MBA News

GIC Is Not Renewing Any WC Insurance Policies!

MBAHRO — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 21:27:00 GMT

The OIR declared that the company is insolvent and committed willful violations. If you need a new workers' compensation insurance option, please contact us to take advantage of our 3 "A" rated insurance carriers.

Play Defense: How and Why to Document Performance Consistently

MBAHRO — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 00:40:00 GMT

Documenting performance can’t prevent you from being sued, but it can help you defend against a discrimination or unemployment compensation claim.

How to Regulate Romance in the Workplace: 3 Questions to Ask

MBAHRO — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 18:18:00 GMT

38% of U.S. workers have dated someone who worked for the same company. This seems unsurprising given how much time full-time employees spend at work. Before instituting a workplace dating policy, however, a company should consider the legal ramifications and impact on employee morale.

Social Media – When Can I Discipline? #URFired

MBAHRO — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 01:06:00 GMT

Social media has enabled us to promote our businesses, network with our communities, and cultivate a public image. It has also created a space for anonymous comments to go viral and for employees and customers to bad-mouth companies. As an employer there are limitations on when you can discipline and what social media policies you can implement.

Creating and Maintaining Safe Workplaces – Safety Culture

MBAHRO — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 23:19:00 GMT

Safety isn’t glamorous, but it affects the bottom line for businesses of all sizes. So let’s make it interesting and keep it in the forefront of your workforces’ minds. A safety culture enables your business to keep your costs low, minimize injuries and conserve your resources so that you can focus on the parts of running your business that you enjoy.

EEOC New Harassment Training – Just Play Nice

MBAHRO — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 21:39:00 GMT

The EEOC is now offering two new, customizable civility trainings that will be conducted by the EEOC Training Institute staff. The EEOC recognizes that this type of training is critical, but only one piece of the equation. Supervisors and employees need the skills to promote a civil workplace culture,but they also must be committed to implementing a respectful work environment.

On the Road Again: How to Pay for Travel Time

MBAHRO — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 05:31:00 GMT

“The principles which apply in determining whether or not time spent in travel is working time depend upon the kind of travel involved.” (§ 785.33) There are six main scenarios where travel time issues arise:

National Customer Service Week at MBA

MBAHRO — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 00:41:00 GMT

National Customer Service Week is the first week in October. At MBA, it’s a year-long celebration. Here at MBA we are always focused on customer service because we are a service company. This week is an opportunity to underscore our commitment to our customers. The statistics clearly illustrate the importance of emphasizing quality customer service. According to an American Express survey, 59% of Americans will try a new company for a better client service experience. MBA stands head and shoulders above our competitors in the PEO industry when it comes to customer loyalty. That is because we believe that every interaction we have with our clients is an opportunity to win them over again. We care about our clients’ success and share in every victory, large or small. At MBA, customer service is an attitude, not a department. Everyone in our organization plays a vital role in serving our clients and making the “MBA Difference.” Excellent customer service begins with company ...

Play Defense: How and Why to Document Performance Consistently

MBAHRO — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 19:29:00 GMT

The main purpose of documenting employee performance is to help your employee improve. The second purpose is to protect your business in the event of a lawsuit. Documenting performance can’t prevent you from being sued, but it can help you defend against a discrimination or unemployment compensation claim.

Preparing Your Business for Natural Disasters

MBAHRO — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 20:47:00 GMT

As natural disasters become increasingly common, businesses need to be prepared. This post shares both best practices and legal requirements for employers during natural disasters and similar emergencies.

Top Five Employee Retention Strategies That Won't Break the Bank

MBAHRO — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 18:18:00 GMT

As the unemployment rate continues to decline, employers must develop employee retention strategies that keep their employees invested in the company over the long-term. A company’s ability to be competitive in the job market isn’t only about high salaries and bonuses. Below are the top five ways to minimize attrition without adding to your bottom line. 1. Clear Metrics and Pay System A common theme in both good management and employee retention strategies is communication. At the onset of a new job, employees should have a clear understanding of their job duties and how their performance will be evaluated. Performance metrics establish a transparent, objective way of measuring employee performance. These metrics can also be used for an employee rewards system and developing individual and team goals. They also provide employees with a sense of purpose as they seek to meet and exceed their employer’s expectations. Provide your employees with well-defined goals, and regular ...

3 Tips for Asking Legal Interview Questions

MBAHRO — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 00:39:00 GMT

Anyone who has conducted an interview has at one point had this thought run through her head: “Can I ask that?” Employment anti-discrimination laws apply to every aspect of employment, from the job advertisement to termination. Knowing what you can legally ask in an interview will protect you from a discrimination claim down the road.

How to Explain PEOs to Your Employees

MBAHRO — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 18:33:00 GMT

When an employer enters into a contractual relationship with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) the employer is outsourcing a variety of its back-office and human resources functions. For the employer, many of its day-to-day activities will change, but less so for its employees. Explaining what will change is a valuable step in communicating your employer-employee relationship.

Does new report signal imminent IRS enforcement of ACA employer mandate?

