Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

« Older Entries

Are You Using the Correct Form I-9 for Your New Hires?

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

Form I9The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sent out a press release Tuesday, May 7, reminding employers that starting that day, they must use the revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (Revision 03/08/13)N for all new hires and reverifications.

USCIS explains that employers can find the revision date of the new Form I-9 on the lower left corner of the form. The agency warns against completing new Form I-9s for existing employees if a properly completed Form I-9 is already on file. USCIS will no longer accept previous versions of the Form I-9.

The agency provides a Spanish version of Form I-9 (revision 03/08/13)N, and it is available on the USCIS website for use in Puerto Rico only. Spanish-speaking employers and employees in the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and other US territories are only allowed to use the Spanish version for reference, according to the press release. These employers and employees must complete and retain the English version of the form.

You can find the revised forms at www.uscis.gov/I-9. The agency also offers a telephone number, 888-464-4218, to call for more information. USCIS has representatives available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss any questions or issues that may arise from the news of needing to use the revised Form I-9. You can also visit I-9 Central, a website the agency created to support Form I-9 users. USCIS has also scheduled free webinars to educate employers on the new form.

CAI’s 2013 Employment and Labor Law Update scheduled for May 22 and May 23 at Raleigh’s McKimmon Center will feature knowledgeable attorneys from Ogletree Deakins who will present additional information for Form I-9 compliance. Former NLRB member Brian Hayes joins this year’s lineup of attorneys from Ogletree Deakins. He will share his view on the board’s recent rulings and give advice for handling new challenges during his can’t-miss presentation.

Please visit www.capital.org/lawupdate to review the full agenda of the conference, descriptions about the presentations and to register. Feel free to call 919-878-9222 or 336-668-7746 with any questions.

Photo Source: Victor1558

, , , , ,     Posted in Current Events, Events     comment No Comments »

3 Things Employers Need to Know About the NLRA

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

NLRAHow familiar are you with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)? Do you have enough knowledge of the act to guarantee that your organization won’t make costly mistakes regarding your employees?  

According to nlrb.gov, the NLRA was enacted by congress in 1935 “…to protect the rights of employees and employers, to encourage collective bargaining, and to curtail certain private sector labor and management practices…” Keeping up with the decisions based on interpretations of the act can be challenging. However, all employers should be familiar with the NLRA and know how related rulings affect their organization.

Here are three things all employers should know about the NLRA:

Not Just for Unions

Think the NLRA won’t affect you because there are no unions at your organization? Wrong! The NLRA is applicable to most private and non-profit employers whether they have a union presence or not (there are some exceptions). Because the NLRA affects most companies, it’s important to be aware of the most recent rulings dealing with the act.

The NLRB

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) enforces the NLRA. Five members, appointed by presidents, make up the board. Their jobs are to review the unfair labor practices they receive from unions or employers, and make decisions or rulings on the cases they investigate. The board analyzes the NLRA to determine its decisions. Though the group can’t change the elements in the NLRA, it can change how the law is interpreted and used.

Decisions from the Board are Law

Rulings made by the board have the effect of law, and board decisions can change often. Past rulings do not set precedents as they do in actual courts of law, so reverse rulings of decisions made by previous boards are not uncommon. For employers, this means that employment and labor law constantly changes.

Make sure your organization stays informed to avoid actions that may violate federal or state laws. Brian Hayes, former NLRB member and current Ogletree Deakins attorney, will present at this year’s Employment and Labor Law Update conference. During his sessions, he will share his views and give advice on the board’s recent rulings.

Please visit www.capital.org/lawupdate to review the full agenda of the conference, descriptions about the presentations and to register. Feel free to call 919-878-9222 or 336-668-7746 with any questions.

Photo Source: Kheel Center, Cornell University

, , , , ,     Posted in Compliance, Events     comment No Comments »

Are You Aware of the Regulatory and Legal Changes Affecting N.C. Employers in 2013?

Thursday, March 21st, 2013

2013ELLU-Flash 2012 brought a number of federal and state employment law changes that will affect North Carolina employers this year. Agencies, such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), are giving employers more challenges by increasing their scrutiny on compliance. North Carolina also has restructured its unemployment insurance system to deal with the state’s federal debt, as well as make the NC Division of Employment Security (DES) more efficient.

