Blog


Is it Vacation or Paid Time Off?

Traditionally, employers offered separate paid time off benefits to employees, such as paid vacation, sick leave and personal days.  However, in the past decade, many companies have moved to a more flexible Paid Time Off or “PTO” benefit that incorporates all policies into one all-inclusive PTO plan.   The debate as to whether employers benefit from offering PTO  verses separate vacation, sick and personal leave plans is constantly being researched.  In an effort to assist […]


Cover Oregon

Oregon’s Health Insurance Exchange  Once small business owners realize that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax/penalty does not apply to companies with fewer than 50 employees their next questions are usually focused on the individual mandate and the cost of health care coverage. It goes without saying that cost is foremost on the minds of most employers, especially for those companies where coverage is not offered and that outlay is not currently built into their […]


Helping Employees find the Greener Pasture: Your Side of the Fence

In the past few years, many companies have had to tighten their budgets in lieu of further downsizing their employee headcount as a result of the economic recession that fell onto the US during the last quarter of 2007. Consequently, organizational strategy focused on lean workforces with employees often juggling multiple roles without seeing an increase in pay or promotion in job title. Due to the fact that most companies were not hiring during those […]


Gossip in the Workplace

What is gossip? There are two reasons for sharing social information. One is that the exchange of useful information helps us survive and prosper. In early years, it would have increased your chance of survival if you had an ability to learn useful information such as where the rains are falling, where the food is abundant and where the predators are. The second is to establish alliances within our group; to determine the people we […]


Meals and Breaks

  10 Minute Rest Breaks 15 minutes if under 18 years of age; For every major part of a 4 hour segment; midway if possible; In addition to, and separate from, meal times. 30 Minute Meal Breaks For shifts of 6 hours or longer; Unpaid, no interruptions; Between the 3rd & 6th hour if shift is longer than 7 hours; otherwise between the 2nd & 5th hour. Note: Certain tipped food and beverage employees can […]


Investigate Employee Complaints

Avoid Liability for Employee Wrong-doing In the workplace, there may be employee complaints regarding harassment, fraud, theft, discrimination and other misconduct. When complaints are not handled appropriately, the company may experience increased exposure to employment-related liability. In the long run, there may also be financial loss, damages, and penalties issued (from regulating agencies). Every employer should take the initiative to investigate employee complaints to ensure a non-discriminatory and safe working environment. There are many benefits […]