Employco USA's HR Podcast

In this month's HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason share practical ways small businesses can boost employee engagement. With retention and productivity more important than ever, they explore how communication, recognition, and thoughtful feedback can strengthen your workplace culture. They also cover tools like anonymous surveys and simple ways to offer more flexibility and growth. Want a deeper dive? Reach out to hr@employco.com to request our latest HR Insights article on this topic.

In this month's HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason dive into the growing trend of Unlimited PTO. They explore the pros and cons employers should consider, including administrative ease, employee perceptions, legal payout obligations, and the impact on workplace culture. They also share insights on how to structure guidelines, address compliance across different states, and set expectations to avoid potential issues. Thinking about offering Unlimited PTO or updating your current policy? Reach out to Employco's HR experts at hr@employco.com for guidance!

Struggling with employee performance issues? In this episode, Rob, Scott, and Jason break down best practices for implementing a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Learn how a PIP differs from a standard performance review, key elements to include, why proper documentation is crucial, legal pitfalls to avoid, and more. A well-structured PIP can help employees get back on track while saving your company time and money on rehiring. Need a PIP template? Contact us at hr@employco.com.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they explore employee retention and turnover in today's workforce. This episode unpacks key insights from a recent survey highlighting a significant disconnect between employee and employer perceptions. Learn why toxic culture and poor leadership are major factors driving turnover, and how exit interviews and engagement surveys can help bridge the gap. Employee culture is a top priority, “it's more than just a word, it's an action.” For more guidance on this topic contact hr@employco.com. Thanks for listening and happy holidays from the Employco team!

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they break down critical topics surrounding benefits, renewal increases, and open enrollment. With renewal rates climbing for the third consecutive year, they explore strategies companies can adopt to navigate these challenges. They touch on adjusting plan designs, using varying communication methods, and give actionable tips to help employers manage renewals effectively. Tune in for practical insights on staying compliant and ensuring your employees are well-informed during open enrollment. Have questions? Reach out to Employco today, hr@employco.com.

In this month's HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason delve into the complex issue of politics in the workplace. With the election season in full swing, many employees find themselves caught in political conversations they'd rather avoid. The team examines a revealing SHRM survey, which shows that while 83% of employees have engaged in political discussions at work, almost the same number wish they hadn't. They also explore the delicate balance employers must maintain between free speech and a respectful workplace, updating workplace policies, coaching supervisors, ensuring heated political debates don't escalate into conflicts involving protected classes, and more. If your company needs guidance on drafting or updating policies, don't hesitate to reach out to hr@employco.com.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they dive into best practices for workplace drug testing. In this episode, they cover the alarming increase in drug test cheating and the growing positivity rates in office environments. They explore the four common types of drug testing from an employer's perspective, discuss whether pre-employment drug testing makes sense for your organization, examine the impact of state laws and legalized marijuana, and more. They also share information on valuable resources, including a reasonable suspicion checklist, HR Insights articles, and tips on enhancing your drug testing program. Reach out to hr@employco.com for more details.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they unpack the FTC's ban on non-compete agreements, set to take effect on September 4th. They go over the specifics, some exceptions and caveats, required actions for compliance, employee notification, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, and more. They also review some upcoming HR regulatory changes you should be aware of for mid-year. Stay informed on how to comply with these new regulations and other upcoming HR changes. Need further assistance? Reach out to hr@employco.com for personalized support and resources.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they discuss "Watch Me Get Fired" videos, a growing concern for employers nationwide. They explore what they are, best practices to follow, some of the legal implications, helpful termination techniques, manager training, the importance of using professionalism and respect, and more. Tune in to learn how to handle terminations effectively and mitigate risks in the workplace. Need further assistance? Reach out to hr@employco.com for personalized support and resources on manager training, performance improvement plans, and termination best practices.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they discuss what happens when a business receives an EEOC charge of discrimination. They go over some best practices and employer guidance, from the moment the complaint arrives in the mail to your options when responding. It's crucial to act timely! They also provide some insights on internal investigations, tips for negotiation, maintaining confidentiality, the importance of documentation, EPLI insurance, and more. Towards the end, they'll also touch on the HR side of March Madness, including office brackets and building camaraderie. For an effective checklist on “Responding to an EEOC Charge of Discrimination” check out our blog. And, contact us for support with discrimination charges or our no-cost supply of updated labor law posters, we're here to help: hr@employco.com.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they delve into the latest developments in employment regulations. In this episode, they unpack the Department of Labor's new independent contractor rule, set to take effect on March 11th. They provide insights into its background, the changes forthcoming, tips for employers, and crucial preparation strategies for businesses. Listen in as they discuss the differences between independent contractors and employees, reviewing the six factors outlined in the new rule and some gray areas you should be aware of. Do you have questions surrounding the new rule or how workers should be classified? Reach out to Employco for proactive strategies to ensure compliance, we're here to help: hr@employco.com

