SweeterHR

What could change for workers and employers in the coming years? One item we’re looking at is how the new administration may impact the National Labor Relations Board — and what this could mean for employee protections. Historically, the NLRB plays a critical role in upholding workers’ rights, including the ability to unionize, bargain collectively, and address unfair labor practices. However, with changes in administration, we often see shifts in the Board’s priorities, which can directly influence how protections are enforced (or not). The NLRB tends to swing with the administrations.? Employee protections were strengthened over the last four years and we expect them to soften over the? next four years. Early signs suggest that the incoming administration may prioritize business interests over expanding worker protections - potentially making it more challenging for employees to advocate for their rights. After the last four years, employees have enjoyed significant strengthening of protections including their right to speak out against labor practices at work. We expect some of these employee protections will be rolled back. ?? Why does this matter to employers? Knowing how labor law and labor law interpretation impacts you as an employer is important in navigating compliance and planning for workforce changes.? Knowing how the NLRB impacts you and your workforce helps you determine which actions you need to take as an employer. At SweeterHR, we stay ahead of these trends so you don’t have to. We’re here to help you navigate what’s next and create a workplace where you and your employees can thrive—no matter what changes come down the pipeline. ?? Curious how these potential changes might impact your business? Let’s talk. #compliancelaw #laborlaws #hrconsultant

I will never forget the impact an employer made on me (their employee) during one Thanksgiving! I was a single mom, and I was not earning a lot of money. I had just left a company that bled me dry - long hours, low pay, poor culture -- for a new opportunity. The month I started this new job, the company gave us (employees) a $20 turkey voucher for Thanksgiving that we could use at the grocery store to buy a turkey or other item. That made a huge difference to me at the time and I remember how grateful I was to receive it and it made me really appreciate my new employer! This small act of kindness stuck with me, and I still think about it, 12 years later. To this day, I have yet to find another company that does this. It was a creative way to let their employees know they mattered. Our tokens of gratitude to our employees can be creative as long as we are focused on them and their needs.?Little things like this can increase employee loyalty and engagement. Employee engagement starts on day one. The ways employers engage employees in their first year can set the tone for their entire employment-hurting or promoting a positive work culture. Little acts of kindness make a big difference. This Thanksgiving, how are you showing your gratitude to your employees? #employeeengagement #workplaceculture #employeeloyalty #hrconsultant

The #1 Thing I Learned in 5 Years of Business as an HR Consultant. I've learned a ton of lessons owning a business! Some have been painful and some were happy accidents but all were incredibly important to my growth-what to do and what not to do. A main lesson I learned - always be adapting. Update, change, adapt to new environments (legal, competitive, social). What worked last year might not work this year. I have to keep evolving and adjusting. → What’s been one of your biggest lessons in business? #hrconsultant #hrexpert #entrepreneurlessons

I’m happy to announce that SweeterHR is celebrating our 5-Year Anniversary this month! It’s taken a lot of crazy hours, long nights, and longer weekends, but we’re finally hitting our stride and getting to a really good place. We have some big plans coming up for 2025, and we can’t wait to share them with you. A huge congratulations to the amazing team at SweeterHR for contributing to the success of our endeavors! ??

Is your business ready for 2025? If your HR practices haven’t been reviewed recently, it’s time to complete an HR Audit with an HR pro. At SweeterHR, we have a comprehensive audit process to ensure your policies and practices align with federal and state laws—and help you boost profitability and minimize risk along the way. Our HR Audit covers your entire employee experience, from hire to retire, so you can rest easy knowing your business is compliant. We’ll assess the good, the bad, and the opportunities for improvement, providing you with a full report that includes best practices and actionable recommendations. What does the audit include? - A thorough review of your HR policies, practices, and procedures - Insights on where you’re doing well and areas for improvement? - Recommendations that boost employee engagement and drive profitability Investing in an HR Audit isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a workplace that thrives, reduces costly risks, and supports your business goals. Are there areas of your HR process that you’re unsure meet current standards? Reach out to learn how our HR Audit can support your success. #hrpolicies #employercompliance #outsourcedhr

New California Labor Law UPDATE! California passed several new labor laws this year that will take effect January 1st, 2025. It was not as bad as the last couple years, legislatively speaking. One of the new laws taking effect on January 1, 2025, is SB 399: The Ban on Captive Audience Meetings. What Does This Mean for Employers? SB 399 prohibits employers from penalizing employees who choose not to attend meetings or engage in discussions about religious, political, or union-related matters. Compliance with this law is critical, as violations may lead to civil penalties, enforced by the Labor Commissioner or through civil actions. Want to ensure your handbook is up-to-date? We have a policy for this and other new updates that you can easily add to your current handbook—reach out us to learn more! #employercompliance #hrexpert #outsourcedhr

