Question: I’ve heard of “employment at-will.” Can you tell me what it means, and is there any state in the U.S. that isn’t an “at-will” state?
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HR Newsletter: The Future of Hybrid Work
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizations to rethink the traditional office, hybrid work quickly emerged as a practical solution. Employees adapted to remote tools and flexible schedules, while employers experimented with new policies to maintain productivity and engagement.
What began as a temporary response has now evolved into a long-term reality. Some studies have found that 12% of employees now work fully remotely, while 28% work in a hybrid arrangement. In other words, a significant share of workplaces are actively supporting hybrid teams and refining this model for the long haul. This shift raises important questions for employers: How should hybrid work be structured? What does the future look like? How can organizations position themselves to succeed in this evolving landscape?
Continue readingHR Chat w/Employco USA: 2026 Health Plan Premium Increases
In this HR Chat, Rob and Jason break down why health plan premiums are expected to climb sharply in 2026, the biggest jump in over 15 years! They explain what’s fueling these cost hikes and share strategies to help employers prepare for renewal season.
Contact hr@employco.com to learn how your company can navigate rising health care costs and keep benefits competitive in 2026.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
HR Newsletter: State Legislative Updates
California’s Minimum Wage Rate to Increase on Jan. 1, 2026 – On Aug. 1, 2025, the California Department of Finance (the Department) announced that the state’s hourly minimum wage will increase to $16.90 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026. The new rate will apply to all employers, regardless of how many individuals they employ.
Continue readingHR Newsletter: Overcoming Employee Pessimism
A workplace environment can be crucial in shaping employee productivity, retention, and overall job satisfaction. While optimism among a workforce can help create a great workplace culture, pessimistic employees can quietly erode even the most well-intentioned work environments. A pessimistic workplace occurs when negativity and expectations for poor outcomes are prevalent. Employees focus on what could go wrong, feel that hard work won’t have positive results, and have a general sense of despair and indifference. This mindset can have devastating impacts on an organization.
Continue readingHR Newsletter: Employee Referral Programs
As small and medium-sized businesses compete amid ongoing talent challenges, often with fewer resources than larger companies, they may need to get creative in their attraction and hiring efforts. Employee referral programs allow existing employees to recommend candidates for open positions. Employees tend to carefully consider possible referrals because they feel accountable to the organization and the person they refer.
These programs are a popular recruiting strategy due to their low cost but potential for high impact. An effective employee referral program can save time, money, and other resources during hiring.
Continue readingHR Question of the Month
Question: If an employee is a no-call, no-show for 3 consecutive days, is that considered job abandonment, and can their employment be terminated?
Continue readingHR Newsletter: Substantial Health Plan Increases for 2026
Nationwide data is showing significant increases in 2026 health plan premiums for both group/employer plans and the individual plan marketplace.
- Group/Employer Plans – A recent survey of large employers by the Business Group on Health (BGH) revealed that U.S. employers predict a 9% increase in health care costs for 2026. A separate report from Mercer reveals that 2026 is expected to bring the largest premium increase in 15 years. It’s common for employers to receive increases ranging from 10%-15%. Employers credit this increase in part to the high cost and usage of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, more prevalent high-cost treatments, rising incidences of chronic and complex conditions, and an uptick in mental health conditions.
HR Chat w/Employco USA: Employee Referral Programs
In this HR Chat, Rob and Jason take a closer look at employee referral programs and why they can be a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes. They touch on cost savings, the potential for stronger hires, and how referrals can help create a more engaged and connected workplace culture.
Whether you’re considering launching a referral program for the first time or looking to strengthen the one you already have, contact hr@employco.com for guidance and support.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
Fox Business: Trump Cabinet Members Target Jerome Powell for Weak Economy, August Jobs Numbers
Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA, was recently quoted in an article by Kristen Altus for Fox Business.
Snippet from full article:
“I agree with Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer on her comments that it is time for the Fed to take action and lower interest rates,” Employco USA President Rob Wilson told Fox News Digital. “The number of job openings available is the lowest in 10 months. With an interest rate cut, you will see businesses start to hire in larger numbers. The lower rates will have a ripple effect across the economy.”
The U.S. economy added jobs at a slower pace in August. The Labor Department on Friday reported that employers added 22,000 jobs last month, a figure well below the 75,000 estimate of economists polled by LSEG.
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