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they discuss workplace boredom and the key trends shaping HR practices in 2024. They take a look at a recent SHRM survey that revealed nearly 70% of employees feel disengaged or bored at work. They dissect potential causes, from communication breakdowns to the challenges of remote work, highlighting the importance of meaningful interactions and addressing employee well-being. They also provide insights into the HR landscape for 2024. From the impact of Artificial Intelligence on HR processes to the growing emphasis on skill-based hiring amid talent shortages, emerging trends that will shape organizational strategies, the evolving regulatory landscape, and more. Contact Employco for strategies to help reinvigorate your workforce and unleash the full potential of your team - hr@employco.com.

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason in this month's HR podcast as they delve into the details of the new Form I-9, a critical component of the hiring process. They also highlight HR and employment changes set to roll out in 2024. The new Form I-9 is now mandatory for all new hires. The team discusses some of the improvements, remote verification updates, internal and external audits, fines and penalties, document retention policies, and some insightful tips for employers navigating the I-9 process. As 2023 draws to a close, they also discuss some of the changes coming in 2024, including those related to pay transparency, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Contact Employco for expert guidance on navigating the evolving landscape of HR regulations and ensuring adherence to the new Form I-9. Whether you're dealing with remote verification updates or putting a plan together for an internal audit, our team can help - hr@employco.com.

Welcome to this month's HR podcast with Rob, Scott, and Jason, where we dive into changes brought by the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act, scheduled to take effect on January 1st, 2024. In this episode, we break down some of the key components of the law, which mandates up to 40 hours of paid leave for every employee, regardless of the reason. We also discuss the implications for businesses, the adjustments needed for compliance, the potential impact on various industries, and more. Even if your company is based in another state but has employees in Illinois, this will affect your business. With just under 60 days until this policy takes effect, it's crucial for businesses to gear up for compliance to avoid penalties. Contact Employco for guidance and support in implementing the changes required - we're here to help, hr@employco.com.

Welcome to this month's HR podcast with Rob, Scott, and Jason. In this episode, we review the findings from our Work from Home survey, where we surveyed 3,000 business owners from a variety of states. We discuss the shifting landscape of office space, examine the future of remote work practices, and look at the impact on productivity and profitability. Next, we dive into open enrollment season, where Jason guides us through a series of tips to help you maximize your open enrollment strategy. Given the challenging landscape of plan renewals, we highlight the importance of effective communication, especially when significant changes and rising costs are involved. Contact us for open enrollment guidance, work-from-home insights, or future topic suggestions - we're here to help: hr@employco.com

Welcome to this month's HR podcast with Rob, Scott, and Jason. As we approach the end of the year and Q4, we're diving into a hot topic that's on every HR professional's mind: Performance Management. In this episode, we explore the crucial aspects of the performance management process, why frequent conversations are important (not just once a year), the importance of giving feedback to employees and in return soliciting feedback as a manager, how anonymous surveys can lead to honest input and meaningful changes, and more! So, if you're ready to enhance your performance management strategy and create a more engaged, motivated workforce, join us for this informative episode of Employco's HR podcast! Contact us with any questions you may have or for future topic suggestions, we're here to help: hr@employco.com

On this month's HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason are joined by world champion golfer Amy Alcott, Employco's Golf Ambassador, and business development expert John Carr. They discuss a few HR insights while Amy shares some great golf stories with the team, including how Amy got her start, her first professional tournament, her iconic jump at Mission Hills Country Club, some of her favorite courses she has played, what Employco is bringing to the golf industry, and more! You're passionate about golf; we're passionate about HR and insurance. Contact us today to help eliminate your business headaches, giving you the Power to Compete! https://www.employco.com/golf

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason tackle the challenge of making performance reviews less painful and more productive. Discover valuable tips, such as training supervisors on effective review techniques, fostering open communication throughout the year, and accentuating the positives rather than solely focusing on the negatives. Learn how to address raises transparently and avoid last-minute scrambles by scheduling reviews ahead of time. Don't miss this episode filled with practical strategies to enhance your performance review process and keep your employees motivated year-round! Contact us with any questions you may have or for future topic suggestions, we're here to help: hr@employco.com

Join Rob, Scott, and Jason on this month's HR podcast as they discuss rising EEOC charges, employee burnout, and the impact of AI. They review the 20% surge in EEOC charges, key claims, pending cases, hearings, settlements, and practical tips for employers. They also delve into the causes of employee burnout, including heavy workloads and lack of support, while providing employer strategies like encouraging time-off and fostering a supportive work environment. Contact us with any questions you may have or for future topic suggestions, we're here to help: hr@employco.com

