Four Tips to Prevent Workplace Violence
The first and most obvious step in preventing workplace violence is to understand its meaning. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workplace violence is "any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other...
Proper Reporting for QSEHRA Benefits
Introduced in 2017 via the 21st Century Cures Act, the QSEHRA is an employer-funded health benefit that enables tax-free reimbursements. Only small employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees and those who do not otherwise provide a group health plan...
Giving Employees Different Vacation or PTO?
Question: Can we give employees different amounts of vacation or PTO time?Answer from Jenny, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: If the differing amounts of vacation or PTO are based on a clearly-defined employee grouping, such as seniority, department, or exempt versus...
Handling HR and Payroll for Remote Employees
If your remote employees live in the state where your business is located, you must follow federal employment laws plus your state's employment rules. But if your remote employees live in a different state from where you conduct business, you must comply with federal...
Are Employee Benefits Legally Required?
Are you unsure about the employee benefits you must legally provide? Unemployment insuranceUnemployment insurance benefits are provided through the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program, which delivers short-term benefit payments to employees who...
Maine Bans Salary History Inquiries
In an effort to further reduce the gender pay gap, Maine has joined a growing number of states and municipalities that have banned salary history inquiries. The state amended the Maine Human Rights Act, which already included pay equity provisions, to...
Breaking Down Employee Breaks
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers generally do not have to provide short breaks or lunch periods to employees. However, the Act places restrictions on employers who choose to provide them. The FLSA also has guidelines for dealing with sleep...
ME & MA Labor Law Poster Updates
There have been recent updates to posting requirements in Maine and Massachusetts. These posting changes are summarized below. To stay in compliance with these recent changes, all businesses in Maine and Massachusetts with at least one employee on payroll...
Know Your Lookback Period for Payroll Taxes
A lookback period is the length of time that the IRS uses to measure the amount of taxes paid by an employer. The lookback period also helps the employer determine its deposit schedule.Payroll Taxes, Filings and Lookback PeriodsEmployers must withhold...
Is Tuition Reimbursement Right for Employers?
We live in a fast-paced society where people are forever on the go. There's hardly ample time for work-life balance, let alone continuing education. Yet studies show that employees want opportunities for learning and development.According to a Gallup...