The HR Express: Presented by myHRcounsel
By myHRcounsel
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From queries about forms, checklists, templates and contracts to quick employment, the trustworthy lawyers at myHRcounsel are available 24/7, at a monthly flat fee starting at $149 per month.
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The HR Express: Presented by myHRcounselFeb 26, 2024
How to Boost Employee Retention in your Workplace
Attorney Andrew Nielsen explains the benefits and importance of employee retention. From well crafted job descriptions, strong communication, and employee benefits.
How to Conduct Workplace Investigations
Before you make any decisions after an incident in the workplace, join us as our attorneys discuss the best way to conduct a workplace investigation.
Contact us: info@myhrcounsel.com
HR Compliance in the News | Noncompetes, PWFA, Overtime Threshold & More
Attorney Britt Waterman discusses some of the hot topics in the news for HR and business owners, including: PWFA, the new overtime threshold, and the future of noncompete agreements for employees.
Learn more about how we can help protect your business at: myHRcounsel.com
Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Process
Ever wondered what to do with an employee who is not meeting expectations? Join us as we cover performance improvement plans. We'll discuss what you can and can't do when having an employee on a PIP.
Sexual Harassment Training
This weeks episode focuses on sexual harassment training. We discuss:
- What is sexual harassment
- Different types of sexual harassment
- Why conduct sexual harassment training
- What should be included in the training
- How myHRcounsel can help
Contact us: info@myhrcounsel.com
Employee Training Programs | Why Have Them, Types of Training, & How to Conduct Training
This episode covers the benefits of providing training to your employees, the different types of training programs, as well as the different methods of providing training to your employees.
Contact us at: info@myhrcounsel.com for further guidance on employee training programs.
Are you hiring an independent contractor or an employee? Misclassifying is costly!
One of the greatest financial risks to your operation could be lurking quietly in the background, without your awareness. On January 9, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) published a final rule defining “independent contractor” for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). They issued a new six-factor test for determining whether a worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor. Join us as we discuss the new test, and how employers can properly classify their workers.
ERISA Part 3: Updates, Changes, Wrap Doc Solutions
In our final episode of our ERISA series, General Counsel Andrew Nielsen covers SPD production & delivery, penalties for non-compliance, and annual Form 5500 reporting. For ERISA Compliance, get started at: myHRcounsel.com/packages
ERISA Compliance Part 2: Health & Welfare | How do Businesses Comply?
- Why are so many out of compliance?
- ERISA Rules. - Key ERISA Reporting Requirements for employers.
- What's an SPD?
Get ERISA Compliance today at: myHRcounsel.com/packages
ERISA Part 1- History & Background
General Counsel and ERISA Guru Andrew Nielsen begins with part 1 of our 3 part series. We cover:
- What is ERISA?
- History of the Law
- Benefits Subject to ERISA
We hope you can join us for part 2 and 3!
March Deadlines and Due Dates for Business Owners & Employers
myHRcounsel's attorney Britt Waterman covers some important deadlines and due dates for March 2024, including: the Earned Retention Credit Voluntary Disclosure Program, the Michigan Right-to-Work, New York Privacy and Data Security Law, ACA E-Filing, Pension & Profit Sharing & more!
Learn more at: myHRcounsel.com
NLRB's Joint Employer Rule- What does it Mean for Franchisors?
- What is the National Labor Relations Act?
- What is the current joint employer rule, and what are the implications of the new rule?
- What can we do to protect ourselves?
Learn more at: www.myhrcounsel.com
Tip of the Week- “Misclassification: An Expensive Mistake”
One of the most important things that an employer can do is to classify their employees correctly. An incorrectly classified employee can lead to huge damages if the employee or an enforcement agency learns of the misclassification. There are two primary areas of misclassification – the first is whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor. This type of misclassification involves the way that employment taxes are paid (or not paid) and involves the IRS and other agencies. The second area of classification involves how the employee is paid – are they are an exempt employee who, based on their duties and responsibilities, is not eligible for overtime? Or are they a non-exempt employee who is eligible for overtime pay and is paid based on the number of hours worked? These classification issues are becoming increasing important as they are a new area of focus for the United States Department of Labor.
NLRB Joint Employer Ruling- What does it Mean for Staffing Agencies?
We'll cover the NLRA, the joint employer rule, and how to get help. Learn more at: myHRcounsel.com
Tip of the Week- "EEOC's Strategic Enforcement Plan"
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released its 2024-2028 Strategic Enforcement Plan in late September 2023. This plan is an important document for all employers, as it sets forth areas that the EEOC will concentrate on to ensure that employers are complying with their obligations under the federal employment discrimination laws. The plan identifies several areas of focus for the EEOC in the coming years, including: eliminating barriers in recruitment and hiring; protecting vulnerable workers and persons from underserved communities from employment discrimination; addressing selected emerging and developing issues; advancing equal pay for all workers; preserving access to the legal system; and preventing and remedying systemic harassment. In furtherance of its strategic plan, the agency will prioritize charges that are received that fall within the areas of focus that it has identified in its strategic plan.
