The #1 Employer Audit Reason in 2012

The #1 Employer Audit Reason in 2012

What was the #1 Employer Audit this Past Year? Wage & Hour! I am very pleased that many of you have found my blog posts both interesting and applicable to your business. Many of you have written to me about topics you were interested in and desire advice. The...

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New Background Check Forms for 2013

New Background Check Forms for 2013

Attention All Employers! New Background Check (FCRA) Forms Will Be Required By January 1, 2013 Beginning January 1, 2013 employers must adopt new Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) forms, in light of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010....

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What are the 5 Things that Motivate Employees Other than Pay?

What are the 5 Things that Motivate Employees Other than Pay?

Motivating employees is one of the most important skills that business owners can possess. These 5 tips can help you and your managers to gain employee productivity and enhance their company commitment. Be generous with praise. Every employee wants praise and it is...

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Understanding Communication Styles

Understanding Communication Styles

The DISC Assessment Can Help You Communicate Better, Reduce Conflict and Increase PRODUCTIVITY! Whether you are working with a company, a small non-profit, a government agency, or an educational institution. Learn how to communicate better to ease frustrations and...

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Conflict In The Workplace: What Employers Should Know!

Conflict In The Workplace: What Employers Should Know!

Whether it's a case of petty gossip or a full-blown argument, such disagreements result in low morale, poor decision making, angry employees, expensive productivity loss, stress-related medical conditions, and an unbelievable amount of wasted time. And the worst part...

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Survey says Employee Base Pay Will Rise by 3%

Survey says Employee Base Pay Will Rise by 3%

Base pay set to increase in 2013 despite slow and uncertain economic recovery by approximately 3%. The latest results from three (3) surveys (Mercer, WorldatWork and the Hay Group) all predict an average raise in base pay of between 2.9 percent to 3 percent in 2013....

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Form I-9 Expired Aug. 31, 2012, Now What?

The current Employment Eligibility Verification Form, referred to as Form I-9, expired Aug. 31, 2012. Once it expired, what should employers do? All U.S. employers must complete and retain a Form I-9 for all citizens and noncitizens they hire for employment in the...

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Strengthen Your Business By Using Your Strengths

Strengthen Your Business By Using Your Strengths

How would your company be different if all members of your team played to their STRENGTHS? Individuals that play to their strengths are more engaged in their work and achieve greater results.  Learn how to identify your top 5 strengths and maximize your potential...

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Gen Y is Changing HR and the Workforce!

Gen Y is Changing HR and the Workforce!

by Adenna Huggins, Gen Y HR Specialist, DAS HR Consulting, LLC “… They believe in their own self- worth and value enough that they’re not shy about trying to change the companies they work for.” – Network Work World Who are Gen Y? Commonly called The Millennial,...

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Executives In Action

Executives In Action

Read my recent write-up by Executives In Action: The EIA experience led one executive to consider opportunities she had only once dreamed possible. Di Ann Sanchez came to EIA in February 2010 and was able to transition from a career in corporate America to becoming a...

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FMLA Guidance for Employers and Employees

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) process is both complex and administratively burdensome. The FMLA affects companies with over 50 employees. The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a 20-page summary titled “Need Time? The Employee’s Guide to the Family and Medical...

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What Employers Should Know About the New JOBS Act.

What Employers Should Know About the New JOBS Act.

President Obama signed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) which was enacted to help startup companies. Statistics show that entrepreneurship is the key to job creation. The Jobs Act would give new companies more flexibility in raising capital, which...

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SHRM Essentials of Human Resources Management

SHRM Essentials of Human Resources Management

SHRM Essentials® of HR Management- TCC Corporate Training Center at Alliance, Texas Registration ends September 28, 2012. If you’re new to human resources or need to strengthen your employee management skills, this program is for you! Learn the basics of HR to improve...

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What is the DREAMER Policy?

What is the DREAMER Policy?

President Obama has enforced the DREAM Policy through an executive order ceasing deporting undocumented youth and ordered U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to grant them employment authorization. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, this will impact up to 1.4...

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Background Check Guidance Just Changed! Now What?

Background Check Guidance Just Changed! Now What?

For years background checks have played a vital role in determining safety and security for all employees in a workplace. Now employers may have to indicate why they did not hire an applicant with a criminal record. April 2012 the Equal Employment Opportunity...

