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Employee Handbook vs. Procedure Manual

This entry was posted in HR News and tagged Employee Handbook on

What is the difference between an employee handbook and a procedure manual? A separate procedural manual and an employee handbook? Seems excessive. This is a common reaction; many feel there is already too many required forms and paperwork in employing workers. Cardinal’s basic employee handbook has grown by 1.5 pages per year in the last 15 years. Due to the current level of complexity, separating out your company procedures and handbook is a necessary best […]

Ask HR: Ideas to bring in Harassment Training?

This entry was posted in Ask HR and tagged Employee Handbook Staff Training Workplace Harassment on

Dear HR, I want to take some precautions in our workplace to prevent harassment but I don’t have the budget to hire a trainer.  Any suggestions?   HR Answer: You are right to be proactive and take preventative steps. Fortunately, there are several free and low-cost options to train supervisors and employees. It’s critical to also be sure that you have the proper policy in place and that you know how to respond to a […]

Legislative Alert: Employer Penalty for Employees Enrolled in Oregon Health Plan

This entry was posted in HR News and tagged Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance on

The Oregon House of Representatives recently introduced House Bill 4105 which would require employers to pay a monetary penalty if an employee enrolls in the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The OHP extends Medicare to more people than the federal law requires; this is a legacy of a former governor trying to be innovative in delivering better health care to more of those in need. The OHP is a significant portion of the Oregon’s budget—a budget […]

Early Registration ERISA troubles

This entry was posted in HR News and tagged Oregon Mandatory Retirement Plan on

According to the law, Employers statewide must register a retirement plan with the State of Oregon on the state mandated schedule. Recently OregonSaves, the state-run program has announced they are opening registration to all employers ahead of schedule. But just because you can sign up early, should you?    When OregonSaves was created, the Oregon Treasury obtained a waiver from ERISA requirements from the United States Department of Labor.  ERISA is the Federal law governing […]

Oregon Sick Leave Update: Accrual Capping

This entry was posted in HR News and tagged Sick Leave on

When the Oregon Sick Leave Law was unveiled there were several parts of the law that were unclear. The short timeline between passage of the law and the effective date meant the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) had to rush out Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs). Unfortunately, the OARs did not address all of the uncertain parts of the law. Senate Bill 299 was passed to try to help clarify some items of concern. […]

Ask HR: Can I charge for extra uniforms?

This entry was posted in Ask HR and tagged Dress Codes Wage & Hour on

Dear HR, May I deduct the cost of the additional uniforms from my employee’s paycheck? I provide two uniforms to each new employee upon hire. A few of my employees have requested to purchase additional shirts for their own convenience so they do not have to do laundry as often. I am willing to offer a 50{0c2d428c3cefef4a77c472786cabf3d957ca1c1fde265c02f19cd1ec2d7db907} discount for additional shirts. My employees are hoping to have the balance deducted from their pay check.   […]

Ask HR: Can employer deduct for uniforms or tools?

This entry was posted in Ask HR and tagged Payroll Wage & Hour on

Dear HR, Can an employer deduct for the purchase of uniforms or tools from an employee’s paycheck?   HR Answer: No. Payroll deductions may not be taken for any item required to perform the job. Many states actually require the employer pay the cost of the uniform if the employer requires that an employee wear a uniform, including Oregon and California. The only exception to this rule is the requirement of a “generic uniform” which […]

OregonSaves – Final Rules for Co-Employment

This entry was posted in HR News and tagged Oregon Mandatory Retirement Plan on

OregonSaves is the new savings plan employers must implement if they are not offering a qualified retirement plan to employees. The new law mandates all employers must offer employees access to a retirement savings plan. If there is only one employer, the requirements are clear. For clients who co-employ* with Cardinal Services, the new mandate had the potential to be more complex. Not to worry – Cardinal has your back! Here’s how co-employment and the […]

Ask HR: Review Not helping Performance

This entry was posted in Ask HR and tagged Employee Retention Employee Reviews on

Dear HR: My supervisor verbally talked to the employee about these issues prior to a Performance Review a few months ago. During the Review, the concerns were discussed again and the employee was given 60 days to correct her performance. According to supervisor, as of today – her 60th day, there has been no improvement. The supervisor is going to give her a written warning with an additional 30 day probation period to correct the […]

Ask HR: Poor Performing Employees

This entry was posted in Ask HR and tagged Employee Retention on

Dear HR: One of my supervisors called me about performance concerns with an employee. Evidently, these concerns have been going on for some time, and I was not informed. Please advise me on how to handle both my employee and supervisor.   HR Answer: Performance problems typically arise and fester when supervisors allow employee performance issues to accumulate. A supervisor’s responsibility is to effectively guide and re-direct employees to ensure they are meeting expectations. Oregon […]