Posts

What Role Should HR Play in Benefits Open Enrollment to Ensure Success?

Last Updated
in
There's no doubt that employee benefits brokers play a vital role in any benefits enrollment process. They know what benefits programs are available, which vendors can provide them, and how benefits are priced.
Read more

Federal Employment Poster Requirements for On-Site and Remote Workers

Last Updated
in ,
HR Question: I keep receiving notices that I need to order new posters to meet federal employment poster requirements. Many of my employees aren’t in the office regularly and those that are don’t look at the posters or any of the compliance documents we are required to distribute. What’s the risk if we don’t post these posters or distribute the annual notifications to employees?
Read more

Why Employee Retention is More Important Now Than Ever

Last Updated
in ,
Turnover is costly and disruptive. Learn how intentional workplace design, communication, & professional development help retention.
Read more

Should We Abolish Performance Improvement Plans?

Last Updated
in ,
Many employees associate performance improvement plans with negative consequences. What can we do to change this perception?
Read more

How Do We Create An Emergency Preparedness Plan?

Last Updated
in
Don't get caught without an emergency preparedness plan! We'll explain why organizations need it and how to create a plan.
Read more

Handbook Policy Updates to Consider This Year

Last Updated
in ,
We recommend reviewing your handbook at least once a year to ensure that your policies are up-to-date, inclusive, and reflective of the environment in which your organization operates. Here are some policies to consider adding to your handbook this year.
Read more

What is a Certificate of Qualification for Employment?

Last Updated
in ,
HR Question: This week a hiring manager was excited about a candidate but learned during an interview that the candidate has had a Felony for theft.  The candidate mentioned having an Ohio Certificate of Qualification for Employment that they could provide. Although we are not a bank and the role does not handle money, we […]
Read more

How Do I Prepare for an HR Leave of Absence?

Last Updated
in
Preparation is the key to managing an HR leave of absence. Here are steps to handle a planned leave as well as an unexpected one.
Read more

Can I Use a Non-Compete Ban In My Workplace?

Last Updated
in
Do you know how to handle non-competes in your workplace?
Read more

What Is the Difference Between FSAs and HSAs

Last Updated
in
FSAs and HSAs are designed to help individuals and families save money for medical expenses. Here are 5 key differences between FSAs & HSAs.
Read more

Succession Planning: How Can We Prepare for Exits of Key Employees?

Last Updated
in ,
The exit of a key employee can certainly result in turbulence within a business. Lack of preparation in filling such an important role can fuel skepticism about the future of the company among both internal employees and external stakeholders. Organizations can help temper such concerns and instability through succession planning.
Read more
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

Do I Have to Provide Employees Time Off to Vote?

Last Updated
in , ,
Voting is a basic right in the United States, but do employers have to provide time off to allow employees to exercise that right? As with many answers in human resources, “It depends.”
Read more

How To Follow ACA Reporting Requirements & Avoid Penalties

Last Updated
in
Many organizations struggle to understand if they are following the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting standards correctly while others are not aware that they need to report in the first place. If you aren’t in compliance with ACA reporting requirements, each employee represents a potential fine. These fines can range from hundreds to millions of dollars—easy enough to bankrupt a smaller organization.
Read more
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

What is HR’s Role in the Mergers & Acquisitions Process?

Last Updated
in
Mergers & Acquisitions are a complicated process affecting every facet of an organization – most importantly, its people. Because employees are the key to ensuring the success of any organization, it is critical to develop a thoughtful and strategic human resources-focused approach in the process. This requires HR leaders to be involved from the beginning.
Read more

Helping Employees Work Together – Conflict Management

Last Updated
in ,
With the help of a few good tactics and a great HR partner, it is possible to address conflict in work relationships and help employees find functional strategies for moving forward and working well together.
Read more

What To Do In An Active Shooter Incident

Last Updated
in ,
Active shooter incidents are an unfortunate reality facing us all. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and can evolve quickly. It is important to provide your employees with the information needed to help prevent and prepare for the unthinkable.
Read more

Civility in the Workplace

Last Updated
in ,
How can your organization define and reinforce workplace civility standards—distinct from harassment and discrimination—to proactively prevent toxic behavior and improve employee retention?
Read more