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Maryland Enacts Country’s First Social Media Password Law

Maryland Enacts Country’s First Social Media Password Law

The state of Maryland is the first to enact a media password law, signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley, on May 2, 2012. This new law prohibits employers from requesting the social media passwords or accessing the social media accounts of prospective and current employees....

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2012 SHRM Talent Managment Conference Article

2012 SHRM Talent Managment Conference Article

After presenting at the 2012 SHRM Talent Management Conference last May I was interviewed by Rebecca R. Hastings, SPHR, an online editor/manager for SHRM. To attract, retain and engage Hispanics and Latinos, employers need to understand the common—and...

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The Four Stages of Strategic Planning

The Four Stages of Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is a process that helps companies focus on how to succeed for the future. Every company, large or small, should participate in the strategic planning process at least every three years. This planning will help you, your customers and employees...

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SHRM Talent Conference

SHRM Talent Conference

I had the honor of speaking at the national SHRM talent conference in Washington, D.C. on April 30, 2012, on the topic of Attracting, Retaining and Engaging the Hispanic Workforce. Here is an outline of what I covered in my speech: Hispanic vs. Latino – which is...

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What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

The Civil Rights Act was the nation’s first comprehensive anti-discrimination federal law making it illegal to discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was passed to bring about equality in...

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Is Your Communication Style Causing Stress?

Is Your Communication Style Causing Stress?

Do you have challenges communicating with others? If so, finding out why will help your business and relationships flourish! There are four primary communication styles. Learning and understanding these styles can unleash powerful team effectiveness, enhance...

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New FMLA Certification Forms

New FMLA Certification Forms

The Department of Labor (DOL) released new Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) certification forms with an expiration date of February 28, 2015. The new forms do not have the “safe harbor” language required by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which...

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Why Employers need Job Descriptions

Why Employers need Job Descriptions

Job descriptions are not mandated by any employment laws but protect Employers in a dispute. Please sign up for our monthly FREE newsletter and get a legally compliant JOB DESCRIPTION template! 1) While companies are not legally required to maintain job descriptions...

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5 Ways Workplace Wellness Reduces Your Company Costs

5 Ways Workplace Wellness Reduces Your Company Costs

The unhealthy behaviors of the United States workforce costs employers an average of $670 per employee annually according to the March 2011 Thomas Reuters Workforce Wellness Index. Despite the fact that the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation in the...

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State Requirements for Employee Records Retention

State Requirements for Employee Records Retention

Ever wonder how long you need to hold on to employee records? Below is a list of how long each state requires you to hold on to your employee records. Don't forget to properly dispose of the records when the time is right for security issues and to protect your...

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SHRM 2012 Talent Management Conference & Exposition

SHRM 2012 Talent Management Conference & Exposition

I am very excited and honored to be presenting at the SHRM 2012 Talent Management Conference. My presentation is titled, "Attracting, Retaining and Engaging the Latino/Hispanic Workforce." I hope to see you there! Gain the strategies and tools you need to start a...

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VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 Law

VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 Law

On November 21, 2011 President Obama signed into law the VOW legislation to encourage the hiring of military veterans. Key provisions of interest to Employers: Requires military individuals separating from services to participate in the Transition Assistance Program...

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Sometimes Employers Have to Use the “F” Word – FIRED

Sometimes Employers Have to Use the “F” Word – FIRED

Firing employees is never an easy task for employers but there are some situations where you MUST FIRE them immediately! First, if the employee committed a crime against your company such as proven theft and/or selling illegal drugs. Second, you must reduce your staff...

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IRS Announced 2012 Inflation-Adjusted Benefit Limits

IRS Announced 2012 Inflation-Adjusted Benefit Limits

The Internal Revenue Service has announced cost-of-living adjustments applicable to dollar limitations for retirement plans and other benefits for 2012. This marks the first notable adjustment to the limits since 2009.   2011 Limits 2012 Limits...

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Executives In Action – Youth Movement

Executives In Action – Youth Movement

A nonprofit youth development organization (which asked to be kept anonymous due to the nature of the issues involved) had grown quickly over the past ten years, providing services to thousands of youth per year. But they had never put the necessary Human Resources...

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SHRM Talent Management Conference and Exposition

SHRM Talent Management Conference and Exposition

Attracting, Retaining and Engaging the Hispanic/Latino Workforce Workplace Application: This session will highlight/describe the challenges facing employers with a Hispanic/Latino workforce. This session will teach you about the Hispanic/Latino workforce and HR...