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason take a look at stay interviews in the workplace. They discuss what they entail, the cost of recruiting and onboarding, the importance of retention and culture, showing employees you care, actively listening, not treating this like a performance review, fixing issues, impacting change, and more! Contact Employco for support with your organization's employee retention initiatives. We're here to help!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason are joined by special guest Gerri LeCompte, our Vice President of Payroll Services, who has been with Employco for over 20 years. They discuss current payroll trends, from remote workers and multi-state compliance issues to reciprocal agreements, employer liabilities, constantly changing tax laws, W-4 confusion, the shift to paperless, and more! From tight turnaround times to a dedicated payroll specialist to talk to, Employco can help alleviate the pitfalls associated with payroll. Contact us today to see how we can help!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason take a look at ChatGPT. They discuss some background details, the pros and cons, how it relates to HR and businesses, how accurate the data is, some of the drawbacks, use case scenarios for HR professionals, the importance of review, if it takes state laws like pay transparency into account, workplace policies, future improvements, and more!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason are joined by retired Navy Captain J.J. Cummings (Leadership Consultant). J.J. shares a number of leadership insights from his experience as a Naval advisor for the film Top Gun: Maverick to being the Commanding Officer of the USS Gerald R. Ford - the largest ship in the Navy fleet. They touch on how to approach different generations entering the workforce, the importance of onboarding and setting a positive tone from day one, explaining the “why”, the significance of LBWA (“Lead by Walking Around”), showing your employees you care, keeping an open door, making time, handwritten notes, employee engagement and feedback, anonymous surveys, implementing changes, and more! “Don't tell them you care. SHOW them you care.” -J.J. Cummings (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjcummings2378/)

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover some of the top HR issues from 2022 and look ahead in 2023. They discuss the vaccine mandate, supreme court rulings, no proposed overtime rule, large company layoffs, quiet quitting, Dobbs (Roe v. Wade) ruling effects, and hiring problems. They also look ahead for 2023 and predict more layoffs, interest rates continuing to rise, minimum wage changes, getting employees back to the office, company handbook updates, and more!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason are joined by special guest Scott Robinson (Managing Director of Robinson Resource Group and Founder of SearchWorks, LLC) to discuss leadership development and their outlook for 2023. They touch on executive coaching, developing high-performance leaders, finding the “blind spots,” focusing on company culture, skills and trends to watch for in 2023, a look into the crystal ball for next year, new workforce priorities, focusing on your employees, better retention, succession and development planning, and more! They also take a quick look at company holiday parties, from the do's and don'ts to team building and safety. Happy holidays, we'll talk to you next year!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover a variety of year-end HR topics. They discuss health insurance, renewal rates, open enrollment, cost containment, employee reviews, the importance of periodic conversations, supervisor training, bonuses and raises, regional compensation, the competitive labor market, upcoming events, and more!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover independent contractors vs employees and what to look out for on the employer side. They discuss what the key differences are, tax liabilities, penalties, taking each situation on a case-by-case basis, unemployment, health insurance and benefits, attracting and retaining talent, unions, and more!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason are joined by special guest Rob West (Vice President of Operations for Sho-Link) to discuss trade shows – where we're at now and a look into the future. They touch on the big recovery, more attendees returning, shows filling up faster, the demand for good labor, going full throttle, and the challenges faced. They also look into their crystal ball and talk recession, inflation, budgets, how the industry continues to move forward, and more!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason (via phone) cover the HR side of inflation. They discuss current stats, today's cost of doing business, high turnover, midyear pay increases, having to increase the cost of products being sold, moonlighting, updating your handbook for second jobs, how Employco can help with policy updates and training, and more!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover the HR side of preparing for a recession, “we'd rather be out in front of it than be behind it.” They discuss recent stats and figures, triggering effects, wages not keeping up with inflation, the decline in consumer spending, tips on planning ahead, reducing costs, outsourcing your HR and benefits, succession planning, open communication, building trust and transparency, and more!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover LGBTQ workplace issues. They discuss historical events, workplace discrimination, diversity and inclusion training, company policies and handbooks, anonymous employee surveys, and more. They also touch on some of our next podcast talking points - from inflation and job market changes to the HR side of being in a recession.

Revenue growth and advertising are most often major concerns when scaling a business, but what about the HR and employment aspects? On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover the HR side of scaling your business. They discuss different state regulations and compliance issues, the importance of your company culture, employee engagement, communication, retaining your top talent, taking a look at your benefit plans in advance, developing the next generation, and more!

