September 20, 2022
Our complete HR compliance checklist can help you stay on top of changing deadlines, and create policies and procedures that minimize business risk. It includes everything human resource specialists...
September 06, 2022
Engaging HR in your company’s decisions is more critical in today’s economy than ever. During a recession, businesses are forced to make tough decisions about layoffs, pay cuts, and...
September 06, 2022
Here's how you can manage team conflict in a hybrid work environment to ensure you're creating a happy and healthy workspace.
September 06, 2022
See how you can ensure your performance evaluation conversations with your employees are set up for success from the beginning.
September 02, 2022
In any organization, retaining top talent is essential to maintain a competitive edge. However, this can be a challenge during periods of economic upheavals, such as the current period...
September 02, 2022
In a high-paced hiring market like today, employers must offer a comprehensive benefits package to attract and retain employees for 2022 and beyond. Gone are the days when potential...
September 02, 2022
We’re pulling back the curtain and revealing the #1 secret to creating a successful remote work culture. Check out our top tips on why work culture is important, benefits...
September 02, 2022
Wondering how to build a strong culture with a remote team? Here's few things you can do to keep your remote team feels engaged and connected.
August 08, 2022
We’ve listed the top questions we get asked about contacting references without permission. Can employers contact references without permission? What are backdoor reference checks and are they illegal? Here...
July 28, 2022
Some things just never change, and HR compliance is one of those certainties in life. All organizations need to comply with state and federal rules, regulations, and laws. And...
July 26, 2022
It’s a win-win. In an internship, the intern gains hands-on work experience. Businesses gain young professionals who are eager to work and bring fresh ideas to the table. But...
July 26, 2022
Growing your business can go beyond expanding a product or service line as a business owner. Expansion and growth can come in many shapes and sizes, one of those...
July 12, 2022
Running a business comes with no shortage of perks: the freedom to be your own boss, invest in an idea, steer its trajectory and – with a little luck...
July 11, 2022
Securing company data is like fixing a roof— you don’t think about it until you have a leak. And those leaks can be expensive. The global average cost of...
July 05, 2022
As a business owner managing and growing your business, you may be expected to know and understand the inner workings of your employee benefits packages. Yes, you may be...
July 05, 2022
The frustration behind finding out one of your best employees has received an offer from another organization is a frustration many managers are facing today. There’s hardly any manager...
July 05, 2022
Given the pandemic and recent world events on top of regular life stressors, mental health is on the top of everyone’s priority list. Employees are taking their mental health...
June 21, 2022
Beginning business operations in the United States can be an exciting growth stage in your business. As you begin to identify locations, key projects, and other details as part...
June 21, 2022
The thought of using a Professional Employer Organization, also known as a PEO, scares many small and mid-sized businesses. There could be reasons varying from not recognizing the true...
June 21, 2022
Working to improve your employees’ happiness pays dividends…literally. Happier employees work harder, work better together in teams and are more productive. Actually, companies with happy employees outperform the competition...
June 21, 2022
What’s holding you back? When it comes to creating a work-life balance, it’s time to go all in! Learning to let go will pay dividends in building a dedicated,...
June 20, 2022
Demanding work comes in waves. Maybe it’s peak business season. (Surf’s up, sales team!) You could be overloaded and working to wrap up sales for the quarter — or...
June 20, 2022
Your employees are committed to getting the job done. (Way to go employees!) They’re bringing dedication and talent to the table, going above and beyond to achieve client goals....
June 20, 2022
FMLA: it’s a four letter fire extinguisher. You hope you’ll never have to use it, but it’s a must-have in case of emergencies. FMLA is a legal act that...
June 13, 2022
You know that crippling feeling when a top performer resigns out of nowhere, and you don’t see it coming? It can make your head spin. As you begin to...
May 24, 2022
Let’s face it, it’s been a great year for job seekers. The fallout from the pandemic has changed the job market. Rising minimum wage and employee demand for better...
May 18, 2022
It’s just that competitive. With U.S. job openings at record highs, employers are facing each other head to head. (It’s like a talent pool Superbowl!) Employers are looking to...
May 02, 2022
Discussing salaries can be a controversial topic in the workplace (but it doesn’t have to be!) These conversations are empowering for some employees. The problem is that when pay...
April 18, 2022
Vacation time can be a tug of war between employers and employees. Workers are entitled to request time off. But this can put employers in a tough position– especially...
March 18, 2022
It’s understandable for small business owners to feel overwhelmed by employee classifications. When the time comes to expand and hire employees, it’s crucial to know the difference between a...
