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 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...

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...

It's hard to believe that Election Day is just around the corner again! Despite the fact that the polls in many states are open for at least 12 hours (or more) on election days, and that some states have extended the polling over several days and/or have mail-in ballots for the election, many employers will still be asked by their employees if they...

Tis the Season for .... fun holiday parties and other seasonal festivities!While holiday festivities can be fun, there is little question that conduct that can be perceived as harmful occurs at company holiday parties every year. Now is the time to consider what you should be doing before this year's holiday party in order to get ahead of this issu...

Stop making resolutions and instead make 5 HR Commitments in 2020.Based on HR trends that Excelerator® has tracked, here are 5 commitments your company should consider making in 2020: 1. Get a big-picture idea of the year aheadThis is an important commitment, and it takes less time than you think. Calendar important dates, including HR and Payroll ...

Employers are utilizing biometrics to identify employees and track hours worked. However, unlike other methods of authentication such as passwords, biometric identifiers may not easily be changed once compromised. Employers that use biometrics need to be aware of regulations such as the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). Similar sta...

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 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...

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 ...

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 ...

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'...

Why Your Current Drug and Alcohol Policy May Have Gone to Pot For employers that already have a Drug and Alcohol Policy, the following language should be very familiar: Employees should report to work fit for duty and free of any adverse effects of illegal drugs or alcohol. This policy does not prohibit employees from the lawful use and possession ...

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...

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...

​Hiring new employees can have a significant impact to your business. You're probably already aware there are costs associated with hiring employees. These may include recruiting expenses, time and resources, and of course, the salaries of new employees as well as the current employees whose time is used to train new employees. However, as an owner...

​Recent headlines and the press coverage around the president seem to be dominated by foreign affairs issues. However, much of the president's focus this year has been about his administration's agenda for the workplace. You may have heard about the proposal to increase the starting wage, but there are several more proposals in the president's work...

​It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is already here and the holiday season is about to begin. There's just 6 weeks left in 2014. I'm sure you have a long list of things to do before the end of the year. Preparing your budgets for 2015 may be among them. Here are potential HR items to take into account for the budget. Starting Wage Increases There ar...