Give your Employee Handbook Some Love and Attention
We discuss:
- Have an Employee Handbook
- Be Aware of Law Changes
- Show Love
- Update Regularly
- Updating Regularly
- Handbook Acknowledgement
- How we can help
Employee Handbook 101: The Most Critical Legal Document for HR
We cover the most critical legal document for HR- the employee handbook. How often should it be updated, what to include, what to exclude, and how myHRcounsel can help!
The Importance of Attorney-Client Privilege & Legal HR Advice with no Disclaimers!
myHRcounsel's General Counsel discusses the benefits of having attorney-client privilege, what that means, and the dangers of having disclaimed HR information. Don't forget to stay for a demo of myHRcounsel's Ask an Attorney Portal. To watch the demo, visit: https://youtu.be/00qvVC_P57c
New Employment Laws in 2024 for States M-Z | Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Washington & More!
Our attorneys cover all of the new HR & employment laws for states beginning with the letter M through Z!
2024 State Employment Law Updates States A to L | Arkansas, California, Illinois, & More
We discuss some of the major employment law changes for 2024 for states beginning with the letter A-L. www.myHRcounsel.com
Tip of the Week- "New Guidance on Sexual Harassment Standards"
The EEOC has recently issued proposed guidelines for enforcing the laws related to workplace harassment. This guidance, issued on October 2, 2023, entitled “PROPOSED Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace,” can be found at this link: https://www.eeoc.gov/proposed-enforcement-guidance-harassment-workplace.
Top Things to Know for 2024
Join us as we discuss the top trends that you need to know for 2024 in the world of HR including:
- Pay Transparency and Pay Equity
- Use of AI
- Joint Employment
- Balancing Workforce
- Cannabis Laws
myHRcounsel Attorneys Answer Frequently Asked HR & Employment Questions
myHRcounsel's attorneys answer some of the most frequently asked HR & employment law questions.
Learn more at: myHRcounsel.com
Hot Topics: Recent Developments in HR and Employment Law | December 2023
Our attorneys cover some of the latest trends in HR and employment law including:
- California Workplace Violence Prevention
- Illinois: ESLA and PFLAW
- Joint Employment
- OSHA Final Rule
- Minimum Wage Changes
- Marijuana Laws
- Artificial Intelligence
Learn more at: myHRcounsel.com
Anti-Trust Laws: What Employers Need to Know about the Sherman Act
We Cover:
- What is the Sherman Act?
- Potential Pitfalls for Employers
- How to Comply
Contact us at: info@myhrcounsel.com for more information.
Tip of the Week- "Severance Agreement Pitfalls"
When an employer decides to terminate an employee – a decision that we all know is not made lightly – the employer must decide whether they want to offer the terminating employee a severance agreement. There are a number of reasons why an employer may choose to offer a departing employee severance benefits, including the desire to provide the employee a cushion to help them transition to a new position or because there are concerns that the employee may sue their former employer for discrimination or some other form of wrongful termination. Defending against such claims can be expensive and employers may want to avoid the cost and uncertainty of such actions by offering a severance agreement that includes a release of claims. The decision as to whether to offer such an agreement is, at its core, a business decision. Once that decision is made, an employer must then be sure to offer the agreement in such a way as to ensure its validity. What does this mean?
Let's Go Over the Company's Policies and Procedures
myHRcounsel's attorneys discuss: - What are policies and procedures - Drafting policies and procedures - How to get help
Florida Bill 1718: New Employee E-Verify Requirements for Florida Employers
Join us as top employment attorneys from myHRcounsel, the #1 HR/Employment Solutions Company, provide insight on how to comply with FL Senate Bill 1718 requiring that employers use E-Verify for new hires. Noncompliance can result in fines of $1,000 per day as well as the suspension of all of the employer’s state business licenses.
Tip of the Week- "Union Organizing Development"
It is hard to miss the news these days about increased union organizing, with Starbucks and Amazon being the two largest employers targeted by unions recently. Add to that the news regarding highly publicized strikes at the big three automakers and among healthcare workers and it is clear that there is a new day for unionization.
https://myhrcounsel.com/november-20-tip-of-the-week/
Political Speech: What Employers Need to Know about Freedom of Speech
What is or isn't protected under free speech? What can employers do to prevent arguments or a hostile workplace environment? www.myHRcounsel.com
Safeguard Your Brand! The New NLRA Joint Employer Standard from the NLRB
Learn about the new joint employer rule from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Find out what it means for franchisors, franchisees, staffing agencies, and all businesses! Learn more at: myhrcounsel.com
Flashback Friday: Questions Answered by myHRcounsel's Attorneys
We cover freedom of speech, terminations, comp. time vs. overtime, & the FMLA. Learn more at: myhrcounsel.com
Employee Handbooks: Saying Compliant with the Most Important Document you Need
The most critical legal document in HR- the employee handbook. We discuss best practices, as well as the biggest mistakes that you can make when drafting one.