How Can I Manage Candidate Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Recruiting Process?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: As we work to use AI responsibly in our talent acquisition process, can you offer suggestions on how to manage candidate use of AI in the recruiting process?
Read more

What Are Some Resources and Strategies to Recruit Veterans?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: In trying to expand our recruiting efforts, we are interested in reaching out to veterans as possible applicants. Can you recommend resources and strategies to recruit veterans?
Read more

What Questions Should I Ask During An Exit Interview?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: We’ve decided to start conducting exit interviews but aren’t sure of the right questions to ask. What are some key questions to ask during an exit interview?
Read more

How To Set Up An Employee Bonus Plan

Last Updated
in
HR Question: I am having trouble motivating my employees to do more than just the fundamental functions of their job. Could an employee bonus plan help? And if so, how do I set this up?
Read more

How Do I Write and Deliver a Written Warning?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: I have an employee who is not following company policy. I have given them several verbal warnings, and I know my next step is a written warning. How do I write and deliver a written warning?
Read more

How Can I Improve My Recruitment Processes?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: We’re in desperate need of the right talent, but I can’t seem to attract or engage the number of candidates I need! How can I improve my recruitment processes to attract more candidates?
Read more

Specific Ways HR Can Cultivate an Inclusive Workplace

Last Updated
in
Learn about specific ways you can cultivate an inclusive workplace.
Read more

How Long Should We Keep Resumes and Applications?

Last Updated
in
We’re doing some end-of-year filing and record cleanup. How long do we need to keep resumes and applications?
Read more
People gathered around a table with two individuals shaking hands.

What Should the First 90 Day Introductory Period Include?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: Many of our new hires seem to be leaving within the first few months of employment. We need to tackle this head-on! What are the best practices for ensuring new hire success?
Read more

What is the Cost of a Bad Hire?

Last Updated
in
The data surrounding the cost of a “bad hire” range from 30% to upwards of three to four times the employee’s annual salary. Whatever the actual dollar amount, hiring the wrong person for the job can lead to substantial losses for an organization. The true cost of a bad hire will depend upon the position, your industry, and frankly your culture.
Read more

Hiring Tips: How to Prevent a Bad Hire

Last Updated
in , ,
HR Question: I know the cost of a bad hiring decision can be very expensive. What can I do to prevent a bad hire and make sure I select the best candidate into my organization?
Read more

How Do I Manage a Disrespectful Employee?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: I have a member on my team who consistently exhibits disrespectful behavior toward me. They interrupt me in meetings, gossip about me, and do not follow my directives. How do I effectively manage a disrespectful employee?
Read more

How Can I Support Employee Well-Being Beyond the EAP?

Last Updated
in ,
While many organizations have implemented an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as an important way to support their employees' mental health, that is only one component of well-being. There are many ways HR can play a direct role in supporting employees' overall well-being. In this article, we'll discuss what well-being is, how it impacts individuals and organizations, and offer specific examples of how you can support employee well-being in your organization.
Read more

How Do I Handle Missing or Incorrect I-9 Forms?

Last Updated
in ,
HR Question: My company recently began reviewing our I-9s and found that we have some missing or incorrect I-9 Forms. Can we ask the affected employees to fill out another I-9 if it is missing? If so, how do we do it correctly? And if it was incomplete, can we update it on the old form?
Read more

How Can HR Play a Strategic Role in My Organization?

Last Updated
in
The days of transactional human resources departments are dwindling as the function must move to play a strategic role within the organization it serves. Involvement in strategic planning conversations leads to transformational change that is felt by all staff to meet companywide goals. In order to make sure these discussions are made with staff front of mind and driven by human capital data, human resources must be part of these conversations and included in the decision-making process.
Read more

What Employers Need To Know About Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA)

Last Updated
in ,
On February 21, 2025, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4002 into law, amending the state's Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). These changes have significant implications for employers operating within Michigan as they include revisions to accrual rates, carryover rules, and compliance deadlines.
Read more

How Can I Use Salary Benchmarking As a Recruitment Strategy?