March 08, 2022
One industry that is evolving in their business structure is the manufacturing space. To swiftly adapt to these rapid changes, manufacturing company HR departments and personnel need to evolve...
February 17, 2022
There are many functional components that are crucial to the success of your marketing agency. Sometimes, it can become overwhelming to maintain every single one of them thoroughly. This...
February 15, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has truly changed the world. Businesses, in particular, have been hit hard — whether it’s being short-staffed due to employees getting the virus, moving to a...
February 10, 2022
An ideal world was in mind when the Equal Pay Act was established, making it illegal for any organization to pay employees who perform the same work different pay...
February 08, 2022
It’s a new world, and things have changed rapidly. While there have been arguments for and against it, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated that employers can...
February 03, 2022
The United State’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires covered employers to report detailed demographic and compensation data on their employees — including employees’ gender identity, on form EEO-1....
January 31, 2022
Whether you’re a team of one or a business of 100 employees or more, we’ve broken down the list of federal employment law requirements in this handy downloadable checklist!
January 27, 2022
It’s the best feeling in the world when you make a hire, and you finally get the employee that will take your business to the next level. They’ve signed...
January 25, 2022
Riddle of the day: What are the two areas of HR that affect retention and turnover plus, has had a lot of buzz recently? Any guesses? It’s hiring and...
January 22, 2022
No employer looks forward to a worker having to take a medical leave of absence — long-term illness is not what anyone wishes for. Unfortunately, getting sick, encountering health...
January 20, 2022
According to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employers are not permitted to request any medical certificates from an employee requesting maternity leave for adoption. Through the Family...
January 18, 2022
The topic of diversity and inclusion can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to the workplace. Don’t beat yourself up about it, with all its terms and acronyms, if...
January 13, 2022
We all lose items from time to time. When it comes to an employee losing a paycheck, unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on where you’re located and...
January 06, 2022
It’s no news that millennials currently run the workforce. In fact, they are so influential, that without understanding them, businesses risk being stagnant or not attracting and retaining top...
January 04, 2022
Payroll is arguably the most essential yet taken-for-granted function in any organization. Just like air, a well-set payroll process is ubiquitous and not so noticeable. You only know something...
January 03, 2022
COVID-19 has brought some unexpected developments in local, state and federal laws, especially around quarantine after travel. While there are some protocols to follow now, the appropriate approach for...
November 30, 2021
‘Twas the night before enrollment, when all through the house, Did I add my dependents or even my spouse? The payroll was calculated with taxes and care, In hopes...
November 29, 2021
This checklist may be used as a guide for organizations with 100 or more employees committed to complying with the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), that went into effect on...
November 18, 2021
The back office is the pivotal support center where financial, technological and human resource functions are carried out. As private equity firms acquire new businesses, ensuring their foundations are...
November 08, 2021
Payroll taxes can be a pain to understand and wrap your head around — and although we may have mixed feelings about them, they do serve a purpose. Our...
November 05, 2021
On November 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its COVID-19 Vaccination Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The ETS is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal...
October 14, 2021
The ins and outs of pre-tax benefits plans can be pretty confusing. Pre-tax plans are not the same as health or any other kind of insurance, so make sure...
October 13, 2021
It doesn’t take intense research to know how beneficial allowing dogs at work can be. From lower stress levels to better employer branding and higher job satisfaction, the benefits...
October 13, 2021
It all started with the restricted office visits and extra precautions. Then came temporary lockdown and last but not least, mass layoffs by companies trying to make it through...
October 11, 2021
Are you contemplating whether or not payroll outsourcing is right for your company? Your decision likely rests on two key factors: What’s going to make the process straightforward and...
October 11, 2021
From simple do-it-yourself platforms to high-end systems and experienced experts, the payroll industry has come up with a diverse range of creative solutions to the payroll process. Having so...
October 05, 2021
We’ve always been told growing up that if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Unfortunately in 2021 society, that rule can often be...
October 04, 2021
The appeal of group health insurance is that it’s often cheaper than individual plans which offer the same benefits and coverage options. The thing is, not everyone qualifies for...
October 01, 2021
Employee Assistance Programs, also known as EAPs, have often been compared to office therapy. A safe haven for employees with personal difficulties who are looking for dedicated assistance that...
September 30, 2021
Hiring your first remote employee? Explore our guide to remote hiring and get advice from our team of experts. EmPower HR is your trusted counsel when it comes to...
September 30, 2021
You can be the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your company from security breaches. Help ensure that your data, both personal and professional, stays safe...
September 28, 2021
The way we work has changed significantly since the unwelcome arrival of COVID-19, and so have the concepts of recruitment and retention. Here are a few tips to redirect...
