Beyond the Mic

NOTE: Because of the nature of ever-changing human resources, payroll, and tax regulations, all information discussed herein is subject to change. Please reach out to us to discuss your organization's unique challenges so that we can provide you with up-to-date information and help you find the solutions.After a long trudge through a global pandemic, it's no surprise that employees are tired of the status quo and may be looking for a way to switch things up in their career path. Employers now find themselves in a place of vulnerability – where without flexibility and trust, their employees may find other opportunities being presented to them.In this episode of Beyond the Mic, Leah Davis and Brenna Ramy are joined by Steve McDonald, Managing Partner of Abdo, Eick & Meyers. Listen in as they discuss the important questions facing employers in this post-pandemic environment and challenge you to ask the same questions about your own organization – like what are you doing to build trust with your employees? Are you measuring their day-to-day presence at the office or the tangible results they produce no matter where they work? It's these questions and more that can help you pivot, adjust, and make strategic decisions to move your organization forward and maintain a strong, confident workforce. Want to learn more? Speak to an AEM Workforce Solutions team memberFind more episodeswww.aemcpas.cominfo@aemcpas.comEdina: (952) 835-9090Mankato: (507) 625-2727

NOTE: Because of the nature of ever-changing human resources, payroll, and tax regulations, all information discussed herein is subject to change. Please reach out to us to discuss your organization's unique challenges so that we can provide you with up-to-date information and help you find the solutions.One of the most complicated and nuanced conversations you may need to have as an HR professional involves a discussion with an employee about their hygiene in the workplace. While there are many personal and cultural factors to consider when working through these issues, the way you handle this topic really gets to the heart of human resources and underscores the true value that an HR team can bring to an organization. In this episode of Beyond the Mic, Tamara Hastings, Leah Davis, and Brenna Ramy help to guide you in how to handle these tricky workplace situations in a way that is kind, compassionate, and clear. If done well, you may even see the power these conversations can have in strengthening an employee relationship and building trust. Want to learn more? Speak to an AEM Workforce Solutions team memberFind more episodeswww.aemcpas.com   |   info@aemcpas.com

NOTE: Because of the nature of ever-changing human resources, payroll, and tax regulations, all information discussed herein is subject to change. Please reach out to us to discuss your organization's unique challenges so that we can provide you with up-to-date information and help you find the solutions.With a new season approaching, many employers find themselves getting ready to bring on summer interns, seasonal workers, or temp hires. But no matter what season it may be, your HR department should understand the nuances between different worker classifications and how to implement them. In this episode of Beyond the Mic, Tamara Hastings, Leah Davis, and Brenna Ramy discuss some of the main worker classifications – interns, seasonal workers, temp hires, and volunteers – to help you understand when and how each of these types of workers is employed and what the correct classification should be if you take on employees in this capacity. With Independent contractor rules being in flux in 2021, this topic could be incredibly relevant for you and your employees this year!  Want to learn more? Speak to an AEM Workforce Solutions team memberFind more episodes

NOTE: Because of the nature of ever-changing human resources, payroll, and tax regulations, all information discussed herein is subject to change. Please reach out to us to discuss your organization's unique challenges so that we can provide you with up-to-date information and help you find the solutions.Summer is around the corner and in this new work-from-home-friendly environment, many employers may find themselves with employees who are asking to work from the cabin, the beach, or a similarly relaxing summer location. While this may seem like a simple request, employers and HR teams have some important implications to consider before approving a new work-from-home location. In this episode of Beyond the Mic, Tamara Hastings, Leah Davis, and Brenna Ramy discuss some of the implications of having remote employees who are requesting to work elsewhere, particularly if the remote work brings them to a different state. From payroll taxes and state withholding to labor laws and employee classifications, it's important to understand these implications and establish some policies to guide your organization through this potentially new territory of remote work. Want to learn more? Speak to an AEM Workforce Solutions team memberFind more episodes

NOTE: Because of the nature of ever-changing human resources, payroll, and tax regulations, all information discussed herein is subject to change. Please reach out to us to discuss your organization's unique challenges so that we can provide you with up-to-date information and help you find the solutions.On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). This new COVID relief bill had many important provisions for both individuals and organizations. In the HR realm, it brought changes to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL), and some significant changes to COBRA.In this new episode of Beyond the Mic, Tamara Hastings, Leah Davis, and Brenna Ramy will focus on how ARPA's provisions will impact businesses and organizations when it comes to these human resources topics. They discuss what you need to know, what you should be doing, and the conversations you should be having with your organization's leadership about these changes. Want to learn more? Speak to an AEM Workforce Solutions team memberFind more episodeswww.aemcpas.com   |   info@aemcpas.com   |   Edina: (952) 835-9090   |   Mankato: (507) 625-2727

NOTE: Because of the nature of ever-changing human resources, payroll, and tax regulations, all information discussed herein is subject to change. Please reach out to us to discuss your organization's unique challenges so that we can provide you with up-to-date information and help you find the solutions.There are several factors to consider when determining your organization's approach to compensation. It's important to look at the motivating factors behind any compensation changes being made and to look to your organization's philosophy around compensation for guidance when making decisions. In this new episode of Beyond the Mic, Leah Davis and Tamara Hastings talk about what compensation encompasses, what to consider when you begin the conversation with your organization's leadership and more. Want to learn more? Speak to an AEM Workforce Solutions team memberFind more episodeswww.aemcpas.com   |   info@aemcpas.com   |   Edina: (952) 835-9090   |   Mankato: (507) 625-2727

