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Yearly Archives

2023

DHS Ends Flexibility on I-9 Document Inspection on July 31, 2023

By Homeland Security (DHS), HR, I-9 Documents
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will end its COVID-19 temporary flexibilities for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification on July 31, 2023. Employers must now complete in-person physical document inspections for employees whose documents were inspected remotely during the temporary flexibilities. These inspections must be completed by August 30, 2023. Background When onboarding a new employee, employers are required to collect certain identification documents in person in order to complete I-9…
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Types of Drug Testing Available to Employers

By Drug Testing, HR, Workplace Safety
MarathonHR has long advocated for the importance of drug testing in the workplace, both for new hires and as an ongoing condition of employment. Not only does substance use affect a business’s productivity; it creates significant safety concerns and liabilities. Types of Drug Tests Available There are several drug tests available that use different types of biological samples. Saliva drug testing. Saliva drug testing is performed using a mouth swab. These tests are considered more…
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What Really Makes Employees Happy?

By Employee Engagement, HR
In a tight job market, it’s important to retain employees. In addition to benefits and compensation, other intangible factors can affect whether an employee stays or leaves. I’ve studied the topic of employee engagement for some time now. When clients ask me about how to effectively retain employees, I’ve found the insights from 12: The Elements of Great Managing, by Rodd Wagner and James K. Harter, Ph.D. to be quite helpful. Looking at data for…
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Are Advanced Biometric Time Clocks Worth the Investment?

By HR, Payroll, Workplace Safety
MarathonHR offers an array of convenient and accurate timekeeping options for clients. As part of our services, we provide timeclock packages and a desktop app for clocking in that doesn’t require the employer to purchase special software. For employers who wish to use a physical device, biometric timeclocks are a popular option. What are Biometric Timeclocks? Biometric timeclocks are physical, electronic devices that capture unique identifiable features from employees when they clock in and out.…
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What Does it Truly Cost to Run Payroll?

By Payroll
One of the many tasks business owners must tackle at the start and every week thereafter. When looking for ways to balance budgets and cut corners, exploring the real cost of running payroll appears often. Small and midsized business (SMB) owners must decide which payroll “system” is going to work for them. Some of the options include: A Do-it-Yourself (DIY) approach where the business owner learns to do payroll themselves, directing their time from business…
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Preparing for an Increase in the Minimum Wage

By Minimum Wage, Payroll
The federal government’s proposed Raise the Wage Act would increase the national minimum wage to $15 per hour. While proponents believe that a $15 per hour minimum wage would lift nearly 1 million people out of poverty, others say that it would only hurt small and midsized businesses (SMBs), which make up the majority of American employers. Impacts of a Higher Minimum Wage As we’ve covered before, wage increases may cause problems for SMBs. A…
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Rescreening Employees Protects Your Business from Unnecessary Risks

By Workplace Safety
As an employer, you may require a rigorous pre-employment screening process for a new hire. However, if you’re not regularly rescreening employees throughout their employment, you may be putting both personnel and the company at risk. Routine Workplace Screening is a Must Employers, particularly those with employees in field-based roles or jobs subject to injury, want to protect themselves from risky behavior. For example, if you have an employee driving a company car, you need…
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Balancing Demand for Flexible Workweeks with Business Needs

By HR
In today’s post-pandemic work environment, flexibility remains a top priority among employees and businesses who are concerned about finding reasonable solutions. However, it’s important to remember that alternative schedules are really nothing new. Employers have successfully offered options such as ‘Summer Fridays’ for years. The key is to balance employee-friendly scheduling options with business needs. Options for Alternative Work Schedules Here are some of the alternative work scheduling plans or “compressed work schedules” that employers…
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Tips Must Be Handled Differently Than Service Fees

By IRS, Tips
Restaurants are increasingly adding service fees to customers’ bills. However, service fees are not synonymous with tips, and employers must follow Department of Labor (DOL) regulations for distributing tips. Service Fees vs. Tips There may be instances where restaurants want to add a service fee to a guest's check at the point of sale. Examples include: Upsell fees for special menus Banquet event fees Takeout or delivery fees Bottle service or corkage charges Service fees…
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I-9 Document Inspection Rules May Permanently Change for the Better

By Homeland Security (DHS), I-9 Documents
When onboarding a new employee, employers are required to collect certain identification documents in person in order to complete I-9 forms. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) relaxed the procedures for inspecting these documents because employers were limiting physical proximity and in-person meetings. Where COVID restrictions have remained in place, DHS has continued to allow employers to review documents remotely using technologies such as Zoom, video chat, FaceTime, fax or…
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