Indiana Human Resources

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, “outside sales” employees are exempt from the overtime provisions in the Act.  It would seem reasonable to assume, therefore, that pharmaceutical sales representatives who call on physicians would fall into this exempt category.  The United States Department of Labor, however, disagrees. The Department recently submitted a brief in a 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals case arguing that the job of the pharmaceutical sales representatives in that case was to persuade physicians to prescribe the company's products, but they did not "make sales" as required by the Act’s exemption for outside sales employees.

Management 2000, a Professional Employer Organization in Indiana, constantly monitors federal and state laws and regulations as well as other media related to human resources administration. With this information, the HR professionals in Management 2000’s HR Department can provide guidance and support regarding payroll policies as well as other human resource issues.  For more information about the many human resource management services provided by Management 2000, call (317-549-2000 or visit www.management2000.com. 

Hiring incentives, health care reform, rising unemployment costs and new protections for employees . . .these are but a few of the current human resources issues employers must address. Many employers, especially those with smaller operations, often do not have the time or resources to effectively deal with these issues.  This can result in missed opportunities or monetary penalties.

Management 2000, a Professional Employer Organization in Indiana, constantly monitors federal and state laws and regulations as well as other media related to human resources administration. With this information, the HR professionals at Management 2000 provide the human resources help employers need to develop effective HR strategies. Contact Management 2000 at (317) 549-2000 or visit www.management2000.com for more information.

The economic downturn has driven employers' unemployment insurance costs to record levels. The good news is that employers can control these costs by maintaining sound HR procedures. This includes an effective selection process to avoid hiring poor performers or bad matches who often become ex-employees entitled to unemployment benefits.

Management 2000, a Professional Employer Organization in Indiana, has the HR professionals who can help employers minimize unemployment costs. With extensive knowledge and HR management tools, Management 2000’s HR Department develops effective hiring and retention strategies for its client companies. Call (317) 549-2000 or visit www.management2000.com for more information.   

According to a recent WorldatWork survey, employers plan a 2.5 percent average increase in salary budgets next year, with average raises of up to 0.7 percent projected for low performers, 2.4 percent for middle performers, and 3.7 percent for top performers.  Employee compensation is a critical factor in both recruiting and retention strategies.  Appropriate pay rates depend on many factors, including industry averages and other benefits offered by a particular employer.  

While employers should review compensation on a periodic basis, this is a time consuming task that is often overlooked. Management 2000, an Indiana PEO, can help.   Management 2000 has the HR management tools necessary to develop effective compensation packages tailored to individual employers’ needs.  For more information about the many human resource management services provided by Management 2000’s HR Department, call (317-549-2000 or visit www.management2000.com.  

Most employers have numerous policies and rules of conduct for their employees. However, many either enforce them inconsistently or not at all.  This can become a problem when an employer decides a particular employee is not performing up to expectations or demonstrates inappropriate conduct. If this employee has not been disciplined for prior infractions, or the employer has let other employees “slide” for similar infractions, any adverse action by the employer could result in litigation.  

Management 2000, an Indiana PEO, provides the human resources help employers need to develop and enforce appropriate HR policies and procedures. In addition, the HR professionals at Management 2000 provide ongoing HR support, including supervisor training, so employers maintain the control over their workforce to ensure smooth, efficient operation.  For more information on the HR management services provided by Management 2000, call (317) 549-2000 or visit www.management2000.com.

Small business owners have a significant monetary and personal investment in their businesses. This can be a tremendous motivation to succeed. However, if owners take issues involving employee conduct personally, problems can arise.  For example, if an employee complains that the owner doesn’t care about his/her employees, the owner may take offense and want to discipline or, even worse, terminate the employee. This type of reaction can lead to litigation such as discrimination charges and unemployment claims.  

Having a “buffer” between the owner and employees can help avoid these situations.  Management 2000, an Indiana PEO, acts as an off-site HR Department providing employers with a wide range of human resource management services.  The HR professionals at Management 2000 provide the human resources support employers need to deal with employee issues in an impartial, effective manner.  

For more information, contact Management 2000 at (317) 549-2000 or at www.management2000.com.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit offers a federal tax break to employers that hire workers from targeted disadvantaged groups on or before Aug. 31, 2011. 

• The credit is worth up to 40 percent of the first $6,000 of qualifying wages paid to a WOTC-certified worker employed at least 400 hours.
• For certified employees working at least 120 hours but less than 400 hours, the credit is 25 percent of the first $6,000 in wages.
• For qualifying youths hired for summer work, the credit applies only to the first $3,000 in wages paid.
  