Happy Election Day! ??? At SweeterHR, we’re all about helping employers stay compliant while creating supportive workplaces. Today’s a great reminder to make sure employees have the time they need to cast their vote. Did you know that many states require employers to provide time off for voting? If you’re an employer, check your state laws to ensure you’re compliant and giving your team the support they need to participate in this civic duty. Every vote counts, and by encouraging flexibility, you’re helping employees make their voices heard. Questions about compliance? We’re here to help! #votingrights #electionday #hrexpert

Spending time in Salem this past month has allowed me to reflect on religious protections, gender rights, and how fear created a perfect storm, like the ones that still haunt Salem Sound, in which 19 innocent people were murdered within a year, neighbors turning on neighbors, and destroying communities. In fact, when Salem is quiet, one can feel the sadness that wrecked a community over 300 years ago.? ? The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 remind me of a dark time in history when gender, religious beliefs, and societal fears led to unjust persecution. The accused, mostly women, were targeted because of their gender, nonconforming behavior, and perceived beliefs—revealing a historical bias that often punished the vulnerable. ? Fast forward to today, and while we no longer conduct "trials" of this nature, discrimination still exists in subtler forms. The EEOC publishes these cases, and it makes me sad reading them because they could have been avoided. It also brings up memories of one of our clients whose’ employee practiced stoics and used her sincerely held beliefs to justify her behavior.? Worker protections for religious affiliation and gender are critical in ensuring that history doesn't repeat itself in the workplace. Federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protect employees from discrimination based on: ? ?? Religious beliefs (whether mainstream or not- hello, witches!) ?? Gender (including gender identity & expression) ? Today, we are striving for workplaces where diverse beliefs and genders are respected, not feared or marginalized.? ? As HR professionals, business owners, and leaders, we must ensure policies, training, and practices actively protect our employees. Protecting our employees protects our companies.? To me, Salem was not just a historical footnote but serves as a reminder of why these protections are necessary and constantly evolving. ? ? #HRCompliance #WorkplaceInclusion #ReligiousFreedom #EmployeeRights #SalemWitchTrials

Visiting the National Archives in Washington D.C. last week was an inspiring experience! Standing in front of documents like the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, I couldn't help but reflect on the centuries of progress that have shaped our rights and freedoms. As someone who works in HR, I was especially moved by the connections between these historic texts and the laws that continue to shape workers’ and women’s rights today. One law that stands out is the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, highlighted in the National Archives, which ensures fair pay for workers regardless of gender. Lilly Ledbetter was a former factory worker whose fight for equal pay became a significant catalyst for change in U.S. labor law. After discovering she was paid less than her male counterparts, Ledbetter sued her employer, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, for gender-based wage discrimination. Although she initially lost her case due to a statute of limitations issue, her struggle brought national attention to pay equity. In 2009, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was signed into law. With the recent passing of Lilly Ledbetter on October 12th, it’s a poignant reminder of her incredible legacy and the importance of continuing her work. Another highlight was learning about the Magna Carta’s influence on women’s rights, including the protection of inheritance laws for women, a key step towards individual freedom. These documents have paved the way for the rights we continue to fight for today. My visit to the National Archives was not just a look back at history, but a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we still have to go. ?? Have you been to DC? What was one of the most memorable experiences for you? #fairpay #lillyledbetter #outsourcedhr

Greetings from Salem, MA! What better way to spend Spooky Season than visiting Salem????? While visiting Massachusetts, I took my daughter to Salem on a recent Saturday - yes, the same place where women were tried and hung for witchcraft, although they weren't witches. I wonder what the Puritans would think of Salem today? Salem has grown a substantial culture of witches and all things macabre, a pretty cheeky turn of events from the puritanical conviction of others based on superstition. It is a great Halloween jaunt! I will preface that the month of October is very crowded in Salem, so if you aren't a fan of crowds, highly suggest going any other month! When we were in Salem, we faced our fears as we sailed on a Schooner in 15 knot winds in Salem Sound, we enjoyed visiting the shops with all kinds of fun and spooky things, and we ate the most amazing seafood at Turners (a place rich in history on its own). Taking time for ourselves and family isn't a bad thing, it is a great thing! How do you unwind? #salem #hrexpert #hrconsulting