Please join us for the 2013 Employment and Labor Law Update at Raleigh’s McKimmon Center on May 22 and May 23. The experienced attorneys of Ogletree Deakins will update you on the latest developments and inform you on what they mean to N.C. employers and how they will specifically affect your organization.

Ogletree Deakins’ knowledgeable attorneys will cover several topics pertinent to employers, including:

 

NLRB

Workplace Violence Prevention

Employee Handbooks

N.C. Legislature

ICE

E-Verify

Healthcare Reform

ADAAA

Challenges with New Technology

Compensation Systems

USDOL

FLSA

Unemployment Insurance Reform

Affordable Care Act

EEOC

Whistleblower Claims

 

Brian Hayes, former NLRB member and voice of management on the board for more than two years, will present at this year’s conference. Brian’s term on the NLRB Board may have ended in December 2012, but he’ll share his view on the board’s recent rulings and help you prepare for the new challenges facing employers. Conference favorite Dennis Davis also will share with attendees a special presentation on preventing workplace violence.

If you want to understand how the latest developments in state and federal employment laws and regulations affect your organization, attend this conference. In addition to all the compliance information you’ll receive, you’ll have a number of opportunities to network with leading employment law attorneys and more than 350 HR executives and company leaders.

Please visit www.capital.org/lawupdate to review the event’s full agenda, descriptions about the presentations and to register. Feel free to call 919-878-9222 or 336-668-7746 with any questions.

, , , , , , , ,     Posted in Compliance, Events     comment No Comments »

Don’t Break Hearts When Drafting Your Company’s Policy for Office Romance

Thursday, February 14th, 2013

workplace loveHappy Valentine’s Day! The day dedicated to love can sometimes create an HR nightmare. Handling office romance, especially ones involving inappropriate behavior, can be tricky. Protecting your company against possible liabilities is weighed against your employees’ right to happiness. Today, most HR professionals recommend creating a policy to address office relationships.

In his recent post, Max Mihelieh, writer for Workforce.com, asks various HR professionals their opinions on the best way to deal with love in the workplace.

Max starts by highlighting a survey from CareerBuilder:

A CareerBuilder.com survey reveals marriage is a common outcome for dating co-workers as 31 percent of office romances end up in matrimony. Still, if nearly a third of all romances started in the workplace result in marriage, it also means two-thirds end in a breakup.

Because two-thirds of workplace relationships end, including guidelines to address harassment or discrimination issues that might occur from an ugly break up is important. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst when drafting your policy.

Research indicates that the newest generation in the workforce thinks dating coworkers is okay. Max shares insights from a Workplace Options survey:

84 percent of millennials said they wouldn’t have a problem with dating a co-worker. … [T]he study also demonstrates how employee attitudes about dating co-workers are changing, as 36 percent of Generation X workers think dating a co-worker is acceptable.
 

For an on-the-job perspective, Max asks for the opinion of Susan Heathfield, a management consultant and the writer of the human resources page at About.com:

[She] says she has been lucky to have avoided any major romantic relationship issues with her employees. Her thoughts on office dating have changed, she says. She now believes it’s acceptable for most employees to date. “Have a romance. If it impacts the workplace or your performance” disciplinary action will be taken, she said while speaking about her own employees.
 

Because workers spend a majority of their week at work, finding a love connection there isn’t unimaginable. Be realistic with your company’s relationship policy. In Max’s article, Heathfield suggests tailoring your document to address the “outliers”—the handful of employees who decide to not act professionally around their significant other when working.

For more advice on tackling office relationships, please contact a member of CAI’s Advice and Counsel Team at 919-878-9222 or 336-668-7746.

Photo Source: Barbtreck

, , ,     Posted in Events, Human Resources Management     comment No Comments »

Retain Top Performers with 4 Strategies

Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

 There are many factors that attract top talent to companies. Some candidates will only work for organizations that guarantee great benefits and competitive pay. Other job seekers want to know if there are opportunities for individual and career growth. There also are workers who think a strong and positive company culture is imperative to their workplace success.

top talentKnowing what job seekers are looking for in their future employers is the first step in securing high-performing workers. Once you understand what drives them to perform their best, you can tailor your recruiting methods and company benefits and perks to attract them. Once you attract them and they prove to be integral team members, you’ll still have to put forth a good effort to retain them.