For the first three months of 2010, employee absence rates averaged 0.8 percent of scheduled worker days. While this may not seem to be a lot, absenteeism is one of the human resource issues that frustrates and concerns employers.  

The HR Department at Management 2000, a PEO with offices in Indianapolis, Indiana, provides the HR support employers need to develop an HR strategy to address attendance issues.  The experienced HR professionals at Management 2000 have the HR management tools to not only develop effective attendance policies, but also to provide coaching and training to both employees and managers.  Contact Management 2000 at (317) 549-2000 or at www.management2000.com for more information.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently proposed a number of regulatory revisions. OSHA’s goal in requesting these revisions is to remove or revise requirements that are confusing, outdated, duplicative, or inconsistent. These proposed changes include a number of revisions to its "general industry" standards, which apply to most businesses.

Management 2000, a Professional Employer Organization with offices in Indianapolis, Indiana constantly monitors federal and state laws and regulations related to human resources administration. With this information, the Safety and HR professionals at Management 2000 provide the human resources help employers need for compliance. Whether the issue involves OSHA compliance, safety audits, or general HR administration, employers can count on Management 2000 for accurate, timely advice. Contact Management 2000 at (317) 549-2000 or at www.management2000.com for more information.

The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has issued a new interpretation of compensable time for workers changing into or out of protective clothing. This changes the prior interpretation that time employees spend donning and doffing protective clothing was not compensable under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Accordingly, employers must now compensate non-exempt employees for the time they spend changing into or out of protective clothing or equipment “required by law, by the employer, or the nature of the job.”

Management 2000, a Professional Employer Organization with offices in Indianapolis, Indiana, constantly monitors federal and state laws and regulations related to human resources administration. With this information, the HR professionals at Management 2000 provide the human resources help employers need for compliance. Whether the issue involves payroll, benefits or general HR administration, employers can count on Management 2000 for accurate, timely advice. Contact Management 2000 at (317) 549-2000 or at www.management2000.com for more information.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced a detailed enforcement strategy entitled "Plan/Prevent/Protect."  This initiative will require various subunits of the DOL (specifically OSHA, MSHA, OFCCP, and WHD) to propose regulations requiring employers to develop plans for identifying and remedying legal violations and risks to workers. Employers will then need to implement the plan and make sure that the objectives of the plan are met on a regular basis.

Ensuring compliance with state and federal employment laws can be a daunting task for employers.  However, employers cannot afford to ignore these legal requirements. Management 2000, a PEO with offices in Indiana and Ohio, has knowledgeable HR professionals who provide the human resources help employers need to comply with these laws. From audits, to developing effective HR procedures and policies, to training, Management 2000 takes the burden of employment law compliance off employers.         

Beginning in June, 2011, the Social Security Administration will begin changing the way nine-digit numbers are issued for Social Security cards. 

The numbers will be chosen randomly and the first three digits will no longer designate where a Social Security card is issued. Card numbers can start with 8 in the first position, and the number 7, previously a special designation for railroad retirees and for recipients who obtain a card while abroad, will also be used to start a regularly-issued Social Security number. No card will start with 9, and the combination 666, which often has Satanic connotations, will not be allowed.

This new numbering system is supposed to last for 30 years before running into any problems.

Management 2000, a Professional Employer Organization with offices in Indianapolis, Indiana and Dayton Ohio, constantly monitors federal and state laws and regulations related to human resources administration. With this information, the HR professionals at Management 2000 provide the human resources help employers need for compliance. Whether the issue is legal compliance, documentation and record retention, discipline, or training, employers can count on Management 2000 for accurate, timely advice. Contact Management 2000 at (317) 549-2000 or at www.management2000.com for more information.

In a recent BLR poll, employers agreed that the worst mistake a candidate can make is arriving late. The next two worst interview mistakes a candidate can make are being poorly dressed/groomed and knowing nothing about the company/organization. If applicants make a mistake in an interview, it may cost them a chance of being hired. However, if an employer makes a mistake during the hiring process, it could lead to serious legal consequences.

Employers need to be aware of federal, state, and municipal laws that determine what is unlawful in pre-employment inquires. The HR professionals at Management 2000, an Indiana PEO, provide the human resources help employers need to address this, and other human resource issues. With extensive experience and a vast array of HR management tools, the human resources consultants at Management 2000 can develop appropriate HR strategies for employers to use during the hiring process. Contact Management 2000 at (317) 549-2000, or through their website, www.management2000.com for more information.     

The U.S. Department of Labor recently said it plans to update recordkeeping rules on a number of issues, including worker classification. As part of this initiative, the Wage and Hour Division plans to propose new recordkeeping rules for employers this August. In addition, the Division is considering a proposal to require employers to notify workers of their rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act and to provide them with information regarding hours worked and wage computation.

