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Recent Video Posts
HR Hot Topics - July 2024: Navigating Time Off and Benefits for Small Employers
Welcome to the July edition of HR Hot Topics! I'm Jodi Schafer, and in this episode, we delve into the crucial aspects of employee benefits, focusing on time off policies. With summer in full swing and time off requests piling up, it's the perfect time to review how your organization handles vacation, sick leave, and other benefits.
🔹 SHRM Survey Insights: Discover the latest trends and statistics on benefits offered by small employers in the Midwest.
🔹 Time Off Policies: Learn about vacation banks, sick banks, and paid time off (PTO) structures.
🔹 Leave Payout and Cash Out Programs: Understand the options available for end-of-year and end-of-employment leave management.
🔹 Leave Donation Programs: Explore the compassionate option of allowing employees to donate leave to colleagues in need.
🔹 Paid Leave Types: From parental leave to bereavement leave, find out what other small employers in the Midwest are offering.
Join us as we share valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your employee benefits, ensuring your team remains satisfied and motivated.
Timestamps:
0:04 - Introduction
0:21 - Importance of Benefits
0:32 - SHRM Survey Overview
1:03 - Health and Wellness Benefits
1:23 - Time Off Policies
2:11 - Data on Vacation and Sick Banks
4:00 - Leave Payout Programs
5:00 - Cash Out Options
6:20 - Leave Donation Programs
7:45 - Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave
11:01 - Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
12:02 - Introduction of Gin Gibson
13:13 - Gin's Role in Benefits Evaluation
Mastering Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Leaders | HR Hot Topics June Edition
In this month's edition of HR Hot Topics, join me, Jodi Schafer, as we shift focus from legislative updates to a crucial skill for every leader: managing difficult conversations effectively. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or a developing leader, mastering this skill can significantly enhance your workplace dynamics and leadership effectiveness.
Timestamps:
0:03 - Introduction to the June Edition of HR Hot Topics
0:20 - Why We're Focusing on Difficult Conversations This Month
0:34 - The Importance of Difficult Conversations in the Workplace
1:02 - Statistics on Avoidance of Difficult Conversations
2:09 - Key Strategies for Having Difficult Conversations
2:38 - Building Trust and Rapport for Better Outcomes
3:01 - Exploring Radical Candor: Balancing Care and Directness
4:08 - Emotional Management and Assumption Checking
5:03 - Techniques for Active Listening and Engaging Dialogue
6:21 - Preparing Yourself and Others for Tough Talks
7:26 - Practical Tips for Implementing These Strategies in Daily Interactions
9:34 - Announcement of Upcoming Training Sessions and Resources
Join me as I delve into these topics, sharing insights and practical tips to help you navigate one of the most challenging aspects of leadership. Be sure to join our email list for additional resources and information on our upcoming training sessions this fall.
Changes Impacting Employers: DOL Earning Thresholds & FTC Noncompete Ban - HR Hot Topics May Edition
Welcome to the May edition of HR Hot Topics, your essential guide to the latest in HR regulations and strategies. Join host Jodi Schafer as she dives into the significant changes announced at the federal level by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that will impact employers nationwide. In this episode:
• Jodi explores the new DOL rule increasing the earning thresholds for exempt employees, explaining the tiered approach and its potential legal challenges.
• She also discusses the FTC's recent ruling that bans most noncompete agreements, highlighting the exceptions and the need for alternative strategies.
Get ready for a detailed breakdown of these crucial updates and learn how they could affect your business.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction and Overview of May's Key HR Topics
1:15 - Jodi Schafer Previews Significant Regulatory Changes
2:30 - Deep Dive into DOL Earning Threshold Increases: Current vs. New Rates
4:45 - Understanding the Tiered Approach and Legal Implications of DOL Changes
7:00 - Strategies for Employers in Response to Earning Threshold Increases
9:30 - Overview of the FTC Ban on Noncompete Agreements
11:00 - Exceptions and Impact of the FTC's Noncompete Ruling
13:15 - How Businesses Can Adapt to the Noncompete Ban
15:00 - Alternative Agreements and Protective Measures Post-Ban
17:30 - Preparing for Compliance: Steps for Business Leaders
April HR Hot Topics: Important Announcements that will Impact Employers Potentially Coming in April
Welcome to April's edition of HR Hot Topics! Join host Jodi Schafer as we celebrate the 11-year anniversary of her ownership of HRM Services and dive into the latest updates and proposed rule changes impacting employers. This month, we’re keeping an eye on the expected release of the final rule on the earning threshold for salary employees at the federal level from the Department of Labor, as well as some Michigan-related updates regarding state house elections and potential Supreme Court rules related to minimum wage and paid leave. With any rule changes, employers must also remember to update their labor law posters and Jodi shares resources to make that process easier. Whether you're an HR professional or a leader in a small to medium-sized company, this episode is packed with updates to help you navigate the ever-changing HR and employment law landscape.
