HR Works

Happy #CertificationNationDay! We are proud to be #GPTWcertified, and we are grateful to our employees for making HR Works such a #GreatPlaceToWork!?

OSHA has published its heat standard for indoor and outdoor settings?(“proposed final rule”) in the Federal Register making the proposed final rule open for public comment. The final rule is being implemented to prevent or reduce heat-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. The proposed final rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat. OSHA encourages the public to participate by submitting comments on the proposed standard. Comments on the proposed final rule must be submitted by December 30, 2024. https://bit.ly/3Uca9vz

Alex Ubbink from HR Works will be facilitating a breakout session at the Diversity Consortium of Tompkins County's upcoming Roundtable Event on October 17th. The session will review the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that Affirmative Action programs for College and University admissions are unlawful. Participants will learn the difference between Affirmative Action in College admissions and a federally required AAP and will discuss how an internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, and not necessarily your AAP, may be scrutinized with the Supreme Court decision. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4eKZNLs

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Restaurant Law Center v. US Department of Labor has invalidated tip credit regulations that went into effect on November 23, 2021, that allowed the DOL to assess civil money penalties against employers that, among other things, allowed managers and supervisors to keep tips they receive directly from customers only when those tips are based on the service that they directly and solely provide. https://bit.ly/3XZdkb4

Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals by October 14, which is the start date of the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D. https://bit.ly/3YhU4a7

On April 29, 2024, the EEOC released updated guidance on workplace harassment titled “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace.” With the changing nature of the workplace and an increasingly diverse workforce, reviewing and updating your EEO practices in response to this updated guidance is crucial. https://bit.ly/3ZPJ6d4

Join us on October 16 for a complimentary webinar, "Effective Leadership for Anxiety in the Workplace," with our partner, ENI. https://bit.ly/3BoYe6U

In response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued new HIPAA Privacy Rules to protect reproductive healthcare privacy that became effective on June 25, 2024. The new rules prohibit covered entities and business associates from using or disclosing Protected Health Information (PHI) for investigating or imposing liability related to lawful “reproductive healthcare” unless there is substantial evidence that the care was unlawful. The new rules contain attestation and privacy notice requirements which may impact employers. https://bit.ly/3TSU0uJ

Happy HR Professional Day! We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our HR Works employees who provide HR support to our clients each and every day, and to the many HR professionals we have the opportunity to partner with every day. Today marks a special day dedicated to recognizing you and the entire HR community. We appreciate your passion for fostering positive workplaces, your expertise in navigating complex labor laws, and your commitment to supporting the companies and people you serve. Your invaluable contributions play a vital role in shaping successful organizations, and we thank you for all you have done to make such a positive impact on the world of work. #HRProfessionalDay #HR #HumanResources