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2012 HR Compliance Requirements for Businesses

2012 HR Compliance Requirements for Businesses

Mark your calendars today to make sure you don't miss any of these important HR deadlines! Date Compliance Requirement 06/30/2010 Mental Health Parity: New regulations on providing parity for employees enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental...

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FREE HR Job Description Template

FREE HR Job Description Template

Did you know a properly written job description can protect your company? In order to comply with various employment laws, it is critical your job description is compliant. Please enter your email address below and click submit to download your free template!  Free HR...

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What is Union Salting?

What is Union Salting?

According to Ricardo Torres, a former high-ranking union official: “Salting is the practice of sending in union members into a non-union workplace in an attempt to launch an organizing campaign towards an election. Salting is commonly done with the intent of going...

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2012 Mandatory New Hire Notice

Start 2012 by Being Prepared for the Federal Mandatory  New Hire Notices REQUIRED for ALL Employers! Below, please find the annual notices and documents you MUST provide your employees! Medicare Part D Notice: Employers whose health plans contain prescription drug...

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Businesses Get Chance to Reclassify Workers

Businesses Get Chance to Reclassify Workers

The Internal Revenue Service says that it will allow businesses that have misclassified workers as independent contractors to reclassify workers with only a small penalty. Regulators say that they will be much more vigilant of employee misclassification in the future....

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Engaging the Latino/Hispanic Workforce Teleseminar

Date & Time: September 21, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern) Featured Presenter: Di Ann Sanchez, SPHR of DAS HR Consulting, LLC
HR/Diversity Consultant and IAML presenter Who Will Benefit:
  This intermediate level program is designed for human resource, diversity and...

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What the heck is E-Verify?

What the heck is E-Verify?

Executive Order 13464 mandates electronic verification of all employees working on any federal contract as awarded after 9/8/09 that includes the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and E-Verify Clause (73 FR 67704). This means any employer who becomes a federal...

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Religious Accommodations – What Do Employers Have To Do?

Religious Accommodations – What Do Employers Have To Do?

According to the law, “It is unlawful to discharge or otherwise discriminate against or harass applicants or employees on the basis of religion.” Employers must provide reasonable accommodation for an employee's religious beliefs or practices, unless it would cause...

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What is ADAAA and What Do Employers Have to Do?

What is ADAAA and What Do Employers Have to Do?

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) was passed by Congress in September 2008 to make legislative changes to the original Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for setting...

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5 Steps to Minimize Wage & Hour Lawsuits

1. Maintain accurate and complete employee records. Employment histories indicating hire date, termination date, dates of any leaves of absence, as well as tracking any changes in job, supervisor, work location, state of employment, work schedule or shift and pay rate...

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CUE 2011 Spring Confrence

Di Ann Sanchez, SPHR, will be speaking at the Spring 2011 CUE Conference on May 22-24 in Charleston, South Carolina. The title of her talk is: "Engaging the Hispanic/Latino Workforce". Register for the conference here. Download the CUE Conference Flyer here.

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UNT/HUB Small Business Resource Workshop

UNT/HUB Small Business Resource Workshop

Di Ann Sanchez, SPHR will be speaking at the University of North Texas HUB Program and City of Denton: Small Business Resource Workshop, May 5, 2011. Registration of free, visit: www.DentonSmallBusiness.com  

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What is the Big Deal about Social Media for Employers?

First, what is Social Media anyway? Social media encompasses broad online activities that uses any web-based technology to broadcast messages and/or participate in dialogues. Examples of social media include: Facebook and MySpace, Linked In and Plaxo, Foresquare and...

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Social Security No Match Letters

The Truth About Social Security No-Match Letters Reference: Ann Badmus, badmuslaw.com, February 2011 Social Security Administration (SSA) no-match letters notify employers that an employee's name or Social Security number (SSN) does not match the name or SSN...

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I-9 Handbook Answers Common I-9 Questions

I-9 Handbook Answers Common I-9 Questions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an updated version of its I-9 Handbook for Employers (download copy here) Key Highlights of the Changes: Employers should not begin the I-9 process until the individual has accepted a job offer. Confirms...

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Workplace Bullying and What Employers need to Know

Workplace Bullying is a relatively new concept that began in 2000 and beyond. It refers to repeated, unreasonable actions of individuals (or a group) directed towards an employee (or a group of employees), which is intended to intimidate and creates a risk to the...