Learn more at: myHRcounsel.com
Hot Topics- Answered by myHRcounsel Attorneys
Our attorneys discuss some of the latest trends in HR that businesses should be aware of.
Invest in your Greatest Asset: Employee Training Programs
We cover employee training, why we do it, the importance of a trained workforce, and the compliance factors.
Tip of the Week- "Words Matter..."
As all human resources professionals know, the amount of union activity that has been occurring over the last few years has significantly increased – first with the efforts to unionize Starbucks and Amazon workers and, now, with the strike activity in the auto industry and the healthcare industry. It is not clear as to what has caused this increase in union activity – perhaps, it is the impact COVID and the changes that the virus has seemed to impose upon the employment relationship. Or, it could be the response of workers to increased inflation and decreased spending power. It could also be a more hospitable political environment for workers. It is hard to say what is specifically causing this surge in unionization and union activity, but it is clear that this change has had a significant impact on employers.
Holiday Party Do's and Don'ts
Join us as we discuss the best practices for employers to have a safe holiday party and avoid legal pitfalls.
Tip of the Week- “Retiree Heath Insurance and COBRA”
Employers who offer employee group health insurance must provide employees with a notice of their right to COBRA benefits. COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, which is a federal law that applies to employers with 20 or more employees and provides employees with the right to continue coverage for a limited time under their employer’s group health plans. COBRA continuation coverage must be offered when an existing employee loses coverage under the employer’s plan due to the termination of the employee’s employment or a reduction in the employee’s hours which leads to a loss of benefits. Pursuant to the law, COBRA rights give employees the ability to continue to participate in the employer’s group health plan, in the same manner they did when actively employed, for a period of time at their own cost.
Flashback Friday Questions Answered by myHRcounsel Attorneys
We cover some of the latest questions that we have been receiving from our clients, including: the new Form I-9, onboarding documents, salary history, drug testing, workplace equipment, the ADA, and more!
Tip of the Week- "What Happened to Muzak?"
In today’s day and age of streaming services, for both music and video, Muzak – the traditional form of elevator music that was prevalent at one time, has been replaced with employee’s playlists on Spotify, Amazon Music, and other services. Given the ability of employees to play their own music that embodies their own tastes and sensibilities, employers must consider what steps to take to determine whether the music that the employee chooses is suitable for the workplace.
https://myhrcounsel.com/october-2-tip-of-the-week/
Lizzo Lawsuit- Hostile Work Environment: What does it all mean?
Join us as we discuss:
- Who is Lizzo
- What's her lawsuit all about?
- Hostile work environment
- Steps to prevent a hostile work environment
- Status of the case
Artificial Intelligence Discrimination in Hiring
Learn about the latest that you need to know about AI in hiring, and the legal pitfalls to avoid.
Chances are your employee handbook is illegal, at best obsolete Details on the recent NLRB Updates
We discuss what the NLRA is, the recent Stericycle decision from the NLRB, and why your current employee handbook is out of date. Get a legally drafted employee handbook today- www.myhrcounsel.com/packages
Tip of the Week- “Remote I-9 Verification”
Termination Letters: Required or Not?
One of the questions we often get asked at myHRcounsel is “I just terminated an employee; do I need to provide them with a termination letter?” Sometimes this question is asked prior to the termination and other times it is prompted by a request from the terminated employee for a termination letter. Most employers get nervous when an employee asks for a termination letter- that is understandable. It is often difficult for employers to terminate even the most incompetent or obstructive employee and employers fear the wrongful termination claims that can arise when an employee is terminated. Termination letters, as scary as they sound, are not necessary a bad thing and can be a useful tool when dealing with problem employees.
Wage Deductions- Compliance Under State & Federal Law
When can you deduct from an employee's paycheck? How do salary advances work? Can you deduct for damaged company equipment? What do state & federal law say?
www.myHRcounsel.com
Tip of the Week- "Is Two-Factor Authentication the Same as Multi-Factor Authentication?"
Thank you to our friends at Black Bottle IT for providing this week's Tip of the Week.
For more information on how HR and Cyber Security intersect, visit: https://myhrcounsel.com/cyber-security-webinar-series/
Calculating Overtime
Learn from the experts as we discuss who is eligible for overtime pay, and how to calculate the payments.
Tip of the Week- "Do I really need Multi-Factor Authentication when I reset my passwords often?
Thank you to our friends at Black Bottle IT for providing this week's Tip of the Week.
For more information on how HR and Cyber Security intersect, visit: https://myhrcounsel.com/cyber-security-webinar-series/
The New Form I-9
Join us to learn about the new Form I-9, and what employers need to know about compliance with the I-9 during the hiring stage.