, best practices to follow, some of the legal implications, helpful termination techniques, manager training, the importance of using professionalism and respect, and more.

Tune in to learn how to handle terminations effectively and mitigate risks in the workplace. Need further assistance? Reach out to hr@employco.com for personalized support and resources on manager training, performance improvement plans, and termination best practices.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they discuss what happens when a business receives an EEOC charge of discrimination. They go over some best practices and employer guidance, from the moment the complaint arrives in the mail to your options when responding. It’s crucial to act timely!

They also provide some insights on internal investigations, tips for negotiation, maintaining confidentiality, the importance of documentation, EPLI insurance, and more. Towards the end, they’ll also touch on the HR side of March Madness, including office brackets and building camaraderie.

For an effective checklist on “Responding to an EEOC Charge of Discrimination” check out our post here. And, contact us for support with discrimination charges or our no-cost supply of updated labor law posters, we’re here to help: hr@employco.com.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they delve into the latest developments in employment regulations. In this episode, they unpack the Department of Labor’s new independent contractor rule, set to take effect on March 11th. They provide insights into its background, the changes forthcoming, tips for employers, and crucial preparation strategies for businesses.

Listen in as they discuss the differences between independent contractors and employees, reviewing the six factors outlined in the new rule and some gray areas you should be aware of.

Do you have questions surrounding the new rule or how workers should be classified? Reach out to Employco for proactive strategies to ensure compliance, we’re here to help: hr@employco.com

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they discuss workplace boredom and the key trends shaping HR practices in 2024. They take a look at a recent SHRM survey that revealed nearly 70% of employees feel disengaged or bored at work. They dissect potential causes, from communication breakdowns to the challenges of remote work, highlighting the importance of meaningful interactions and addressing employee well-being.

They also provide insights into the HR landscape for 2024. From the impact of Artificial Intelligence on HR processes to the growing emphasis on skill-based hiring amid talent shortages, emerging trends that will shape organizational strategies, the evolving regulatory landscape, and more.

Contact Employco for strategies to help reinvigorate your workforce and unleash the full potential of your team – hr@employco.com.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month’s HR podcast as they delve into the details of the new Form I-9, a critical component of the hiring process. They also highlight HR and employment changes set to roll out in 2024.

The new Form I-9 is now mandatory for all new hires. The team discusses some of the improvements, remote verification updates, internal and external audits, fines and penalties, document retention policies, and some insightful tips for employers navigating the I-9 process. As 2023 draws to a close, they also discuss some of the changes coming in 2024, including those related to pay transparency, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Contact Employco for expert guidance on navigating the evolving landscape of HR regulations and ensuring adherence to the new Form I-9. Whether you’re dealing with remote verification updates or putting a plan together for an internal audit, our team can help – hr@employco.com.

Welcome to this month’s HR podcast with Rob, Scott, and Jason, where we dive into changes brought by the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act, scheduled to take effect on January 1st, 2024. In this episode, we break down some of the key components of the law, which mandates up to 40 hours of paid leave for every employee, regardless of the reason. We also discuss the implications for businesses, the adjustments needed for compliance, the potential impact on various industries, and more.

Even if your company is based in another state but has employees in Illinois, this will affect your business. With just under 60 days until this policy takes effect, it’s crucial for businesses to gear up for compliance to avoid penalties.

Contact Employco for guidance and support in implementing the changes required – we’re here to help, hr@employco.com.

Check out this snippet from our HR podcast, where Jason guides us through a series of tips to help you maximize your open enrollment strategy. Given the challenging landscape of plan renewals, we highlight the importance of effective communication, especially when significant changes and rising costs are involved.

Tune in to the full podcast with Rob, Scott, and Jason here: WFH Survey Insights & Open Enrollment Tips