Try these four ways to keep your top achievers productive, happy and loyal:

Your Culture

The environment your company exudes is usually a determining factor in whether an employee will stay. Not every worker will appreciate, dislike or desire the same workplace qualities so it’s important to make sure you’re hiring employees that are interested in your unique offerings. Create a culture that allows several types of people and personalities to grow and enjoy success.

Your Leaders

Who’s leading the company is a major reason why employees decide to stay with an organization long term. Many employee opinion surveys reveal that employees leave or are likely to leave because of the actions of their managers, supervisors or senior leaders. No one enjoys a micromanager or a leader who never checks in. Treat your employees with respect–be considerate and communicate openly.

Your Communication

As an employer, you’re responsible for communicating to your staff the rewards that your company provides. If your employees receive higher than average salaries or your wellness program saves staffers money, make sure they are aware. Frequently remind employees of the benefits that you offer so they’ll have reasons to stay loyal and perform better.

Your Feedback

Employees are more likely to stay with organizations that show them that their time and effort have not gone unnoticed. Receiving positive and constructive feedback consistently is critical for their success, so let them know how they’re doing regularly and show them that you appreciate their efforts.

For more information on recruiting, securing and maintaining top talent, please join us for CAI’s 2013 HR Management Conference on March 6 and March 7 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. The conference will feature four keynote speakers, including best-selling authors, Daniel Pink and Jon Gordon. Some of the topics presenters will share at the conference include: aligning HR with business strategy, succession planning, using social media for recruiting and managing a remote workforce. Register and see full conference agenda at www.capital.org/hrconf. Early bird prices are in effect until February 1, 2013

Photo Source: Victor1558

, , , , ,     Posted in Events, Human Resources Management     comment No Comments »

CAI’s HR Management Conference Will Help You Put the Pieces of Your Talent Puzzle Together

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

The competition for top talent is fierce as organizations require more specialized skills from their workforce. In order to secure top talent, employers should spend adequate time searching and hiring candidates that possess strong interpersonal skills and a desire to grow and achieve success.  

Excellent talent will be increasingly difficult to maintain in the current business climate’s competitive atmosphere. CAI’s 2013 HR Management Conference will equip you with information and strategies to hold on to your best people, as well as attract new talent. Scheduled for March 6 and March 7 at Raleigh’s McKimmon Center, the conference will help you put the pieces of your talent puzzle together to develop a positive culture that reaches its business goals.

Four keynote speakers will address participants at the early March conference:

  1. Daniel Pink will reveal why traditional approaches to high performance backfire at most organizations and will offer alternative solutions.
  2. Demographic trends show that pretty soon your workforce is going to look different, work different and want to be rewarded differently. Dr. James Johnson will help you prepare.
  3. Based on his best-selling book, The Energy Bus, Jon Gordon presents a powerful roadmap to overcome life and work obstacles and bring out the best in yourself and your team.
  4. In his presentation, Dave Rendall will help you find the strengths hidden in your workforce and explore eight strategies for improving employee engagement at your organization.

Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in several breakout sessions. Topics include:

–Performance, Development and Succession: The Foundation of Talent Management

–15 Reasons You May Have a Shortage of Skilled Labor and What to Do About It

–Learning Agility: The Defining Competency for Working (and Thriving) at the Speed of Light

–Strategies for Developing and Changing the Leadership Culture

CAI will announce the winners of the 2013 Ovation Awards for HR Excellence at the HR Management Conference. There is still time to submit a nomination if your company has implemented an HR/People practice that has brought success to the organization. Deadline is Friday, December 14.

Please visit www.capital.org/hrconf to review the programs full agenda, descriptions about the presentations and speakers, and to register. Everyone who registers for the conference by the end of the day on Thursday, December 13 will be entered into a drawing to win a new iPad with retina display. Register today! Please call 919-878-9222 or 336-668-7746 with any questions.

, , , , ,     Posted in Events, Human Resources Management     comment No Comments »

You Still Can Nominate Your Company for an Ovation Award for HR Excellence

Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

Did your team recently start a project or try a new system that brought your company a lot of success or made a workplace process easier? If so, we want to hear about it!

We are collecting nominations for CAI’s Ovation Awards for HR Excellence until December 14. Six years ago, CAI created the HR awards to honor exceptional workplaces in North Carolina that implemented HR or People practices that positively affected their businesses.

