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.
For the last several years, the minimum wage has been a hot topic, not only in Oregon, but across the nation. Last week, Governor Kate Brown signed Oregon’s new minimum wage blueprint into law. Oregon is the first state to implement a unique and complex multi-tiered minimum wage system. With this boost, Oregon is set to have the highest state based minimum wage in the nation by 2022. Under this multi-tiered system, Oregon is […]
Time is a precious commodity; a commodity that employers always need in abundance, but have difficulty managing efficiently. Even for the most organized business owner, there are never enough hours in the day to complete what’s on the agenda. So the solution is simple; create more available hours. MORE HOURS IN YOUR DAY Although extending the hours in a day is not possible, you can add more available hours to your day by restructuring […]
Employees are an often overlooked investment, one which requires regular maintenance to keep them in “good working order.” Competitive pay and benefits is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to keeping your employees engaged and satisfied in their jobs. How do you maintain your investment? Consider creating an employee retention program. Studies show that employers benefit from strong employee retention programs. An effective employee retention program saves you time and money by […]
What about employee’s that work for family? ‘Employee’ does not include – an individual employed by that individual’s parent, spouse or child. What if the ‘Employer’ fluctuates between less than 10 and more than 10 throughout the year? They have a minimum look back period of 20 weeks. There are special provisions for new employers who may not have been in business for 20 weeks. Connect them with HR for more clarification. Can […]
The IRS announced beginning January 1, 2016 that the business standard mileage rate will be 54 cents per mile. This rate is down from the 2015 rate of 57.5 cents-per-mile. Contact Cardinal Services to let us know what mileage rate you’d like to offer your employees in 2016 so we can be sure to make the change effective for travel on or after January 1st. Note: The standard mileage rate for operating a passenger car […]
With 2016 quickly approaching, now is a good time to put together your policy in response to the new Oregon sick leave law which goes into effect on January 1, 2016. Certainly do not wait until the holidays then scramble to put a plan in place between Christmas and New Year’s Eve!
To Ask, or Not to Ask – Soon There Will be No Question! New “Ban the Box” Law Prohibits Asking an Applicants to Reveal Their Criminal History The new “Ban the Box” law (Oregon HB 3025) will take effect on January 1, 2016. What exactly is the “Ban the Box” law, and what will this mean for employers? The “Ban the Box” law restricts the timing of when an employer may ask about […]
Oregon’s minimum wage will hold at $9.25-per-hour in 2016. Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian announced that the 2016 Oregon minimum wage will remain unchanged. The wage is re-calculated each year due to a state law passed by voters in 2002 that ties it to inflation, which for this year, was almost unchanged. Watch out for scare tactics: Employers may receive marketing materiel indicating they may be out of compliance. This is an attempt to scare employers […]
