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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Dear HR, A valued employee was recently involved in a car accident on the job while doing company work. The employee sought medical attention and was advised by the doctor not to work for one week and to schedule a follow up appointment. While of course we want to honor the doctor’s orders – We have work that NEEDS to be done this week. Can I replace my injured employee? HR Answer: Although the […]
Dear HR, I am an employee at a client of Cardinal’s – I called my site supervisor this morning to let them know I would not be able to report to work on time, if at all today –due to a domestic situation that occurred last night and needed my attention that following day (which included filing a court restraining order and child custody papers). My supervisor did not respond favorably and hinted at a […]
Dear HR, Our normal workplace hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, on Fridays we have a staff meeting in the afternoon. On these days staff takes a 30-minute break in the morning and then takes a few minutes before the afternoon meeting to fix food. What breaks should I be paying vs unpaid lunch time? HR Answer: Based on the Oregon BOLI rules, employees should be getting two 10-minute paid breaks and […]
We have all worked in establishments that required some type of dress code. A dress code is obvious anytime you go to a chain fast food restaurant and look at the employees in their matching polos and khakis. But how far can employers go in their dress code requirements? Let’s start out at the most basic level of responsibility, a requirement that is called the General Duty Clause. An employer has the responsibility to provide […]
With summer approaching, many business owners receive requests from friends, family and employees to offer summer employment to minors. It’s a great way to help the younger generation gain some real world work experience and provide them with their first job. But providing that “summer job” to a minor is no longer a simple matter. There are real-world restrictions and regulations that all employers must know under Oregon and federal laws.