Last Updated
in , ,
HR Question: Like many companies, we're struggling with recruiting right now. I've been tasked with doing salary benchmarking to see if compensation is part of the problem, but I'm not sure how to go about doing it. Can you advise me on how to tackle the benchmarking process?
Read more

How to Manage Creditable Coverage Reporting and Notices

Last Updated
in
HR Question: I am getting ready to report “creditability” of my prescription plans in March of this year, but I just sent a notice in October. Are these the same notices? And if so, why do I need to send them out twice?
Read more

Barriers To Effective Training and Development

Last Updated
in
There are a number of factors that may cause a training session to be a triumph or a “try again next time.” Rather than becoming overwhelmed by all of the variables that create successful training, we'll break it down simply to identify the barriers to avoid during the planning stage, the delivery, and the follow-up of a training session.
Read more

How to Simplify Your Work Life

Last Updated
in
HR Question: I often feel in a state of overwhelm at work. It's frustrating to not be as effective and productive as I'd like to be. Can you recommend a good approach to simplify my work life?
Read more

How Can I Get My Team More Engaged in Training?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: Retaining our top talent has become a huge concern at our organization. In a recent survey, our employees said they don’t feel like they have opportunities for training. We’ve offered training but get pushback from employees who don’t want to go. There’s clearly a disconnect between what our employees want and what we’re offering. How can I get my team more engaged in training?
Read more

Three Ways Employers Can Promote Work-Life Balance

Last Updated
in
It has become more important than ever that employers listen to and understand the motivations of their employees in order to best attract and retain them. Many employees have made changes that better support family life, financial security, and their lifestyle through flexible work situations, including flexible work options. Many are realizing that work-life balance is not a “nice to have,” but rather it is a necessity.
Read more

What Are Employee Pulse Surveys And How Can They Increase Retention?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: We are exploring ways to increase our employee retention and engagement, and someone suggested doing an employee pulse survey. Can you explain what that is and how to best use it to drive engagement?
Read more

Do I Need a New I-9 Form for a Name Change?

Last Updated
in ,
HR Question: I have an employee who recently changed their name. Do they need to complete a new I-9 Form for their name change?
Read more

Do I Have to Give Performance Bonuses to Employees on FMLA Leave?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: It’s almost time for bonus calculations and payments, but one of my employees has been out on approved FMLA leave for the past six weeks. I don’t want to penalize the employee for being out, but it doesn’t seem fair to my other employees if I give this individual their full bonus. How should I handle performance bonuses during FMLA leave?
Read more

What are the Best HR Practices for the End of the Year?

Last Updated
in , ,
HR Question: I know there are several year-end human resources activities that should be done, and I'm worried I will miss a step. What are some of the best HR practices for the end of the year?
Read more

What to do if the IRS Notifies You of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Penalty Fees

Last Updated
in
HR Question: How do I know if my company needs to submit Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting to the IRS? What are the potential ACA penalty fees if we do it wrong?
Read more

How to Conduct an Internal I-9 Audit

Last Updated
in ,
Leveraging our experience completing countless I-9 audits for our clients, we will share recommendations to help you through an I-9 audit and the correction process if you discover Form I-9 mistakes.
Read more

How To Conduct A Workplace Harassment Investigation

Last Updated
in ,
A workplace harassment investigation must be conducted swiftly and thoroughly upon receiving a complaint. Here are steps for HR to follow.
Read more

What are the Latest ACA Reporting Changes and Deadlines?

Last Updated
in ,
ACA update - employers with 10+ forms will be required to report through electronic methods. Here are the ACA reporting forms and deadlines.
Read more

How Can My Company Choose Between Different Types of Recruitment Services?

Last Updated
in
There are 4 key types of recruitment services - all operate & charge differently. Here's how to choose the best fit for your company's needs!
Read more

Are Evacuation Drills Mandatory to Meet OSHA Training Requirements?

Last Updated
in ,
When planning for workplace emergencies and evacuations, does your company follow OSHA Training Requirements as part of their annual training?
Read more

How To Handle Expired Prescription Drug Use In The Workplace?

Last Updated
in , ,
HR Question: We recently had a situation where a longtime employee, with no prior incidences, took an expired prescription drug that was inhibiting her performance. After her drug test, she tested positive with it in her system and the script was older than one year. What should I do?
Read more