1. Employers returning teams to the office (hybrid or full-time) State employment laws may have new requirements, including COVID-related medical leaveTelework policies to include expectations for work product; availability for meetings, camera utilization, dress code; response time to questions from managers, clients, customers, teammates; cyber s...

While the world continues to grapple with managing and moving beyond COVID-19 and its effects, Excelerator® has identified HR trends that will surface in 2022. Outsourcing Growth As HR has become more complex, organizations are seeking ways to get the most value from their HR function without laying in additional cost. This contributes to a shift t...

As of 2022, the state of California has new leave requirements for employers. California has expanded the definition of family members to include parents-in-law. The new definition applies to both private and public sector employees with 5 or more employees. The requirement went into effect on January 1.Under existing law, eligible workers in Calif...

The cannabis industry is competitive. It is critical that cannabis businesses stand out among others. A focus on human resource management helps a business outshine its competition as well improve investor and public's perceptions of the business. Due to the changing and complex laws, it can be difficult for companies to establish HR practices and ...

Success Means Growth  Startup companies are legitimately focused on the immediate needs of developing their brand and expanding a client base. As revenues increase, company founders and leadership can become time-starved and overwhelmed with managing their new business. That's when they realize they need more help. They have now reached the ex...

If you have employees, an employee handbook is a critical part of your business. It will establish and communicate your company's mission, values and policies to your employees and provide the company with an invaluable level of legal protection. But a high quality handbook can do much more than that. It can play a key part in defining the company'...

With the election of Joe Biden to the presidency, businesses can expect a number of changes that may impact human resources. We looked at President Biden's proposals to see which ones will have the most direct and immediate effect on the workplace if adopted. While we recognize that proposals are just that, here are some areas for organizations to ...

As of September 30th 2020, all New York State employers are required to provide sick leave to their employees under New York State Sick Leave (NYSSL) law. The number of employees entitled to use NYSSL varies depending on organization size and income. To determine an employer's size under the NYSSL, a calendar year is defined as the 12 month period ...

Can Employers require these tests?  On June 17, 2020 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) clarified how employers may screen workers for COVID-19. If an organization decides to utilize any or all the tests make sure COVID-19 testing is implemented consistently, stay within EEOC guidelines and follow U.S. Centers for Disease Contr...

On July 20, 2020, the U.S Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) provided additional guidance about the workplace during the Coronavirus pandemic. The guidance is focused on the following workplace-related legislation: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA...

At the outset of the Covid-19 crisis, U.S. companies — startups to large corporations across all industries — faced the challenge of remote work. As the COVID-19 crisis continues, employers should recognize that a remote workforce may be a strategic advantage. Employees who can adapt well to work at home are an asset in stressful times. Now compani...

ADA ​The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act (which include the requirement for reasonable accommodation and non-discrimination based on disability, and rules about employer medical examinations and inquiries), continue to apply during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they do not interfere with or prevent employers from follo...

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Protections Federal employment law protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Bostock v. Clayton County. Now an employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII of the Civil...

As restaurants reopen under current CDC, OSHA, state and local guidelines HR considerations are a critical part of the plan. Following are key HR considerations for your beyond "take-out" reopening. Restaurant Staffing As restaurants initially operate at reduced dining capacity, furloughed and laid off employees may not be hired back all at once. T...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have issued new COVID-19 guidance to employers as of May 2020. The guidance applies to workplaces and employers generally and to specific industries, such as bars and restaurants, manufacturing, child care, schools, and mass transit. CD...

Effective January 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) increased the wage threshold for classifying employees as exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The threshold has been increased 50% from $455 to $684 per week. Annualized this is equivalent to $23,660 to $35,568 per year for full-time employees. Employees w...

There's a new W-4 form effective January 1, 2020, which significantly differs from previous versions. The W-4 is a required document that every new employee needs to complete so employers can properly withhold the correct amount of tax to submit to the IRS. In previous years, employees would select the number of dependents, which would dictate the ...

Tom Pecoraro, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Excelerator®, spoke with Joe Flood, Founder of N2 Communications, in a recent podcast available HERE. They discussed how COVID-19 is changing the workplace now and in the future. Key points from the audio podcast: Remote Business Operations Daily Video and Audio Employee Meetings: Remote meetings ca...

The coronavirus -- named COVID-19 -- outbreak situation changes by the hour. Employers should carefully review their strategies, policies and procedures to ensure their business and employees are prepared to respond.COVID-19 spreads largely through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, and it seems to spread easily. It may also be possib...

Many retailers have implemented immediate layoffs or are considering potential layoffs, shift reductions, remote work scenarios for management as well as temporary or permanent store closures. Some are remaining open to serve customers in ways that are permitted by changing government guidance. Management decisions, even in a time of crisis, should...