September – Looming Overtime Changes
Department of Labor changes in overtime pay loom Changes in the U.S. Department of Labor’s overtime rule and pay rate are on the horizon. The proposed changes include raising the salary level for exemptions for white-collar workers and updating the rate of pay used to...
Melody Beach featured on podcast “Tap Into the Power of U”
On Episode 4 of “Tap Into the Power of U”, Darlene and Melody discuss Melody’s 25 years of experience as a Human Resources professional and the many roles which that encompasses. Going out on her own and starting Melody L. Beach Consulting Group which is a...
August – Navigating Medical Marijuana Laws
Navigating medical marijuana laws As more states legalize medical or recreational marijuana use, employers should review their employee handbooks to make sure they address current laws. Although marijuana use is still illegal under federal law, 33 states and...
July: Managing summer dress code challenges & HR Topics”
Dressing for summer When the weather warms up, we shed long pants and long-sleeved shirts for shorts and T-shirts. Many businesses have a dress code that begins with the Memorial Day holiday and ends with Labor Day. As we move into the hot days of summer, employer...
New state law on Paid Family and Medical Leave
New state law on Paid Family and Medical Leave A new Massachusetts law on Paid Family and Medical Leave will take effect in 2021. Paid family and medical leave benefits will be available to eligible workers and will be funded by payroll deductions beginning Oct. 1,...
Avoiding ageism in the job market and workplace
The American dream of working until you decide to retire is no longer the reality for many people. More people are losing their jobs before they’re ready to retire, sometimes through layoffs and sometimes by choosing to leave because they feel they’re being pushed out...
What Should be in my Employee Handbook?
You are sitting down and have decided to create or update your employee handbook. Then this one question keeps popping into your mind “what should be in my employee handbook?” and the answer you keep coming up with is “I don’t know”. Here are the items to consider: •...
Do I really need an employee handbook?
This was an interesting question and I am sure you are thinking that from an HR person the answer is “absolutely”. Actually, I would have to say “depends”. I know, wonderful, still not a decisive answer. Let me explain. It depends based on what you want the employee...
Lawsuits – It can happen to you.
Did you know that lawsuits, on average, cost a company $14.8M* annually in legal fees and fines? Not to mention, their reputation can be significantly impacted as a result of media scrutiny in the process. This is not something that you want to leave to chance because...
