Small Business Spoonfuls With Lisa Smith and Mason Merrell

In this episode, we are talking about using the exchange on X between Mark Cuban several other Xers and the EEOC! Please don't forget to leave a review, like, and subscribe! Also, leave a voice comment or write me at support@helpdeskforHR.com and I will be sure your comment or question is addressed in an upcoming episode! Send in your questions using this link and I will answer them on an upcoming show! ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message⁠⁠ Until next time, Be Audit-Secure ™! Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message

In this episode, we are talking about using AI (ChatGPT) in your HR department. Please don't forget to leave a review, like, and subscribe! Also, leave a voice comment or write me at support@helpdeskforHR.com and I will be sure your comment or question is addressed in an upcoming episode! Send in your questions using this link and I will answer them on an upcoming show! ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message⁠ Until next time, Be Audit-Secure ™! Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message

In this episode, we are talking about Generational Discrimination and I am referring to this article. https://wccwatch.org/hiring-managers-prefer-older-workers-over-generation-z/ Please don't for get to leave a review, like, and subscribe! Also, leave a voice comment or write me at support@helpdeskforHR.com and I will be sure your comment or question is addressed in an upcoming episode! Be Audit-Secure™! Lisa Smith SPHR, SCP --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message

Question: What Should Our Company Do When An Employee Files a Complaint But Wishes To Remain Anonymous? Answer: When an employee sends an anonymous complaint, it can be tricky for a company to handle. Let's take a hypothetical situation: Emma, an HR manager at a medium-sized tech company, receives an anonymous email alleging that a supervisor, Tom, is creating a hostile work environment. The message doesn't give specifics. Here are some best practices for Emma. Take Every Complaint Seriously: Even though the complaint is anonymous, it's important to treat it with the same seriousness as any other complaint. Ignoring it could lead to bigger problems down the road. Investigate Carefully: Emma should start by looking into the complaint, even if it's vague. She can review Tom's behavior and interactions with his team without revealing the complaint's existence. She can also check if there have been similar complaints in the past. Respect Privacy: While investigating, it's crucial to keep things confidential. Emma shouldn't tell Tom or others about the anonymous complaint unless absolutely necessary. Create a Safe Environment: Emma should ensure that employees feel safe to voice their concerns. She can remind everyone about the company's policies on harassment and discrimination and the importance of a respectful workplace. Encourage Open Communication: It's good to encourage employees to come forward with their concerns, even if they choose to stay anonymous. Emma can remind them of the different ways they can report issues, like through a suggestion box or a confidential hotline. Understandably, some employees might be hesitant to put their name on a complaint. Emma can work on building a culture where employees feel comfortable coming forward. Here's how: Promote a Culture of Trust: If employees trust their HR team and feel that their concerns will be taken seriously, they may be more likely to share their names. Emma can work on building this trust through regular communication and by being approachable. Explain the Process: Sometimes employees are anonymous because they're not sure what will happen after they make a complaint. Emma can explain the process to all employees, so they know what to expect and feel more comfortable. Offer Multiple Reporting Options: Providing different ways to report issues can help. For example, a direct talk with HR, a confidential email, or a meeting with a trusted manager can be options. Assure Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation: Employees often fear retaliation. Emma should reassure them that their identity will be protected and that the company has a strict non-retaliation policy. Handling anonymous complaints can be challenging, but with a careful approach and a focus on creating a trusting and open work environment, Emma can address these issues effectively and maintain a positive workplace culture. Send in your questions using this link and I will answer them on an upcoming show! https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message Until next time, Be Audit-Secure ™! Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/small-business-spoonfuls/message

