- 401(k) 1
- American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2
- CDC 1
- COBRA 1
- COVID-19 32
- Compensation 4
- DHS 1
- DOL 2
- EEO-1 3
- Employee Benefits 3
- Employee Relations 4
- FFCRA 2
- FLSA 1
- FMLA 2
- FSA 1
- HR 1
- I-9 1
- Important Dates 3
- Legal Update 11
- NLRB 1
- OSHA 7
- PPP 4
- Unemployment Administration 4
- Vaccinations 6
- Workplace Absence 2
The New Age of HR: Leveraging AI Chatbots with Purpose and Caution
With the rise of AI, Human Resources is entering a new era, reshaping what it means to work in an HR role. Bill Gates likens the rise of AI to the advent of groundbreaking technologies like the microprocessor, personal computers, the Internet, and mobile phones. In a GatesNotes blog post, he explains that AI will revolutionize how we work, learn, travel, and access healthcare, reshaping entire industries in the process. Businesses, he adds, will set themselves apart by how effectively they harness AI’s potential (Gates, 2023).
Eastern District of Texas Invalidates DOL Salary Threshold Rule Nationwide
On November 15, 2024, a federal judge in Texas invalidated the U.S. Department of Labor’s latest attempt to raise the salary thresholds for the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) white-collar overtime exemption. Texas v. Department of Labor held that the DOL’s April 2024 rule exceeded the agency’s legal authority. The ruling vacates the rule nationwide, reverting the current salary threshold to the 2019 standard of $684 per week ($35,568 annually).
Embracing Failure: Cultivating a Learning Culture in the Workplace
Consider your organization’s attitude toward “failures,” “mistakes,” and “missteps.” What comes to mind first — are they seen as setbacks or stepping stones? For many workplaces, these concepts carry a negative weight—a common perception that often stifles growth and limits learning opportunities.
Navigating Politics in the Workplace
Let’s talk politics… well maybe not…
Election season is here, and with it comes the challenge of handling political discussions in the workplace. The Encompass Group is here to guide you in navigating these sensitive topics to maintain a respectful and productive environment.
Court Strikes Down FTC’s Non-Compete Ban
A Texas federal court judge struck down the Federal Trade Commission’s nationwide ban of non-compete agreements on August 20, 2024, shortly before the ban’s effective date of September 4, 2024. The court’s decision means employers nationwide can maintain and enter new non-competes as permitted by state law.