Diverse companies with varying initiatives have received the awards since 2007. A few examples include Krispy Kreme for its Healthy Lifestyle Program, Caterpillar Building Construction Products Division for its Workplace Flexibility Program and Burt’s Bees for its Live the Greater Good Program.

Nominations related to any area in the HR field are acceptable. Some examples include: reworking your company’s onboarding process, starting a wellness program to improve employee health or changing your company culture to attract better talent. If multiple projects or programs have helped your company reach success, feel free to submit more than one nomination.

The awards are divided into three categories: small employer (less than 200 employees), mid-size employer(201 to 700 employees) and large employer (more than 700 employees). Submitting a nomination is quick, easy and free.  Recognition and publicity, an enhanced employer brand, and free registration to the 2013 CAI HR Management Conference are a few of the benefits you’ll earn when your company wins one of the awards

Here are the questions you will need to answer when entering your submission:

  1. Number of employees at your organization.
  2. Describe the problem or opportunity that your best practice addressed.
  3. Describe your solution.
  4. Describe how your solution positively impacted business results.

Visit www.capital.org/ovation  to read more about the awards, review submissions from past winners and start the nomination process. Please contact Doug.Blizzard@capital.org  with any questions regarding the awards. Deadline is Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. Winners will receive their awards at the 2013 HR Management Conference on March 7, 2012.

 

, , , , , , , ,     Posted in Events, Human Resources Management     comment No Comments »

6 Tips to Keep Your Company Holiday Party Stress-Free, Safe and Fun

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

With radios blasting seasonal tunes and shopping centers offering big discounts, it’s crystal clear that the holidays are upon us. Throwing your workforce a party during this merry season is a great way to celebrate the time of year and show your team that you appreciate what they do for the company.

A holiday party offers staff members the opportunity to mix and mingle outside the office, which encourages employee interaction and conversations. With all the employee engagement benefits a holiday party can bring, it’s important to note that holiday parties can also have a negative effect on the company if ground rules aren’t set.

Here are six suggestions to consider when planning your holiday celebration:

Give plenty of options

There are two things you should try to accomplish when throwing a holiday party for your team members: to reward them for their efforts and to create a memorable and fun experience for them to have. Spend time preparing for details like location, food and drink options, and entertainment. Leave them excited for next year’s party.

Interject some fun

Whether it’s inviting holiday carolers to sing to your staff or playing a holiday themed icebreaker to get to know spouses and guests, encourage your employees to enjoy themselves. Your staffers are expecting to have a good time with their coworkers.  Get great reviews by planning activities and surprises throughout the night.

Make a drink maximum

Not that you can’t have a good time without alcohol, but offering employees of legal age a drink is generally part of the holiday festivities. To protect your party committee and to advise your employees, provide your guests with no more than two drinks. Getting sloppy at the company Christmas party—whether it’s a seasoned manager or a recent hire—isn’t a win for anyone.

Say thank you

The holiday party happens at the end of the year, which is perfect timing for you to recognize the contributions your staff made during the last 12 months. There are several ways to show your appreciation. A speech highlighting specific accomplishments, awards given to stellar performers, and gift cards for the entire team are only a few ways to recognize your team during the celebration.

Keep work talk to a minimum

Other than congratulating your team for a great year, talking about work should be avoided. Your employees want to have fun and celebrate the season with their coworkers. Use this event to get to know your team members and their friends and spouses better. You can discuss work when you return to the office.

Know how everyone is getting home

Making sure your staffers get home safely is an important part of the planning process. Arrange hotel stays for your team members who don’t work in your local office. Organize cab rides for employees who bought additional drinks and don’t plan to drive home. Be aware of how each employee leaves the party.

For more holiday party ideas for your company, please call a member of CAI’s Advice and Counsel Team at 919-878-9222 or 336-668-7746.

Photo Source: Qtea

 

, , , ,     Posted in Events, Human Resources Management     comment No Comments »

7 Takeaways from the 2012 Triad Employment Law Update

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

Last Wednesday, Nov. 7, CAI hosted its annual Triad Employment Law Update at the Koury Center in Greensboro. More than 160 HR professionals and company executives attended the conference to receive the latest updates in state and federal employment law.

Lawyers from Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP shared presentations with attendees on a number of topics related to recent changes in regulations. Some of the topics covered included updates from the new NLRB, best practices for immigration law compliance and changes from healthcare reform.

