Monthly Archives: May 2016


New Overtime Exemption Rules

As expected, the United States Department of Labor has made changes to the salary threshold used to determine if an employee is exempt from overtime.  Summary of all changes Previously the minimum threshold was $455 per week. This minimum has jumped to $913 per week or $47,476 per year. There were other proposed rule changes discussed but there were no other major changes except for a mechanism to review salary thresholds every three years.


Ask HR: Reoccurring till shortages – Help me get discrepancies under control!

Dear HR, I have been noticing an employee’s register with reoccurring shortages in the $10-$15 range.  Employees start with a new balanced till at the beginning of their shift and no one else has access to the till for the remainder of the day. I do not want to fire them unnecessarily, but I need to get these discrepancies under control!     HR Answer: If you believe that the employee is making an honest mistake on their till, we recommend speaking with […]


Surviving the Oregon Minimum Wage Hike – Part 2

Tips for Minimum Wage Hike Survival: TIME AND ATTENDANCE   Tracking time for your employees has never been easier. Using a time and attendance tracking system allows you to manage labor in real time and gives you the tools to measure your labor costs more effectively. These systems provide instant access for tracking attendance, managing overtime and monitoring paid/unpaid time off. Cardinal can help alleviate the burden of time and attendance tracking while reducing clerical […]


Ask HR: New hire’s drug test is positive – Now what?

Dear HR, Our potential new hire has tested positive for THC – do I really have to wait an entire 180 days to hire my employee that has been tested?   HR Answer: Although it is our policy to wait 180 days — since you have known the new hire for some time now and your workplace requires additional help immediately, we offer an exception clause that can be used sparingly. The new hire can sign a “Last Chance […]


Surviving the Oregon Minimum Wage Hike – Part 1

Tips for Minimum Wage Hike Survival: HIRE RIGHT One of the most important elements of employee management occurs when selecting the right employee(s). Whether you are bringing on your first employee or are looking to retain a staff of hundreds, each new hire has the potential to make your company stronger or cause you unnecessary loss of time and money. Hiring mistakes cost an average of $14,000 per employee. Hiring the right person is an […]