MBAHRO — Tue, 02 May 2017 01:27:00 GMT

A report published earlier this month regarding IRS efforts to implement the ACA's Employer Shared Responsibility Mandate indicates the IRS still intends to enforce the Mandate. Therefore, employers should plan to continue complying with the ACA's requirements for the foreseeable future.

Form I-9 Social Security Numbers Glitch

MBAHRO — Tue, 02 May 2017 00:34:00 GMT

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported that there was a glitch when the revised Form I-9 was first published on November 14, 2016.

Revised Application for Employment - City of Los Angeles Provides Additional Guidance Regarding Use of Criminal History in Employment

MBAHRO — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 20:32:00 GMT

After the ordinance went into effect, the City of Los Angeles issued rules and regulations as well as additional documents related to the ordinance

ACA Remains the Law of the Land (For Now)

MBAHRO — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 01:20:00 GMT

“ObamaCare is the law of the land,” said House Speaker, Paul Ryan. “We’re going to be living with ObamaCare for the foreseeable future.”

New Version Of Form I-9 Must Be Used Starting January 22, 2017

MBAHRO — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 20:13:00 GMT

Although employers may begin using the newly revised Form I-9 immediately, employers are also permitted to use the previous version (03/08/13 edition) until January 21, 2017

MBA HR Update: With the ACA's Future Uncertain, MBA Assembles Proactive Task Force to Keep Clients Informed

MBAHRO — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:51:00 GMT

MBA has assembled a Task Force to monitor changes to the ACA as they relate to issues that impact employers once President Elect Trump takes office and provide regular updates as well as reports of significant developments when they occur.

MBA HR Update: Florida Minimum Wage Notice

MBAHRO — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 02:16:00 GMT

Florida minimum wage will increase from $8.05 per hour to $8.10 per hour.

MBA HR Update: New Version of Form I-9

MBAHRO — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:12:00 GMT

New Version of Form I-9 Now Available - Prior Version May Be Used Until January 21, 2017

MBA 2nd Update - Florida Workers Compensation Rate Increase

MBAHRO — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 03:40:00 GMT

In response to a Florida judge's order to put a hold on the December 1, 2016 workers' compensation rate increase, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has filed an Appeal with the First District Court of Appeals to stay the judge's order.

MBA HR Update: Florida Workers Compensation Rate Increase

MBAHRO — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 02:06:00 GMT

Proposed workers' compensation rate increase set for December 1, 2016 has been placed on hold by a Florida judge.

MBA HR Update: Preliminary Injunction Issued Related to Overtime Regulations

MBAHRO — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 19:56:00 GMT

On Nov. 22, 2016, Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, a federal judge for the Eastern District of Texas, issued a preliminary injunction on a nationwide basis that will prevent the new overtime rule from taking effect on December 1, 2016.

MBA HR Update: Possible Court Ruling On White Collar Overtime Rule

MBAHRO — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 20:09:00 GMT

On Wednesday, November 16, 2016, Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, a federal judge for the Eastern District of Texas, heard an emergency motion for preliminary injunction to prevent the rule from taking effect on December 1, 2016. Judge Mazzant announced that he hopes to issue an initial ruling on Tuesday, November 22, 2016.

MBA HR Update: Oregon Poster Notice

MBAHRO — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 20:18:00 GMT

Oregon recently released a revised state OSHA workplace poster.

MBA HR Update: Kentucky Supreme Court Ruling Renders Louisville & Lexington Minimum Wage Unenforceable

MBAHRO — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 23:48:00 GMT

The ruling means that the Kentucky state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour now applies in Louisville and Lexington despite local ordinances which had required employers to pay a higher local minimum wage.

With less than 6 weeks remaining for employers to become compliant, chances for the overtime rule to be delayed or blocked are dwindling.

MBAHRO — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 01:42:00 GMT

Currently, there are pending legal challenges to the overtime rule's implementation, including a lawsuit filed in a Texas federal court by a group of 21 states. In mid-October, these states asked the Court for an injunction preventing the rule from taking effect; however, the Court has yet to issue a ruling.

MBA Risk Update: FL WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUM

MBAHRO — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 23:56:00 GMT

BREAKING NEWS - REGARDING FL WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUM As we have previously communicated, Florida anticipated a major workers' compensation rate increase. Effective 12/1/16, the Florida Department of Insurance approved a 14.5% increase of all workers' compensation premiums to new and renewal policies. This rate increase is a response to recent Florida Supreme Court rulings and legislation passed by the Florida Senate earlier this year. We will update you when more specific information becomes available. As always, MBA will continue to work hard to keep the additional workers' compensation costs controlled. We will continue to partner with in you in preventing injuries, maintaining loss control and helping with claims management and defense where needed.

MBA HR Update: Maryland State Poster Notice

MBAHRO — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 23:46:00 GMT

Maryland has revised its Equal Pay for Equal Work poster. To ensure compliance with workplace posting requirements, you can take advantage of the volume discount MBA has obtained with our workplace poster vendor and order new all-in-one workplace posters. The cost is $25.00 per poster. If you want to order new poster(s), please contact MBA's Client Service Department no later than October 18th, 2016. You also have the option of going online and printing the revised poster versus ordering a new all-in-one poster. The poster can be accessed here: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/forms/equalpay.pdf If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Modern Business Associates at 888-622-6460, Option #5.