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover mental health in the workplace. They discuss a recent SHRM survey that outlines where businesses stand on support, work related stress, recommendations and tips for employers, mental health resources, manager training, communication, social events, employee surveys, and more. Questions or future topic suggestions? We're here to help, hr@employco.com.

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason are joined by special guest Don Svehla (founder and publisher of Exhibit City News) to discuss trade shows back in action. They touch on the strong turnaround, the adaptability of the industry, labor shortages, attracting the next generation, continued growth and expansion, the face of trade shows moving forward, and more!

On this month's podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss relationships in the workplace. They cover recent news stories, pandemic relationship stats, reviewing your handbook, putting company policies in place, the importance of employee communication and disclosure, Title VII, what's prohibited by law, and more. We're always happy to help with any questions you may have on the latest regulations, government policies, and trending HR topics: hr@employco.com

On this month's podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss upcoming changes for employers in the new year. They cover minimum wage updates for various states and cities, new 401(k) contribution limits, the Illinois Secure Choice plan, employee tip credit requirements, vaccine mandate holds/updates, merit pay increases vs inflation, and more. We're always happy to help with any questions you may have on the latest regulations, government policies, and trending HR topics: hr@employco.com

On this month's podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss health insurance renewals. They cover new rates for 2022, stories of high increases, the effects of COVID-related claims, recommendations for employers on how to save money (from plan design changes to routine care), the importance of voluntary benefits/perks, and more. From health care to our buying power, we're always happy to help with any questions you may have: hr@employco.com

On this month's podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason break down the latest jobs report. They discuss jobless claims, labor shortages, why employees are changing careers, recommendations for employers to recruit employees, corporate culture, flexible working conditions, and more. We're always happy to help with any questions you may have on the HR side: hiring, terminating, employee retention, employee engagement, or general HR. Send us a message at: hr@employco.com

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason with special guest Cary Miller (Vice President of Food Industry News) discuss the current state of the food industry. They touch on COVID protocol questions (testing, masks, vaccines), CDC guidelines, employer liability, creative ways to hire and attract talent, unique employee benefits, saving money, cutting costs, and more!

On this month's podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover some recent topics, including – President Biden's executive order on promoting competition as well as Topgolf's biometric privacy lawsuit. They discuss curtailing non-compete agreements, client poaching, job offer templates, recommendations for employers, biometric timeclocks, employee consent and disclosure, storing information, destroying records, and more.

On this month's HR podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason with special guest Jim Fannin (America's ZoneCoach®) discuss getting in the zone mindset as you return to the workplace, in-office or remote. They touch on what the zone is and how it applies to a team, self-discipline, accountability, reinventing your business, positive energy, peak performance, creating a blueprint, company culture, and more. Get in the zone!

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover recruiting challenges in the current employment landscape. They discuss unemployment benefits, competitor wages, career changes, signing bonuses, employee referrals, virtual job fairs, hybrid remote/office programs, finding the right balance, creating a robust offer package, and more.

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason cover if employers are allowed to ask employees if they’ve been vaccinated. They discuss the EEOC’s stance, tips on how to ask responsibly, what documentation to ask for, confidentiality, keeping employee information safe, vaccination incentives, and more.

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss a recent survey that states a quarter of employees are planning to quit post-COVID. They discuss burnout, average workday increases, health issues, what employers can do to be proactive, tips for employee retention, and more.

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss their best guesses of “What to Expect Under the Biden Administration Over the First 100 Days,” including: HR and employer standpoints, minimum wage, federal paid leave, OSHA, worker discrimination protections, and more.

On this year-end podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason with special guest Jim Fannin (America’s ZoneCoach®) discuss “How to Have Your Best Year Ever for 2021,” including: operating from a well-defined blueprint, employee communication, challenges that await us in the new year, finding your proven formula for success, and more.

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss “Virtual Holiday Parties and Employer Responsibilities,” including: the do’s and don’ts, games and trivia, how long they should last, employee travel, mandatory self-quarantines, and more.

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss "The Top 5 Employment Law Changes Expected Under Joe Biden," including: the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employee leaves of absence, labor relations, independent contractors, minimum wage, and more.

Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss the 2020 Kaiser Health Survey, including: renewal rate increases, employer and employee premium contribution rates, the most common plan designs (PPO, HDHP, HMO, POS) and their enrollments, higher deductibles and employee cost sharing, the uncertainties that insurers and employers have to deal with right now, and more.

Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss payroll tax deferral (employer options and liability), including: what happens if an employee leaves, what large companies are doing, employer options, and more.

Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss President Trump’s four executive orders, including: student loans, evictions, additional federal unemployment, and differed payroll tax obligations, along with their own predictions and more.