Category: Human Resources

On January 1, 2020 the new Salary Threshold rule takes effect.  Employers will be required to pay most executive, administrative, and professional employees at least $684 per week ($35,568 per year).  To be exempt from overtime under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees must be paid a salary of at least the threshold amount and meet certain duties tests. If they are paid less or do not meet the tests, they must be paid 1 1/2 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked in excess of 40 in a work week. Read More

It is that time of year, the holidays.  Stress levels rise through the roof as we try to manage the busyness of the season with everyday stressors; it can feel like a pressure cooker!  Offering your employees, the benefit of an EAP helps them to feel supported on a continual basis, whether those stressors are seasonal, every day or major life changes.  Many EAPs often go unused because employees don’t know about them, understand what they provide, or employees may feel there’s a stigma around using these services.  Or, some employers just don’t offer an EAP in their benefits package.  Let’s look into how they can positively affect your whole organization.

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January 1 is around the corner.  It’s time to figure out what the new federal overtime rule means to your business. Read More

Do you have them? Are they accurate and updated?  Are they carrying their weight for your business? Read More

#MeToo Movement is a widely used term and hashtag as of late.  The Me Too concept was actually founded in 2006 by Tarana Burke and was intended to help survivors of sexual violence find pathways to healing. Read More

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools we have for behavioral change.

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Have you double checked lately to determine if the I-9 forms you have on file are up to date and compliant?  Give yourself piece of mind by brushing up on the requirements and avoiding a formal I-9 audit from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE. Read More

Are you familiar with E-Verify?
E-Verify is an internet-based system that is available in all 50 states and it compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility in the United States.  

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Do you know the financial penalties associated with incomplete I-9 Forms? Read More

Are you moving with the #MeToo Movement? Read More

It’s almost spring break time in Iowa, thank heavens!  Which means longer days, warmer weather (hopefully) and students starting to look for jobs in anticipation of the spring/summer months.  Read More

Workplace sexual harassment was a serious issue long before the recent national dialogue, but the spotlight on the issue has caused many organizations to take a fresh look at their anti-harassment training, policies and practices. Read More

Your employee handbook is an important asset for your company, providing new and even longtime staff members with the details on your corporate policies, office rules and company culture. Because this is an item that will be seen and utilized by everyone in the organization, it’s important to revisit and update your handbook on a regular basis.  An outdated handbook can be a liability. The first of the year is a perfect time to revisit and revise.

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The end of the year is a time for celebration and festivities. But it can also be a time when questions arise in the workplace about the appropriateness of gifts from vendors and clients. This is a good opportunity for managers to review gift policies with all employees.

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