Today we discuss guidelines for allowing/not allowing service animals into your business. We talk about the questions you can and cannot ask the customer about the animals as well as the difference between service animals and emotional support animals! Further Reading: https://helpdeskforhr.com/2023/01/25/ada-am-i-allowed-to-ask-a-customer-if-a-dog-is-a-service-dog/ https://petkeen.com/can-a-snake-be-a-service-animal/ To learn more about our services visit HelpDeskforHR.com Want to sign-up for HelpDesk for HR? Click here and Use Code: PODCASTSPECIAL for $224 off of the annual membershipUse Code: PODCASTSPECIAL Follow us on Twitter @ HelpDeskforHR TRANSCRIPT

This week we discuss a court case that took place where a club was misclassifying their dancers as independent contractors and you better believe they were ordered to pay up! Then we talk about some of the signs of employee vs. independent contractors. Lisa also talks about the 16-week HR study group she's been conducting and how that is going. To learn more about our services visit HelpDeskforHR.com Want to sign-up for HelpDesk for HR? Click here and Use Code: PODCASTSPECIAL for $224 off of the annual membership Use Code: PODCASTSPECIAL Follow us on Twitter @ HelpDeskforHR TRANSCRIPT HERE Further Reading on this story: https://helpdesksuites.com/2015/06/29/naughty-girls-need-minimum-wage-overtime/

Today we discuss a new Field Assistance Bulletin published February 9, 2023 from the DOL that has guidance about remote workers paid/unpaid breaks along with nursing mothers. Links to everything we talked about below: To learn more about our services visit HelpDeskforHR.com Want to sign-up for HelpDesk for HR? Click here and Use Code: PODCASTSPECIAL for $224 off of the annual membership Use Code: PODCASTSPECIAL Follow us on Twitter @ HelpDeskforHR TRANSCRIPT HERE Links: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pump-at-work Field Assistance Bulletin: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/fab/2023-1.pdf

Question: We had some employees leave our Christmas party and go elsewhere continuing to drink. They ended up at a strip club with one of our female employees getting up and dancing, including taking clothes off. Is there anything that needs to be done or said to these employees? To learn more about our services visit HelpDeskforHR.com Follow us on Twitter @ HelpDeskforHR TRANSCRIPT HERE

Question: I have a female employee who is Wiccan and keeps a Wiccan notebook at her workstation. While she was absent some of her co-workers looked at it and have become uncomfortable with the employee's Wiccan notebook because they say it contains spells and other "witchy" writings. What should I do?!! To learn more about our services visit HelpDeskforHR.com Follow us on Twitter @ HelpDeskforHR TRANSCRIPT HERE

Question: Since Covid, we have closed down our offices and work remotely now. We are in the process of hiring for another position - which will also be remote. Can we tell someone they can't have their children at home while working? The job will be answering calls and emails throughout the day. This will be a new experience for us and the other employees do not have kids at home. To learn more about our services visit HelpDeskforHR.com Follow us on Twitter @ HelpDeskforHR TRANSCRIPT HERE

The Alec Baldwin manslaughter case has sparked much conversation in a variety of settings around the world. Keeping in mind that the filming of the movie Rust was done on a “job site” the question we are posing today is “What can HR learn from the facts of this case?”. Join us for an honest and candid discussion about the errors and responsibilities that can get HR, managers, supervisors, and individual employees in legal hot water when policies and procedures are taken a little too lightly. Read the TRANSCRIPT Here

President Biden has signed a new Executive Order that may spell the end for many non-compete agreements across the U.S. Join us as we discuss this very controversial topic. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/09/fact-sheet-executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/ https://www.npr.org/2021/07/09/1014366577/biden-moves-to-restrict-non-compete-agreements-saying-theyre-bad-for-workers Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. Boss Calls: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls/ HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Today we will discuss early signs in management and other leadership roles that will send you an early alert to the looming issues ahead. Link: https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/3-signs-your-boss-manager-or-coworker-is-a-toxic-leader-and-you-should-quit https://hbr.org/2021/06/the-hazards-of-a-nice-company-culture?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202021-06-28%20HR%20Dive%20%5Bissue:35108%5D&utm_term=HR%20Dive Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. Boss Calls: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls/ HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Today we will discuss the negative effects of cultivating and "nice" culture at work. How can something so good be so bad? Join us and find out! Link: https://hbr.org/2021/06/the-hazards-of-a-nice-company-culture?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202021-06-28%20HR%20Dive%20%5Bissue:35108%5D&utm_term=HR%20Dive Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. Boss Calls: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls/ HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Join us today as we talk about an interesting topic that has become more popular over the last year with all the remote working.. Work from Home Dress Codes! Link: https://couponfollow.com/research/work-wardrobe-covid-compared Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. Boss Calls: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls/ HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Join Lisa as she discusses the updated guidance from the EEOC regarding vaccinations! Link: https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/eeoc-issues-updated-covid-19-technical-assistance Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. Boss Calls: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls/ HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