June 25, 2021
Over the past decade, employee engagement has become a buzzword that not many business owners have been able to get away from. This is because employee engagement has become...
June 25, 2021
In business, they say, “the only constant is change” and as the business world has evolved and changed around us in various ways, the exciting world of human resources...
June 25, 2021
If you feel overwhelmed with diversity and inclusion training, trust us, you are not alone. It’s common for businesses to be confused about where to start and how to...
June 25, 2021
Growth is an exciting phase of any business. Even when a company encounters tough times that can be riddled with uncertainty, meaningful experiences and opportunities are born, making that...
June 25, 2021
Diversity and inclusion (D+I) best practices have become a mainstay in the HR space over the last few years. These principles have become a significant priority as many organizations...
June 25, 2021
Many businesses mistakenly think they only have to be concerned about workplace safety when they’re working with heavy machinery or hazardous materials. No matter how safe and easy a...
June 25, 2021
There has been an age-long stereotype of the HR department being the “red tape” department and this couldn’t be farther from the truth in this day and age! HR...
June 22, 2021
If your company is considering implementing a drug-free workplace, the following sample policy can be used as a blueprint for best practices in building out that program.
June 22, 2021
According to Gallup, the number of days employees worked remotely doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some companies have even considered making a remote work arrangement permanent. This guide can...
May 24, 2021
When economic indicators point toward a recession, employers may need to take measures to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. Workforce reduction is one of the measures some employers...
May 24, 2021
Sometimes employers have to make decisions to improve or protect their business’ bottom line. This may mean they might need to consider laying off or furloughing some of their...
May 24, 2021
It’s no surprise that there is a direct correlation between a strong organizational culture and employee engagement. High-performance cultures tend to have more engaged employees who are positive, driven...
May 24, 2021
Engaged employees are the strength of any business, and it’s no news that they have a positive impact on organizational success from satisfied customers and higher productivity to greater...
May 24, 2021
More businesses are now understanding how vital their company culture is to retaining the most valuable employees. Leaders should not underestimate the impact of bad reviews left by former...
May 24, 2021
Leaders have a lot of influence on setting their company culture because, as they say, ‘It All Starts From The Top.’ However, it has become commonplace for leaders to...
May 24, 2021
You don’t want to imagine how catastrophic disengagement can be to your business. Things can quickly take a negative turn for the worse, from lower productivity to a dip...
May 24, 2021
Nothing encapsulates a great forward-thinking company more than quality customer service. Top-notch customer service signifies a company knows how to retain customers. It is spoken of highly in the...
May 24, 2021
Whether there’s a pandemic, interruption to your supply chain, or even if everything is going along just like every other day — if you are a business owner, you...
May 24, 2021
A leader can make or break an organization, so learning to be the right leader—a good leader—is very important. But how do you become the leader your organization needs?...
May 24, 2021
Gone are the days when customer satisfaction is viewed as the sales team’s job. This notion is outdated, and presently, successful companies acknowledge the influential role HR plays in...
May 24, 2021
You may have already heard the news — the world of talent acquisition and talent management is changing as a result of COVID-19. As a small to medium-size business...
May 24, 2021
The HR department is arguably the most crucial department within your business. It is the pillar of employee management and stewardship. Think about it; the employee experience begins and...
May 24, 2021
Tedious paperwork and compliance can be a drag, and a lot of times, it feels like it’s impossible to keep up. As a small to medium-sized business (SMB), if...
May 24, 2021
Do you have an employee who is struggling with performance? If you find that you’ve taken official steps and gone through your company’s documented process of corrective action, but...
May 24, 2021
No business looks forward to addressing an employee’s behavior or work when it doesn’t meet company standards, but there are times when it can’t be avoided. In these instances,...
May 24, 2021
We’ve heard it said that most employee termination always comes with risk — but what does that mean? It means there’s always a risk that a terminated employee could...
May 24, 2021
A Professional Employment Organization, PEO for short, provides employee management solutions in two main ways. First, they can act as co-employer, or second, they can be the Employer On...
May 24, 2021
HR Consultants have unsurprisingly mastered the art of multitasking while kicking butt on everything from employee relations management, HR operations to even more specialized areas like payroll management. And...
May 24, 2021
To run a successful and productive Small to Mid-sized Business (SMB), you need a team of efficient HR consultants. These consultants can effectively manage the whole spectrum of the...
May 20, 2021
Small and mid-sized businesses come with their own distinct challenges: attracting talent, engagement and training, awareness of government regulations, cash flow and more. The COVID-19 pandemic added an entirely...