Timestamps:
• 0:04 - Introduction to April's HR Hot Topics
• 0:25 - Overview of this month's updates
• 0:43 - Department of Labor's expected rule changes on the exemption earning threshold
• 3:48 - Michigan House of Representatives elections
• 5:12 - Anticipated Michigan Supreme Court decision on minimum wage and paid leave
• 7:10 - Resource for updated employment law posters
• 9:05 - Announcements on HRM leadership training and future sessions
Topics Covered:
• Proposed federal increase in earning threshold for exempt employees
• Election for two open House seats in Michigan and its potential implications
• Michigan Supreme Court decision on minimum wage and paid leave time
• The importance of keeping employment law posters up-to-date
• Upcoming in-person leadership training sessions and seminars
Links & Resources: To access detailed analysis, compliance guides, and additional resources, join our email list at https://workwithhrm.com/email_list/. Exclusive content and updates are provided to our subscribers. Contact Information: For further questions, contact Jodi directly at HRMS@workwithhrm.com.
RECENT BLOG POSTS
- Mastering Difficult Conversations in the Workplace: A Guide for Leadersby Will on June 17, 2024 at 1:48 pm
Welcome to the June edition of HR Hot Topics. This month, we’re taking a break from legislative updates to delve into a subject that’s close to my heart and crucial in the HR field: managing difficult conversations effectively. It’s a topic I spend a lot of time training on because it’s pivotal for both personal The post Mastering Difficult Conversations in the Workplace: A Guide for Leaders appeared first on HRM Services.
- Navigating New Federal Regulations: Understanding DOL Earning Thresholds and the FTC Noncompete Banby Will on May 14, 2024 at 7:51 pm
In the ever-evolving landscape of human resources, staying ahead of regulatory changes is essential for HR professionals and leaders of small to medium-sized businesses. The recent announcements by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have introduced significant shifts that will impact the way companies manage their workforce. This blog post The post Navigating New Federal Regulations: Understanding DOL Earning Thresholds and the FTC Noncompete Ban appeared first on HRM Services.
- Adapting to Change: Navigating Proposed Exempt Employee Regulations and Their Business Impactby Will on April 10, 2024 at 10:01 am
April may not only bring showers, but also a new rule that will impact employers in Michigan and beyond. The federal Department of Labor (DOL) is on the cusp of finalizing rules that could dramatically alter the landscape of employee compensation and classification. This blog delves into the specifics of these proposed changes, their implications The post Adapting to Change: Navigating Proposed Exempt Employee Regulations and Their Business Impact appeared first on HRM Services.
- The Unretirement Movement: A New Approach to Talent Acquisitionby Will on March 12, 2024 at 1:36 pm
In the face of ongoing labor shortages, businesses are in dire need of innovative solutions. One such underutilized strategy is engaging with the “unretirement” workforce—retirees willing or considering a return to professional life. This blog post, inspired by the March edition of HR Hot Topics with Jodi Schafer, delves into the concept of unretirement and The post The Unretirement Movement: A New Approach to Talent Acquisition appeared first on HRM Services.
- The Department of Labor’s Revised Independent Contractor Ruleby Will on February 13, 2024 at 4:16 pm
The Department of Labor (DOL) has recently finalized a new rule regarding independent contractors, which may significantly alter the landscape for employers. With an effective date of March 11th, these changes reintroduce additional criteria for determining independent contractor status. Understanding the DOL Changes: Previously, the DOL’s focus was on two main criteria: the The post The Department of Labor’s Revised Independent Contractor Rule appeared first on HRM Services.
- Meet Gin Gibson: Our New Benefits Maestro at HRM Servicesby Will on January 9, 2024 at 9:07 pm
We are thrilled to introduce Gin Gibson, the newest addition to our HRM Services team! With her extensive background in benefits management, Gin is a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist and a licensed health insurance counselor in Michigan. She brings a wealth of knowledge about benefits compliance, including ERISA regulations, and a practical approach to employee The post Meet Gin Gibson: Our New Benefits Maestro at HRM Services appeared first on HRM Services.