H1N1 at Work
Government officials estimate that the H1N1 flu (also known as the swine flu) will affect up to 40 percent of the workforce this season. Employers should expect high absentee rates as workers call in sick or stay home to take care of ill family members. Staying proactive and promoting good health habits a ... More >
Senate Votes to Open Healthcare Debate with Minimum 60 Votes.
The AP (11/22, Espo) ... More >
State Unemployment Expected to Increase
As many anticipate the awaited unemployment tax increase, employers can expect to see an increase in the years 2010 and 2011. Most employers’ unemployment rates will increase due to the colossal amount of debt that has incurred since the start of the recession.
EMS will keep you educated and help you pre ... More >
Social Security Wage Base to Remain the Same in 2010
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 57 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2010. This is due to consumer prices not increasing over the past year. This will be the first year without an automatic cost-of-living adjus ... More >
Social Networking Policy
Social networking sites have recently exploded as the latest internet trend with millions of people having some sort of social media profile. Over the last few years, social networking sites have slowly crept into the workplace. Many people use these sites to share aspects of their personal life such as interests, favorite books and movies, group ... More >
Holiday Season Safety Tips
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of ... More >
Client Spotlight: Featuring Qualis Automotive
Qualis Automotive, founded in April of 1999, began as a supplier of automotive aftermarket brake drums and rotors. In March of 2003, Qualis added chassis products and then hydraulic products in January of 2007.
Qualis is dedicated to providing the automotive aftermarket with products sourced worl ... More >
Notify EMS of Company Changes
When a company experiences changes within their organization, it is important to notify EMS.
To avoid additional paperwork and unnecessary penalties imposed by various agencies, any changes in ownership, corporate status, company name, or startup operations in a new state* must be reported to EMS. ... More >
Benefits Q&A
1. My company offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Will the leftover funds roll over in 2010?
It depends. Flexible Spending Accounts are based on a policy plan year and contributions. If an individual elects coverage for July 1st, the plan year would be July 1st through June 30th the following year. Participant ... More >
'Tis the Season to Avoid Lawsuits
As the holiday season approaches, I would like to start planning a work party for my employees and employees’ families. I am still debating on whether to serve alcohol or not. As my HR Rep, what do you recommend?
Holiday parties are a great way to celebrate with your employees and thank t ... More >
Healthcare Update: House Passes Healthcare Reform Bill
The House of Representatives on November 7, 2009 passed a health care bill by a vote of 220-215. With the passage of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, proponents of health care reform took a step forward, but turning the bill into law remains uncertain.
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Unemployment Taxes Will Rise in 2010
Businesses hit hard by the recession during the past two years are in for the tax system's version of a follow-up sucker punch in 2010. In 35 states, the rate for unemployment taxes will rise (automatically, in most cases) due to the heavy toll absorbed by the state trust funds for the payment of unemployment benefits. Their trust fund balances and current rate ... More >
Health Care Reform Legislation: So Near, Yet So Far
As Congress takes a ”time out” from health reform and President Obama urges lawmakers not to give up on legislation stalled in the House and Senate, employers are wondering what lies ahead for their businesses and their benefits plans. Both the House and Senate have approved versions of a comprehensive health care overhaul that would significantly affec ... More >
Obama Targets Employers That Misclassify Workers as Independent Contractors
President Barack Obama's federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2011 includes $25 million for an initiative targeting the misclassification of employees as independent contractors.
Obama says the additional funds would be used to hire 100 additional enforcement personnel and to provide grants to states that are trying to curb ... More >
Tips For Keeping Employees Motivated During Tough Economic Times
Layoffs, furloughs, and pay cuts negatively affect the workplace. Managers can boost worker morale and productivity during tough economic times by using these strategies.
Honest & frequent communication – Keep employees notified of economic impacts through regular meeti ... More >
Striking a Balance: Health Plans and Wellness
Each year, companies try to strike a balance between providing benefits for their employees, and trying to keep costs low enough to satisfy their budget. Though this can be a challenge, there are positive ways to meet this challenge and have a genuine impact. One way is to be open to offering different plans than you have in previous ... More >
QuickTips for Preventing Cold-Related Injuries and Illnesses
A work environment hazard that is prevalent this time of year is cold-related injuries and illnesses. Below is information from OSHA on how to prevent these cold-related injuries and how to protect employees who work in the cold temperatures.
OSHA's "Cold Stress ... More >
Client Spotlight: Schaefer Box & Pallet Co.
Schaefer Box & Pallet Company is an employee-owned company located near Ross, Ohio. They are located on a 10-acre site which houses two steel enclosed buildings, each approximately 9,000 square feet, and two steel shelters with loading docks that are approximately 7,500 square feet each.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder - It Can Be More Than the Winter Blues
As the winter months set in, some people may notice that they feel more tired, experience weight gain, or struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Most people who experience these symptoms may have nothing more than the “winter blues,” but some likely suffer from a potentially debilitating condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD, an ... More >