Employers cannot afford to ignore changes in labor and employment laws and regulations. Management 2000, a Professional Employer Organization with offices in Indianapolis, Indiana and Dayton Ohio, constantly monitors federal and state laws and regulations related to human resources administration. With this information, the HR professionals at Management 2000 provide the human resources help employers need for compliance. Whether the issue is legal compliance, documentation and record retention, discipline, or training, employers can count on Management 2000 for accurate, timely advice. Call Management 2000 at (317) 549-2000 or visit our website at www.management2000.com to learn more.  

Cell phones continue to be a popular means of communication. However, if employees use a cell phone while driving and are involved in an accident, their employers could be liable for significant legal damages. Courts have already imposed huge judgments against drivers allegedly distracted by cell phone conversations, and research shows that texting involves an even greater danger.  This issue is so significant that the U.S. Department of Transportation recently enacted a law prohibiting the use of cell phones (voice or text) by drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle. The penalties are severe, and affect both the driver and employer. 

Employers can help protect against this threat by implementing policies specifically prohibiting cell phone use (voice or text) while employees are driving on company business. Management 2000, a Professional Employer Organization with offices in Indianapolis, Indiana and Dayton Ohio, has the HR management tools to develop such policies and provide advice on implementation and enforcement. Whether the issue is legal compliance, documentation and record retention, discipline, or training, employers can count on Management 2000 for effective human resources help.

From time to time, employers must face the issue of employee resignations. Just as the reasons for resignations vary, the choices an employer has in dealing with resignations vary. The employer may decide to let the employee work through any notice period given. On the other hand, it may be best to let the employee go at the time of his or her resignation, regardless of any notice given. The best course of action for an employer when an employee resigns depends on several factors, such as the employee’s history and the circumstances surrounding the resignation. 

The HR professionals at Management 2000, an Indiana PEO, provide the human resources help employers need to address this, and other human resource issues. With extensive experience and a vast array of HR management tools, the human resources consultants at Management 2000 can identify an appropriate HR strategy for employers to use when dealing with employee resignations.   

Although the economy may be showing signs of improvement, employers remain focused on increasing efficiency and holding down costs.  This may include downsizing, eliminating pay raises, and even cutting pay for employees.  While these actions can be justified, employers must be careful.  Top performing employees still need to be rewarded for their efforts and companies must make sure their compensation is in line with what is being offered in their market.  Otherwise, employees might leave and companies can end up spending even more time and money to replace them.   

Management 2000, a PEO in Indianapolis, Indiana and Dayton, Ohio helps employers develop an HR strategy to recruit and retain quality employees.  From human resource policies, to employee benefits, to payroll services, Management 2000 provides the HR support employers need to be successful. 
 

Using temporary employees or independent contractors can give an employer a flexible way to respond to changing work demands. Temporary employees can be found through temporary staffing agencies or by direct hire, while contractors are usually obtained directly by the company. Whether help is temporary or contract, however, specific rules must be followed in order to comply with a variety of employment, tax and benefits laws. 

The HR Department at Management 2000, a PEO with offices in Indiana and Ohio, provides human resources help employers need to develop effective HR procedures and policies. The experienced HR professionals at Management 2000 provide the HR support employers need to develop an HR strategy that addresses temporary or contract help, as well as other human resource issues.

Payroll errors can be costly. Last month, a petroleum company in New Jersey entered into a settlement agreement under which it will pay $4 million in overtime pay, damages, interest, and penalties to more than 700 current and former employees. According to the Department of Labor, the company and its owner failed to pay employees time and one-half the regular hourly rate for time worked in excess of 40 hours a week and failed to keep accurate time and payroll records for approximately seven years. 

Employers cannot afford to have ineffective payroll policies. Management 2000, an Indiana PEO, provides payroll services for small businesses as well as HR and employee benefits administration. With help from Management 2000, employers can rest assured that payroll and other human resource issues are properly managed. 

More and more employers are moving away from traditional vacation, sick and personal leave policies. Paid Time Off (PTO) policies provide a bank of time employees can use when they must miss work, whatever the reason might be. Fifty-four percent (54%) of employers recently surveyed offer this type of program. Almost three fourths (72%) of these employers also allow employees to carry over unused time to the next year. 

Time off with pay is an important component of an employee benefits plan. The HR professionals at Management 2000, a PEO with offices in Indiana and Ohio, provide human resource help to employers who want to design or revise their time off policies. Whether an employer’s HR strategy involves traditional vacation, sick and personal leave policies, or a comprehensive PTO policy, Management 2000’s HR Department can provide the HR support needed to develop an effective time off program.