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TCU Extended Ed Class: Understanding the Hispanic Workforce

Hispanic vs. Latino - which is correct? This course will teach the student to understand and motivate the Hispanic/Latino workforce. This is an introductory class specifically designed for those students who want to effectively manage a multi-cultural workforce with...

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5 New Year Resolutions For Employers

With the start of this new year I want to share with you five things all employers should do to help protect their businesses and stay in compliance with the law: 1) Conduct an HR audit in order to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws. 2) Update your...

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5 Holiday Party No Nos

No-No #1: No Hanky-panky! This is a big one. In today's society those two seemingly innocent words: hanky-panky could lead to these two not so innocent words: SEXUAL HARASSMENT. No-No #2: Talking about salary. Save that conversation for your car ride home. No-No #3:...

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Strength Training for Business Owners

How would your company be different if all members of your team played to their strengths? Individuals that play to their strengths are more engaged in their work and achieve greater results. Learn how to identify your top 5 strengths and maximize your potential...

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HR Lunch and Learn Nov. 18th, 2010

Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA), presents... Human Resources for Small Business - What You Need to Know to Avoid Fines & Maintain Compliance Presented by Di Ann Sanchez, SPHR, DAS HR Consulting, LLC Click here to download the flyer.

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Key Items To Include In Your Employee Handbook

Is your current employee handbook adequately protecting you and your company? An employee handbook is the main source for setting expectations for both the employee and employer.  It should describe the employer’s legal obligations as well as the employee’s rights....

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HR Essentials at Tarrant County College

Di is teaching HR Essentials for TCCD North West Campus 5-week class begins 9/13/2010 Tarrant County College Northwest Campus offers two courses in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®), Essentials® of HR Management and the PHR®/SPHR®...

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Guidelines for a Drug Free Workplace

Facts you need to know about the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988: Employers Employees Employers must certify to the contracting or granting agencies that they maintain a drug free work place by publishing (posted in employee handbook and on job sites) and...

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How to Retain, Train, and Engage your Hispanic Workforce

Last month I was invited to Chicago to present to the Utility Line Clearance Coalition on how to retain, train, and engage a Hispanic Workforce. The ULCC represents 90% of all line clearance tree trimmers; they focus on safety and best practices for all tree trimming...

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Troy’s Story – 6 Federal Agencies in 90 days

Over a three-month period Troy Jackson was “visited” by six federal agencies and fined over a half a million dollars, not including legal fees, for non-compliance. Troy has been in business since 1996 and has two very successful companies After Dark Designs a home...

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New Poster Required!

New Poster required to inform employees about their rights to join a union under NLRA! New Employee Notification Requirements for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors: Under a new Department of Labor (DOL) regulation, beginning on June 19, 2010, Federal Contractors...

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Small Businesses Ponder Impact of Health Care Reform

Small Businesses Ponder Impact of Health Care Reform

4/8/2010, By Bill Leonard, Society of Human Resources Management It’s probably an understatement to say that the 2010 U.S. health care reform law has created some anxiety and confusion among small business owners. When the National Federation of Independent Business...

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Get Tax Credits for Hiring Employees!

The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010 (HIRE) became law on March 18, 2010, as signed by President Obama. Unfortunately, this new law did not get a lot of press due to the Health Care Reform Passage, but is critical for employers who intend to hire....

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GINA: 5 Things Employers Need to do Immediately!

Genetic Information is the most recent protected characteristic (such as race, religion, and sex) to be added to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 [Public Law 110-233, H.R. 493, S. 358] was signed into law by...

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Family Discrimination Lawsuits up 400%

Suing employers for Family Discrimination is one of the fastest-growing lawsuits today. The Center for Work Life Law, in February 2010, reported that lawsuits claiming bias against workers who care for children or aging parents has increased 400% in the past decade....

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How to Lawfully Terminate Employees

There are two types of terminations: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary termination is an employee resignation for another job, personal reasons, retirement, etc. Involuntary termination is initiated by the employer to terminate the employee's employment. Reasons...

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The Importance of Exit Interviews

Exit interviews are important to gather critical information about morale, management practices, salaries, etc. Ask questions such as: 1. Why are you leaving? 2. What did you like most and least about the job? 3. Did the job give you opportunities to make adequate use...

