On May 29, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued four opinion letters to help employers understand several federal labor laws:
Question: What should I do if one of my employees got married 2 months ago and is asking to change their benefit plan enrollment now?
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High turnover has long been treated as an unavoidable cost of doing business in industries such as retail, food service, hospitality, manufacturing, and other frontline operations. For roles with frequent turnover in any industry, organizations often hesitate to invest in training, questioning the value of developing employees who may not stay long. Yet this assumption is increasingly being challenged by workers themselves, who consistently say that access to training and skills development is a key factor in whether they stay, engage, and perform well at work. As the gap widens between what employees expect and what employers deliver, underinvestment in learning can quietly become a driver of the very turnover organizations are trying to manage.
Continue readingThe growing use of AI-powered note takers in virtual meetings is helping employers improve productivity, but it may also introduce new privacy and compliance concerns.
In this HR Chat, Rob and Jason discuss a recent lawsuit involving an AI note-taking tool, employer obligations under biometric privacy laws, and practical steps organizations can take to reduce legal risk.
Contact hr@employco.com to discuss AI workplace policies, employee privacy concerns, HR compliance requirements, or other HR support needs.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
Rising costs for essentials like housing, groceries, and fuel are forcing many employees to make difficult financial decisions, including reducing contributions to their retirement plans.
In this HR Chat, Rob and Jason discuss recent trends showing workers saving less for retirement, the growing use of 401(k) loans, and how employers can support employees through retirement education and financial wellness resources.
Contact hr@employco.com to discuss employee benefits, retirement plans, financial wellness initiatives, or other HR support needs.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
As the labor market continues to shift in 2026, many employers are reevaluating the benefits and workplace perks they offer employees. In this month’s HR podcast, Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss how current labor market conditions are influencing employer decisions around compensation, flexibility, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and employee expectations. They also explore which perks employees value most, how organizations can remain competitive, and why balancing cost management with retention strategies remains a key challenge for employers.
For guidance on employee benefits planning, workforce retention strategies, and HR best practices, contact hr@employco.com.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
Would today’s college grads take less pay in exchange for more job security? Increasingly, the answer is yes.
In this HR Chat, Rob and Jason discuss a growing workforce trend where new graduates are prioritizing stability, long-term security, and lower risk over higher starting salaries.
Contact hr@employco.com to discuss employee retention, workforce management, or other HR support needs.
Schedule a 15-minute call with Griffen Wilson for more information on our services.
Nebraska Enacts Mini-WARN Act – On April 14, 2026, Nebraska enacted the Nebraska Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (Act), which requires covered employers to give 90 days’ advance notice prior to a mass layoff or business closing. The Act takes effect on July 18, 2026.
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On April 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and IRS issued final regulations on the “No Tax on Tips” provision enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The final regulations are effective on June 12, 2026.
Background – On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a tax and spending bill, commonly referred to as the OBBBA, into law. Among other provisions, the OBBBA allows certain workers an above-the-line deduction for “qualified tips” and “qualified overtime compensation” for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024, and ending for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2028. Individuals must earn $150,000 or less ($300,000 if married filing jointly) in 2025 to be eligible for the tip deduction. The maximum deduction for tip income is capped at $25,000 per year, and the deduction applies only to cash tips, which include tips that are charged and tips received under a tip-sharing agreement.
Continue readingThe U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is tasked with enforcing federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and a number of other employment standards and worker protections.
Generally, the WHD will initiate an investigation after a current or former employee files a complaint. In addition to complaints, the WHD selects certain businesses and industries for investigation. Occasionally, several organizations in a specific geographic area will be examined.
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