May 19, 2021
HR compliance is like your annual dental check-up — it’s an unpleasant experience that we dread. There is often some pain, but in the end, you are grateful that...
May 19, 2021
Establishing effective human resources (HR) practices is a good way to manage the biggest asset in any business: the people who work there. If People Risk Management (PRM) is...
May 19, 2021
Making accommodations for an employee’s religious beliefs is important when it comes to building an atmosphere where everyone feels supported and respected. More so, companies should devote care and...
May 19, 2021
As an employer, you want to ensure that your workplace feels safe and supportive for its employees. Guarding against religious discrimination by setting expected standards and developing clear procedures...
May 19, 2021
Many decisions and conversations go into the process of bringing on an outsourcing HR partner. One of the vital conversation points is the costs to get that extra support....
May 19, 2021
The dimensions of HR outsourcing can seem mystical, and although we wish for a playbook, unfortunately, there isn’t one. The decision path to engage with an HR outsourcing partner...
May 19, 2021
As a smart business owner, you are constantly looking for ways to find efficiencies within your business operations to ensure you are mindful of costs and processes. In your...
May 19, 2021
Health insurance is one of the essential and necessary benefits businesses provide their employees. With the job market being fierce, benefits can be a deciding factor if an employee...
May 19, 2021
If you’re finding it difficult to hire employees, you’re not alone. In an April 2021 article, Bloomberg reported that many small businesses are struggling to find people who currently...
May 19, 2021
HR demands can be an overwhelming and daunting area for small businesses, given their limited time, resources, and expertise in this area. For many small businesses with increasing staff...
May 11, 2021
Recruiting and hiring the right people is pivotal to the success of any business. As a hiring manager, some of the most important tasks to effective candidate selection include...
May 11, 2021
No longer just in the realm of daring, trendsetting companies — outsourcing HR is increasing in popularity as it has gained momentum both locally and overseas. Imagine being an...
May 11, 2021
Being a business owner is not an easy role. Stress doesn’t even begin to describe the never-ending list of responsibilities that need to be managed in a day, the...
May 11, 2021
HR compliance is the business of ensuring your organization’s policies and practices meet legal and regulatory requirements. These requirements can vary based on your daily business operations and industry....
May 11, 2021
If you ask one hundred small to medium-sized business (SMB) owners what the number one HR metric they look at in order to determine what their workplace culture is,...
May 11, 2021
On March 10, 2021, the final version of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was approved by Congress. The American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President...
May 11, 2021
A diverse workplace with employees of different ages, race, religion, gender orientation, and life experiences can enhance the rich culture of any business. However, “diverse” and “diversity” can sometimes...
May 11, 2021
A lot has changed in the world of work since spring 2020. There have been many challenges to the employee-employer dynamic. As the employer, how can you make sure...
May 11, 2021
When a small business starts scaling, the HR function becomes increasingly challenging to manage. From meeting customers’ demands and applying best practices to hiring and remaining compliant with complex...
May 11, 2021
If you have employees, you have employee-centric exposures, also known as people risks. As these risks rapidly increase and evolve, effective people risk management (PRM) is more important than...
May 11, 2021
Almost all employee termination comes with risk. However, there are definitely ways to minimize it and ensure a smoother transition. Download our checklist for some common best practice guidelines...
May 11, 2021
Download our employee onboarding checklist to ensure that you collect all necessary information and your new team members have everything they need to succeed in their new role.
May 11, 2021
Workplace discrimination can be damaging to a business both financially and reputationally. It can affect your bottom line as well as your employment brand, employee engagement and company culture....
August 25, 2020
Back-to-School FAQs About Leave Under the FFCRA 1. If children and their parents can choose between in-person schooling or online schooling, can we deny leave to employees who choose...
August 12, 2020
A federal court in New York recently invalidated four key provisions of the Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) final rule related to leaves provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response...
June 22, 2020
The EEOC’s new guidance is the latest installment in the EEOC’s ongoing effort to provide clarity for employers on the application of the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and other...
April 28, 2020
There have been quite a few questions that have come up recently on whether people can continue using their Dependent Care FSAs for child care expenses if working from...
April 01, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights All information is directly from the U.S. Department of Labor. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain...
March 26, 2020
All of the below information came directly from the U.S. Department of Labor As provided under the legislation, the U.S. Department of Labor will be issuing implementing regulations. Additionally,...
March 20, 2020
During this fluid time, EmPower HR looks to continue to provide our clients, prospects and partners with relevant up-to-date information. Below are some important questions and answers around Benefits...
March 16, 2020
COVID-19 – Taking Care of Your Business and Employees As guidance from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) regarding the COVID-19 virus...