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Wired for HR

Archives for August 2021

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Many employers are unaware of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC or ERTC) or mistakenly assume they don’t qualify. Even employers that received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are claiming ERCs of thousands of dollars– some are claiming an ERC of $1 million or more. With assistance from HR and payroll experts like MP, the ERC process is simple and takes less than an hour for employers. In part two of this series (read part one here), MP’s HR services experts share four reminders about this substantial financial aid program. Read the article to:

• Find out how long to keep records of payroll data for an ERC claim
• Discover how long it takes to recoup ERC funds
• Learn how PPP loans affect an ERC claim
• Get tips for reducing the risk of an audit when claiming an ERC

Read the article.

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Businesses across the country– even those that received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans– are claiming Employee Retention Tax Credits (ERC) of thousands of dollars. Many are claiming an ERC of $1 million or more. Unfortunately, many employers are unaware of the ERC or even mistakenly assume that they aren’t eligible. In part one of this series (read part two on Monday, August 30th), MP’s HR and payroll experts outline five key points for employers about this substantial pandemic aid program. Read the article to:

• Find out how ERC criteria differ from 2020 and 2021—and how eligibility has expanded
• Uncover what impact “owner restrictions” have on ERC claims
• Learn how to calculate a revenue loss to qualify for an ERC
• Discover why a business could still claim an ERC, even if they never fully shut down

Read the article.

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Employers have spent most of 2020 and early 2021 focusing on employee policies for COVID. In addition to the pandemic, employers should ensure other sections of their employee handbook are in HR compliance. Here are five HR and compliance updates that MP’s HR services experts predict will heavily impact the second half of 2021. Read the article to:
• Find out five areas of HR compliance in which employers will see dramatic changes
• Get key strategic planning tips to prepare for these compliance updates
• Learn how to avoid fines, complaints, audits, and legal action
• Discover how to handle existing non-compete agreements
Read the article.

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Employers across the US are implementing hybrid work environments for the first time. This mode is advantageous because it assists workplaces in recruiting and retaining top talent. However, hybrid remote work arrangements also allow employers to reap the benefits of in-person meetings and interactions, especially between team members who need to collaborate. Employers with hybrid work models are also able to provide their staff access to special technologies or tools and to hold in-person events to build employee engagement (a challenging area for those supervising remote employees). It’s important to note that developing (or moving to a permanent) hybrid work environment does require some comprehensive planning and strategy to be successful. Read the article to:
• Learn five key success factors for optimized hybrid work environments
• Find out why it’s critical for employers to check in with their workers’ compensation insurance provider
• Discover the vital elements of an effective telework policy
Read the article.

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Employers may be focusing on COVID safety and COVID vaccination policies right now. However, there’s another topic that HR compliance experts are also concerned about: HR legal compliance and marijuana laws. The Biden-Harris administration has pledged to decriminalize marijuana use and reduce or eliminate imprisonment solely for marijuana infractions on a federal level. This pledge has given extra steam to state efforts. Currently, 35 states have approved medical marijuana use, with 15 approving recreational use. Read the article to:
• Learn how to review and update employee policies and employee handbooks for optimal HR compliance with marijuana laws
• Discover why remote employees might require multi˙ple drug use policies (or employee manuals)
• Find out if local medical or recreational marijuana laws supersede industrial safety standards
• Get tips on protecting workplaces from lawsuits related to marijuana usage and rights
Read the article.

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Updating your employee handbook yearly is critical for HR compliance, but in 2021 it’s imperative. The pandemic has brought on a myriad of changes in the workplace: safety concerns, remote work, and hybrid work models, as well as state-mandated PTO and sick time requirements for employee policies. To avoid costly lawsuits due to compliance and maintain workplace safety, employers should utilize this guide from MP’s HR services team to update their staff handbook. Read the article to:

• Find out how to develop a comprehensive telework policy
• Learn the best approach for COVID vaccination policies
• Get tips on updating sick leave and PTO policies for full compliance
• Uncover what elements a COVID safety policy must include

Read the article.