Question: Can I deny an employee’s PTO request?
Continue readingHR Newsletter: Annual Standardized Wage Increases
As organizations plan their compensation strategies each year, many are leaning toward a “peanut butter” approach to pay—spreading standardized annual wage increases evenly across employee groups. These modest, predictable adjustments have become more common as employers navigate economic uncertainty, tighter budgets, and a heightened focus on internal pay equity. While some years bring significant market- or performance-based pay adjustments, many employers have recently opted for more traditional, standardized raises, often citing economic uncertainty, tighter budgets, and the need for internal pay equity.
Continue readingWEBINAR: Legal Compliance for Recruiting
Hiring decisions come with compliance risk, and small missteps can lead to big consequences.
Join Employco USA for a practical, fast-paced webinar led by Jason Eisenhut, Vice President of Human Resources, and Griffen Wilson, Vice President. This complimentary session will walk through real-world scenarios and key compliance considerations that impact your recruiting process.
Continue readingHR Chat w/Employco USA: Healthcare Continuation Under COBRA
COBRA just turned 40, so happy birthday to one of the most overlooked (until it’s urgent) compliance requirements employers deal with. In this HR Chat, Rob and Jason discuss when COBRA applies, employer size thresholds, required benefits coverage, premium calculations, federal vs. state mini-COBRA differences, and common compliance pitfalls.
COBRA compliance can be easy to overlook, but the consequences can be costly if handled incorrectly. Contact hr@employco.com to discuss COBRA administration, benefits compliance, or other HR support needs.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
Podcast: Learning and Development Trends to Monitor in 2026
As workforce dynamics continue to shift, organizations investing in employee development are better positioned to compete. In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss how employers can strengthen internal talent, adapt to evolving employee expectations around growth, and build more resilient teams through upskilling, cross-training, and increased AI literacy.
For support with employee development programs, workforce planning, and HR strategy, contact hr@employco.com.
HR Chat w/Employco USA: Preventing Burnout by Helping Employees Find Meaningful Work
In this HR Chat, Rob and Jason discuss the growing issue of employee burnout and why it goes beyond just long hours. They explore common causes like lack of engagement, limited growth opportunities, job insecurity, and feeling undervalued, along with how employers can help by creating more meaningful and engaging work experiences.
Contact hr@employco.com to discuss employee engagement strategies, retention challenges, or other HR support needs.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
HR Newsletter: State Legislative Updates
California Family Care and Medical Leave Comparison Chart – California employers must comply with two comprehensive family and medical leave laws: the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the state California Family Rights Act (CFRA). This chart compares key features of the two laws. Note that additional state and local laws require employee leave for other purposes, such as the employee’s illness, bereavement, and pregnancy disability.
Continue readingHR Newsletter: Preventing Burnout by Helping Employees Find Meaning at Work
Burnout has become a defining challenge in today’s workplace. Employees across industries report feeling exhausted, disconnected, and undervalued. These conditions not only harm individual well-being but also impact organizational performance. While burnout is multifaceted, fostering a sense of purpose at work can be the key to overcoming it.
Continue readingHR Newsletter: DOL’s Proposed Independent Contractor Rule
On Feb. 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule that would rescind the department’s 2024 final independent contractor rule and replace it with an analysis for employee classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) similar to the one adopted by the DOL in 2021. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 27, 2026.
Continue readingHR Newsletter: FMLA & ADA Education
Understanding key workplace leave and accommodation laws is essential for both employers and employees. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
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