In today's Episode, Mason and Lisa discuss the frequent member question. Can employers ask if people have been vaccinated? Isn't that a HIPAA violation? How about ADA? Link: https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/faqs?fbclid=IwAR3YatBjROMOucz1yt_Kc0VgWbBcoCbYWkT2ae-IocAkvx8oUqtEbiAqQMI https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html?fbclid=IwAR3DRr8Y_2wEzDYBfaD3aP-qUAzjBk4QzGAWgYOuGu_svKv67PjYGvbG-Rw https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-and-other-eeo-laws?fbclid=IwAR1mzXqNwnDIvzd0C6HRZeo3sR-zIRyNjQmsv1w-ZS4sRcWEuAwVgw4n604 Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. Boss Calls: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls/ HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Join Lisa and Mason as they discuss the CDC's guidance on how people who are fully vaccinated aren't obliged to wear a mask indoors anymore... How does that affect the workplace? What's OSHA's Standpoint? Listen in to find out! Link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html?fbclid=IwAR1-JIjIP538W_g32Hj-pXDr6fzzEcxxry9kr0QHMpaw7BNfaBJJWFT_Z5Q Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. Boss Calls: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls/ HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Today Aaron and Lisa are discussing President Biden's Family and Medical Leave Proposal! Link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/28/fact-sheet-the-american-families-plan/ Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Today Aaron and Lisa discuss that on 4/20/2020 OSHA issued additional guidance addressing whether employers need to record adverse vaccine reactions on their 300 Logs. Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Today we discuss some hot topics employers might want to consider training their employees on, in 2021. Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

On today's show, we are discussing some ideas on how to handle employees coming back to the workplace after working at home for the last year. Enjoy! To learn more about our services click the link below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Facebook Live from 4/14/2021 Today we discuss a common support question. "What to do and how to react when a negative report is received - usually anonymously - about one of your employees." Transcript: https://helpdesksuites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Facebook-Live-Transcript-4.14.21.pdf To learn more about our services click the links below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdeskforhr.com/

Hey Compliance Warriors! This week on the show we are discussing an FAQ from the DOL that answers a few key questions when it comes to eligibility for FFCRA taken due to parents having to stay home to care for their children because of school closings. Link: https://helpdesksuites.com/2020/08/27/breaking-news-u-s-dol-answers-questions-about-school-reopenings-and-eligibility-for-paid-leave-under-the-families-first-coronavirus-response-act/ Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure! Video Show: To learn more about our services click the links below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdesksuites.com/helpdesk-suite-deluxe-details/ Boss Calls / Live Webinar Training: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls

This week Lisa & Mason have Weston Toth, owner of Aqua Tech pools on the show to discuss what makes a small business work during the pandemic of COVID-19. Learn about the importance of communication and customer safety while operating an essential business. Watch on the new YouTube video section, listen, or read the transcript below. Enjoy! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure! Video Show: https://youtu.be/PDuR77edpU4 To learn more about our services click the links below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdesksuites.com/helpdesk-suite-deluxe-details/ Boss Calls / Live Webinar Training: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls

Hey Compliance Warriors! If you’ve seen the news, you know there’s plenty of backlashes when it comes to corporations failing to be COVID compliant. Listen this week as Lisa & Mason go over some of the top cases going on right now, and what could have been done to avoid them. Listen on… Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure! To learn more about our services click the links below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdesksuites.com/helpdesk-suite-deluxe-details/ Boss Calls / Live Webinar Training: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls

Hey Compliance Warriors! We’ve seen time and time again, with many disasters in the world. There will be people that try to help, and there will be people who try to profit. Unfortunately, there are plenty of scammers in the world that will try to get your money or your personal information. Today we’ll discuss the types of scams you might see surrounding COVID-19. Read or Listen on… Enjoy! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure! To learn more about our services click the links below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdesksuites.com/helpdesk-suite-deluxe-details/ Boss Calls / Live Webinar Training: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls

Hey Compliance Warriors! This week's podcast is on the topic of working from home. It’s becoming a practical option as the threat of COVID continues through the workplace and beyond. Working from home involves quite a bit of mental discipline, however, and we’ll get into the pros and cons of the subject. Enjoy! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure! To learn more about our services click the links below. HelpDesk for HR: https://helpdesksuites.com/helpdesk-suite-deluxe-details/ Boss Calls / Live Webinar Training: https://helpdesksuites.com/boss-calls

Hey Compliance Warrior! Today we're addressing a few user questions regarding holiday pay!  Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! So, last week we discussed holiday parties where it concerns alcohol and this week we are continuing that discussion with harassment-free holiday parties! Link to article: https://rubinthomlinson.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-a-harassment-free-office-holiday-party/ Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors!  With the holiday season upon us, we all like to get together to celebrate a great year and holiday parties are a great way to show our employees how much we appreciate them. However, we also want to protect our company. So, here are some tips and things to think about if you as the employer plan on serving alcohol at these events.  Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors, Today we talk about a recent court case where delivery drivers weren't paid correctly, filed a claim, and won big! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! We're back and this week we're talking about the new lactation room requirements for California. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Bio-metric time clocks have been around for while but with increasing technology and security they've become even more popular. Listen in as we discuss some of the benefits of using this type of timekeeping system! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Open enrollment is just around the corner and if you're in a place where you're helping your employees with this, here's a few helpful tips! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Today we discuss a user question about an employee who's health insurance premiums are overdue and how to handle this in regard to giving enough notice when canceling their coverage. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Today we have a short discussion on navigating employer rights when dealing with someone who's coming to work impaired by the use of medical or legal recreational marijuana. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! We talk today about why organized succession plans are so good for an organization! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Today we're talking about how incentive pay can be really good in an organization but also how it can hinder if it is not managed well. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Today we're giving some tips on best practices when terminating someone to prevent confrontation. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! We're back! This week on the show we're talking 5 tips on surviving a bad boss. How to maintain a cool head, your confidence, and your position in the work place when dealing with a difficult person. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Today we discuss an employer liability when outsourcing tasks using a case study! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! We're talking FMLA again this week. This time discussing 8 tips when dealing with intermittent leave abuse. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Todays were talking the Bermuda Triangle of the FMLA! When three laws intersect. Lisa gives some great tips on hopefully how to fly out in tact. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! Today on the podcast we're talking policy changes! We gives some good practice tips when changing policies and also talk about a case study about a poorly handled situation when a policy was changed! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! On todays episode we talk Workers Comp! We give some tips on how to navigate it and best practices in using it. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Hey Compliance Warriors! In this Episode we discuss FMLA requests. How much information is required to qualify? We also discuss a case study! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

In this episode we review 10 things you can be prepared for in some cases that your CEO won't be telling you outright! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Today we talk termination! We look at some questions you want to ask yourself before you terminate someone to make sure you're not going to be caught up in a court case. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Today we discuss the process of successful Employee on-boarding. We also give some tips on what you can do to make the process efficient. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!

Today we have a short episode as we discuss a court case on discrimination in the workplace. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Stitcher! Enjoy and until next time, Be Audit Secure!