February is the season of love and in the world of HR professionals, it's the season of clenched teeth, cold sweats, and a bit of stress. That's because, in any workplace, you can typically find the beginnings of a romantic relationship or two. While these topics can often be the cause of some awkward discussions, the important thing to determine is how your HR department will choose to handle these situations when they arise.In this mini-episode of Beyond the Mic, Leah Davis and Brenna Ramy discuss some important risks to consider when it comes to romantic workplace relationships and how to create a policy for relationships that is practical, effective, and encourages a culture of open communication.Want to learn more? To speak to an AEM Workforce Solutions team member, Click Here.To find more episodes, Click Here.www.aemcpas.com   |   info@aemcpas.com   |   Edina: (952) 835-9090   |   Mankato: (507) 625-2727

HR and payroll professionals can often find themselves buried under administrative and compliance-related tasks. There are so many items to consider in the annual HR lifecycle of your organization that it can be hard to focus on the things that will truly add strategic value and strengthen your relationship with the organization's operations. In this episode of Beyond the Mic, Leah Davis and Brenna Ramy discuss the tactical and practical items you should consider from an HR and payroll perspective as you move through each year. With these items on your list, you can create a strategic annual plan to stay on track with compliance requirements and organizational policies, so you avoid the yearly avalanche of tasks. Want to learn more? To speak to an AEM Workforce Solutions team member, click here.To find Small Business Resources, click here.To browse all of our episodes, click here.To view the transcript of this episode with additional resources, click here.- - - - -www.aemcpas.com   |   info@aemcpas.com   |   Edina: (952) 835-9090   |   Mankato: (507) 625-2727

Do you ever hear the phrase “because we have always done it this way”? Are your internal processes taking longer than you think they should? Are you considering adding positions but would like to ensure operations are as efficient as possible first? Are you concerned that process documentation isn't current, or perhaps isn't in existence at all to support an unexpected change with your staff or business? These are just a few signs that an operational review may be needed.In this episode of Beyond the Mic, join Jean McGann and Geniene Scherer as they discuss the benefits of our AEM ProEval approach for operational reviews to meet you where you are—and guide you to where you want to go.To learn more about AEM ProEval, visit our Process Solutions page.Want to discuss your organization's process in more detail? Reach out to us – we're here to help.

It seems that new guidance is being released nearly every day regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. For employers and Human Resources administrators, this requires an almost constant monitoring of regulations to ensure that the programs are being carried out accurately, documentation of employer actions is thorough, and compliance measures are being implemented appropriately. In this episode of Beyond the Mic, Leah Davis and Brenna Ramy from the AEM Workforce Solutions team will walk you through updated guidance and new information that has been gathered over the last 60 days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen in for a comprehensive overview of what you need to know now as an employer – from what changes have recently taken effect to how you can anticipate further changes as the situation in our communities and our country continues to evolve.As always, please visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for the most up to date information from our industry experts. Other resources mentioned in this episode include the Federal Department of Labor, Minnesota Department of Labor, Minnesota Unemployment Insurance, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and IRS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

NOTE: Because the COVID-19 situation is dynamic, with new governmental measures each day, please reach out to us to discuss your organization's unique challenges so that we can provide you with up-to-date information and help you find the solutions.When President Trump declared the COVID-19 national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Stafford Act took effect under Category B of the Public Assistance Program. The Stafford Act allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance to government organizations for certain emergency protective measures. In this episode of Beyond the Mic, Bonnie Schwieger and Layne Kockelman provide details on what emergency protective measures are eligible for FEMA reimbursement, considerations for single audits when it comes to FEMA reimbursement, as well as internal controls related to changing work environments and single audits. For more information regarding the application process for FEMA reimbursement, click here.Find more resources on our AEM COVID-19 Resource Center or reach out to us with questions - we're here to help.  

The outbreak of COVID-19 has truly touched the entire world and has brought with it many uncertainties about the immediate future as well as what the future looks like as we move forward. Local city governments in particular are left wondering where their annual budgets are being impacted and how they can plan for this impact as it continues through this year and into the 2021 budget season ahead. Join Jean McGann and Victoria Holthaus from AEM Financial Solutions as they discuss the COVID-19 outbreak and how this crisis may impact your city's upcoming budget considerations for 2020 and 2021. They'll walk you through some of the immediate concerns your organization may have in terms of facility closures and revenue losses. They'll also discuss some effects your organization may feel in the subsequent months and years and how you may be able to plan your budget accordingly.Have additional questions? Reach out to the AEM Financial Solutions team today. For more resources, please visit our AEM COVID-19 Resource Center.NOTE: Because the COVID-19 situation is dynamic, with new governmental measures each day, please reach out to us to discuss your organization's unique challenges so that we can provide you with up-to-date information and help you find the solutions.

NOTE: Because the COVID-19 situation is dynamic, with new governmental measures each day, employers should consult with counsel for the latest developments and updated guidance on this topic.The paid leave requirements included in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) go into effect this Wednesday, April 1, 2020 for employers with 500 or fewer employees. Join Brenna Ramy and Megan Schwanz from AEM Workforce Solutions as they discuss some of the practical steps you can take to prepare your organization. They'll also cover helpful information to assist you in preparing to file for reimbursement. Their tips can help ensure a successful implementation for your HR department and a smooth experience for your employees requesting leave. For more resources, please visit our AEM COVID-19 Resource Center.