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HR Lunch and Learn Feb. 24th

On February 24, 2010 I'll be teaching a Lunch 'N Learn at the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center titled: HR Essentials for Small Business Owners. What YOU need to know to avoid fines and maintain compliance! During this hour and a half seminar we will cover the...

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5 New Year resolutions for Employers

With the start of this new year I want to share with you five things all employers should do to help protect their businesses and stay in compliance with the law: Conduct an HR audit in order to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws. Update your Employee...

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Immigration bill includes worker screening

Immigration bill includes worker screening

By Suzanne Gamboa, Associated Press Writer The nation's employers say a major problem with system overload is on the way if Congress forces them to prove, electronically, that all their workers are legal. Currently, 16,727 employers check employees through a system...

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FMLA coverage extended for Military Families

President Obama signed a FMLA coverage extension for Military Families on October 28, 2009. The 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) extends FMLA exigency leave coverage to both active duty members of Armed Forces, Reserves and National Guard, and family...

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Unemployment Benefits Extended!

President Obama approved the extension of Unemployment Benefits an extra 14 weeks of benefits in states with unemployment rates less than 8.5% and an extra 20 weeks in states with unemployment rates above 8.5%. Any individual whose benefits have expired will be...

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November is American Diabetes Month®

The shocking reality: Diabetes is the 5th largest killer disease and there is no cure. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), nearly 8% of the U.S. population (23.6 million people) have diabetes. The most startling statistic is that about 5.7 million of...

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Mandatory FLSA Recording Keeping for ALL employers!

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that many employers mistakenly (and sometimes not so mistakenly) violate. From the miscalculation of overtime payment, mis-classifying non-exempt employees, expecting employees to work off the clock, to improper...

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2009 Luna Awards

2009 Luna Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the 2009 Luna Awards! This coveted award is for women who provide services to the construction industry. The Regional Hispanic Contractors Association had their annual award luncheon on October 15th at the beautiful Omni Mandalay...

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Feds to ramp up enforcement!

The U.S. Department of Labor plans increased enforcement of small-to-medium sized businesses after the September 2009 release of a 72-page report documenting what some call "rampant" violations of wage-and-hour laws by employers. Martha Neil of the ABA Journal writes,...

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Proposed ADA Regulations Issued by EEOC

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) interprets the definition of a disability more broadly and expands the definition of "major life activities". To learn more click here: Long-Awaited Proposed ADA Regulations Issued by the EEOC

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Employee or Independent Contractor?

Independent contractor issue heats up! According to Andrew McIlvaine, "desperate for revenue, state and federal officials are increasingly looking at the potential mis-classification of employees as independent contractors." Click here to read the entire article. Here...

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Compliance Deadlines

DAS HR Consulting, LLC wants all employers to be aware of the following compliance deadlines: 9/08/09 E-Verify: Rule requiring all federal contractors to use the federal government's E-Verify employment eligibility system. This is Executive Order 13464 mandating...

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Legislative Changes Businesses Should Watch!

Retracted "no match" letters rules The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested the rescinding of the "No MATCH" rule.  The "No Match" rules would have required employers to re-verify employees social security numbers. Employers would have been subject to...

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10 Things All Employers Must Post

Employers need to check their Human Resources bulletin boards to ensure the posting notices are current. All notices should be posted prominently where both applicants and employees can readily see them. If your employees do not speak English, you may be required to...

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Termination Checklist for Employers

If you answer "no" to any of the questions below, review the termination carefully. 1. Have the violations been thoroughly documented and investigated? 2. Are there facts to support the discharge? 3. Has the employee been told discharge is the next step in the...

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Top 3 Reasons to Conduct Background Checks

A background check confirms an applicants truthfulness on their application and can include verification of: identity, criminal and civil history, employment, education, licensing, motor vehicles report, and credit history. 1. The average jury verdict for negligent...

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HUB Certification

June was an exciting month for DAS HR Consulting -- we received our HUB certification and attended the 2009 Procurement Connection Seminar and Expo in Austin. The Statewide Historically Underutilized Business Program, or HUB, provides opportunities for contractors to...

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Recession jobs – hope for both employees and employers!

If you are someone who wants to pursue another profession or career, during this recession--THERE IS HOPE! The following job openings are projected to grow between 2006-2016! Here are the top 25 fastest-growing occupations and number of potential positions: 1. Network...

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