Below are seven key insights from the informative law update:

NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) Social Media Policy

  • Employees using social media to complain about their employers may be engaged in protected concerted activity under NLRA
      • Protected posts: seeking advice from coworkers, calling supervisors names, criticizing company actions
      • Unprotected posts: don’t involve other employees or individual gripes, criticizing the company’s clients and complaints to third parties
  • The board continues to offer policy guidance on a variety of social media cases

EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) Issues Final ADAAA (American’s with Disabilities Amendments Act) Regulations

  • Eliminated “per se” list of covered disabilities
  • Rejects minimum duration rule that results in short term condition being a disability

New EEOC Regulation on Age Discrimination

  • November 16, 2011—EEOC approves final regulation
    • Now easier for plaintiffs to prove age discrimination in disparate impact cases
    • Facially neutral practices that adversely impact older employees is discriminatory unless employer can prove “reasonable factor other than age”

OFCCP (Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs) and Proposed Rule on Hiring Goals for Disabled

  • Proposed rule requires federal contractors to set a goal that 7 percent of each job group should be persons with disabilities
    • Require applicants to self-identify as disabled

Correct Your I-9s

  • In general, never do a new I-9,  no matter how bad the errors
    • Common errors that can be fixed: employee didn’t sign, employee didn’t date, employee didn’t fill in “A” number, employee didn’t fill in expiration date, employer didn’t fill in date of hire, employer didn’t fill in street address of company
    • Errors that can’t be fixed: not completing form within three days of hire and missing information from former employees

Avoiding Whistleblower and Retaliation Claims

  • Whistleblower: employer violation of law, rule or regulation
  • Retaliation: related to employee’s individual rights
  • The following are protected from retaliation:
    • current employees, former employees, job applicants and associates of those employees who engage in  protected activity
  • Three elements make up a claim:
    • Protected activity, adverse action and causal connection
    • Employee must have a good faith belief that there was a violation of a law when they engaged in protected activity (Title VII)

Effects of Healthcare Reform

  • Several mandates and changes become effective
    • Implementing external review processes
    • W-2 reporting of the value of employer provided health benefits
    • Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) to be given to all participants at enrollment and at each subsequent annual open enrollment
    • Automatic enrollment for employers with more than 200 full-time employees will be required for new full-time employees, with an opt-out notice
    • Health flexible spending account limit will be $2,500

For further assistance on staying compliant with state and federal employment laws, please call a member of CAI’s Advice and Counsel Team at 919-878-9222 or 336-668-7746.

, , , , , , , , ,     Posted in Compliance, Events, Uncategorized     comment No Comments »

4 Reasons Why You Should Add a Veteran to Your Team

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

Every November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day to honor and thank those who serve or have served in the US military. Veterans have sacrificed their lives to protect our country while giving up their time, moments spent with loved ones, and sometimes their physical and mental health. Although Veterans Day has passed, we can still celebrate our American Heroes. They are great at protecting our country and when they return from being away, they also make great employees. Let’s recognize the skills that these individuals possess. Here are four reasons why a veteran should be on your team:

Team Player

Veterans are trained to work in environments made up of teams. They know how to follow orders and when they should give them. Because they worked so closely with others during their military career, veterans take feedback well and are willing to help a coworker in need.

Accountable

Those who serve sacrifice their lives so we are protected and maintain our freedom. They take their job seriously and understand that they are responsible for the safety of their team and their country. They will use that same accountability to complete their projects and hit their goals for themselves and their employer.

Results Driven

People in the military will accept nothing but their best when carrying out a mission. They know that people are depending on them, so they don’t tolerate mediocre results. This mindset will not leave them when they’re working at your company. Expect great outcomes from a newly hired veteran.

Calm and Collected

Our service men and women are very familiar with situations of extreme pressure and danger. Because veterans are trained to handle tough moments and decisions with grace, their experiences will help you lead your company to success.

Let’s thank our Vets for their service and sacrifice, and let’s help them find jobs. If you have hired a veteran after Nov. 21, 2011 or plan to hire one before Dec. 31, 2012, you maybe be eligible for a tax credit. Find more info here: http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/.

Photo Source: US Army Africa

, , ,     Posted in Events, Human Resources Management     comment 1 Comment »

« Older Entries