HRI eBULLETIN :: DECEMBER 2011
READY FOR 2012?
Things certainly get busy this time of the year. Whether your thoughts are
with the upcoming winter holidays, family events, or your business going into
high gear, HRI encourages you to make some time for a few business year-end
strategies that will make all of our jobs easier in January 2012.
Here are some things to consider:
1. For clients that have been with us for about a year, we will start updating your handbooks with the new laws that become effective in 2012. This is also the time to add and/or modify any policies that you wish to change. It will make everyone's job easier if you are prepared!
2. Every year we have offered our Employment Landmines seminar. The upcoming 2012 class will be filled with major state and federal laws that affect you as an employer. We will discuss major court decisions in 2011 as well as our predictions for 2012. This is certainly one of the most important seminars that we offer, regardless of whether you are a long-term business or just starting out.
3. The holiday time can bring up some major issues that you need to address, including:
- Do you have written policy covering holiday parties and "off-duty" events?
- Does your handbook cover the use of alcohol?
- What about a dating policy?
- Is your time off policy working?
4. We cannot forget that the potential for sexual harassment and workplace violence seems to drastically increase during the holiday season. What a way to start the New Year!
5. When is your Open Enrollment Period for employee benefits? New benefits start January 1st for some companies, so you are way past due if you have not yet prepared. Your HRI representative can assist you in contacting one of our medical benefits partners.
6. Have you thought about your workers' compensation? Know your modification rate and be prepared for cost increases. Contact us and we can help you find a rate that works for you.
7. You are required by law to have a written Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), as well as other important safety programs. We will begin updating these programs on January 1st and want your input on any new safety issues you may have. A written IIPP goes a long way in keeping your workers' compensation rate low, reducing employee injuries/time off, and possibly saving you from OSHA fines.
8. By now, you are probably getting a lot of unsolicited mail from companies trying to market their 2012 Labor Law Compliance Posters. However, as an HRI client, we will be sending you your 2012 Labor Compliance Poster in January. We will also be updating other required information not usually found on other company's posters, especially in the area of safety. We offer a variety of custom posters that your HRI representative would be happy to talk to you about.
9. If you are required by OSHA to have an OSHA 300 Log, start finalizing it for 2011 so you can post the summary portion on February 1st. A fine can be levied by OSHA for not maintaining a log, falsifying a log, or not posting the log within the required time period.
10, Don't forget about your time off policy! If you have a maximum accrual cap on PTO/Vacation for the end of the year, make sure your employees take their time off. There is a tremendous risk of financial exposure with all that unnecessary time on the books.
11, Are you planning to hire in 2012? If so, make sure your handbook and job descriptions are up-to-date, your employment notices are legal, and that you have us doing the recruiting for you. We also offer a large variety of online testing in various job categories that will ensure you hire the right person for the job.
12. We can all do better in 2012! This should be a time of reflection so we can be more proactive (instead of reactive) in the New Year.
Seminars & Trainings
January 9, 2012
Visit Seminars, Webinars & Workshops for more dates and topics.
HRI FYI
Employees who work seven consecutive days may be eligible for overtime, even if they haven't worked 40 hours.
HOLIDAY HOURS
HRI will be closed on:
Monday, December 26, Christmas
Monday, January 2, New Years
