Often times when an organization is approaching a new direction that impacts individuals and teams, HR is tasked with the responsibility of change management. Change management can be something as small as a new process or policy change to a larger scale approach such as a new strategy, executive leadership or an acquisition. It tends to involve development, planning, communications and full-scale implementation, along with keeping a pulse check on the behaviors and beliefs of the employees experiencing change.

What to Expect During a Service Contract Act Audit Most often when a government contracting company is audited for a Service Contract Act violation it is because an employee complains. Recently, however, the DOL has been initiating SCA compliance audits on their own. The DOL has sole responsibility for enforcing McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act of 1965 for compliance. If a violation is found, companies can find themselves targeted for follow-up SCA audits and subjected to additional penalties if corrective actions fail to yield a remedy.

You have an exciting work environment...people are running around like crazy, lots of energy and enthusiasm all over the place, and everyone is having a great time...except for one employee who doesn’t “get into that”. This employee is sitting at the desk, quietly doing his/her work. And you notice when you are in meetings, this employee rarely speaks up. Do you see them as a hindrance to your organization? Hopefully not!

We have all heard about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But one of the biggest questions I get from my clients is "how to comply with the regulations in order to avoid litigation?" Unfortunately, ADA continues to be a liability for employers with 15 or more employees because it presents complex requirements for employers in working with and managing employees with disabilities.

With cold season in it's prime, I've been working with many of my clients recently to find ways to reduce the impact on both the business and employees. Options that will decrease the need for employees to see their primary care physician for simple issues like sore throats, allergies, flu, etc. How about you, are you looking for a tool that will provide your employees the health care they need that is cost-effective? Have you ever considered telemedicine? Telemedicine can play a role in changing the way we seek and obtain medical advice, diagnoses and prescriptions.

Compliance around FLSA laws and regulations is in the spotlight and will remain there for a while from the look of the current landscape. The old adage applies, ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire.’ Anyone watching events unfold can agree, the Dept. of Labor sees the smoke. The fallout from non-compliance is costly.