Category: HR

Now is the right time to build an open enrollment strategy that boosts employee satisfaction, while reducing the administrative workload for your small business.

As retaining top talent becomes increasingly important, every touchpoint—including benefits enrollment—matters. A frustrating enrollment experience can leave employees feeling dissatisfied and even prompt them to seek other opportunities. By streamlining the benefits enrollment process, you can retain your workforce and save time to focus on bigger strategic goals. Whether you have a team of 5 or 500, a streamlined benefits enrollment process is critical to creating meaningful experiences for your employees.

Here are 4 tips to streamline open enrollment for your small business:

1. Review Benefit Offerings

The right benefits are important to employees, and many will shop around for an employer that can offer what they want. Employee’s needs are constantly evolving. To find out what they want, go to the source. Pulse surveys are a great way to find out what your employees value most. Questions can include:

• Are you happy with your current benefits?
• Do you feel satisfied with the selection of benefit options?
• What additional benefits would best support your needs?

2. Create a Communication Strategy

One common challenge with benefits enrollment is insufficient communication. To address this, take a proactive approach by keeping employees informed year-round, not just during the open enrollment period. Regularly update them on key dates and provide clear details about their benefits to ensure a positive overall experience.

Provide employees with easy access to the information they need to make their selections. This might include health plan brochures, benefits guides from your broker, or an online cost comparison tool. Employees will have questions; provide them with a detailed FAQ that provides clear answers, as well as a point of contact who can help with more complex questions.

3. Enhance the Open Enrollment Experience

When employees lack a clear understanding of their benefits, they often pay premiums for services they rarely use—or worse, miss out on enrolling in essential benefits. This can lead to reduced benefits engagement, lower utilization, unexpected financial burdens, and wasted resources. To prevent this, provide your employees with key questions to consider before open enrollment begins. This helps ensure they make informed decisions that align with their needs and lifestyle. Questions can include:

• Who in my family needs coverage?
• What coverage options are available?
• Which option best fits my needs and lifestyle?
• What will it cost each paycheck?

4. Consider Technology for Open Enrollment

The right software can automate workflows and enhance the experience for everyone across the organization. Human capital management (HCM) technology simplifies routine HR tasks, giving employees a single system to handle essential functions like onboarding, requesting time off, accessing paystubs, and enrolling in benefits. When benefits administration is integrated into the same platform, it further streamlines the process, making it easier for both employees and employers.

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Counter Point has solutions and resources that can help streamline benefits enrollment for your business. Request a call today to learn more!

In today’s competitive hiring environment, crafting an effective job posting is crucial. Considering that 75% of resumes are rejected before they reach the hiring manager, the key challenge is to write a description that attracts top talent while minimizing the number of unqualified applicants. 

Below are some best practices for writing your job posts, along with examples of effective and ineffective job postings. Creating a compelling job post involves several key elements. Here are some tips to help you make a strong first impression:

Make it Stand Out

Your job title should be more than just the position name. Add a hook or a few enticing details to make it stand out. For example, instead of simply posting “Call Center Representative,” enhance it with phrases like “Flexible Work with Growth Opportunities.” This can capture the interest of potential candidates who are looking for more than just a job title.

Highlight Your Culture

Give candidates a glimpse into what it’s like to work at your company. Include information about your culture, values, and team environment. Highlighting what makes your company unique can help prospective employees connect with your mission and envision themselves as part of your team.

Feature Key Benefits

Make your job posting stand out by listing the top perks your company offers. Be aware of current trends in employee benefits and ensure you highlight points that will resonate with job seekers. This could include health benefits, retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and more.

Share Key Aspects of the Job

Provide an overview of the most exciting and important aspects of the role. While you should avoid getting bogged down in excessive details, including key features of the job can help generate enthusiasm among prospective employees. This might include significant responsibilities, potential projects, or unique challenges associated with the role.

Focus on Flexibility

In today’s job market, flexibility is a highly valued perk. If the position is remote or offers the option to work from home part of the time, be sure to mention it. Additionally, provide details about the job’s location and whether you offer relocation assistance. Flexibility can be a significant draw for many candidates, so highlighting this aspect can give you a competitive edge.

For Example…

To illustrate these points, consider the following:

Good Job Post

Title: “Customer Service Representative – Flexible Work with Growth Opportunities”

Description: “Join our dynamic team and help us deliver outstanding customer service. At [Company Name], we value innovation, teamwork, and growth. Our employees enjoy a collaborative work environment, comprehensive health benefits, and ongoing professional development. This role offers the flexibility to work from home several days a week. If you’re passionate about helping others and eager to advance your career, we’d love to hear from you.”

Poor Job Post

Title: “Customer Service Representative”

Description: “Looking for a customer service representative. Must have good communication skills and be able to handle complaints.”

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By following these tips and examples, you can create job postings that effectively attract top talent and make a positive first impression. If you need help perfecting your recruiting efforts, request a call with us today.

Pay Transparency (or salary transparency/wage transparency) is the practice of openly sharing compensation information with employees and job candidates. This often includes disclosing salary ranges for job postings and providing this information to current employees upon request, creating an open and equal environment.

A dozen states currently require or will soon require pay transparency, and the list continues to grow. Some of these laws mandate that employers list their intended pay range for a role in any publicized job description. This applies to workers in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New York (with specific laws in New York City, Ithaca, and Westchester County), Jersey City (New Jersey), Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C.

Other laws specify that job seekers are entitled to the pay range at certain stages of the hiring process, such as during the first interview or when receiving an offer. In some cases, candidates can request this information, while in others, the hiring manager must provide it proactively. These laws are enforced in Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, Cincinnati, and Toledo (Ohio), and Rhode Island.

What This Means for You

Pay transparency is likely to impact your business if it hasn’t already. It is estimated that 1 in 3 workers will be impacted by pay transparency laws by 2025. This practice tends to promote greater pay equity by holding companies accountable for fair pay practices. It can also attract more talent and reduce inefficiencies in the hiring process, as candidates who are aware of salary ranges upfront are more likely to be satisfied with the offered compensation. 

Additional benefits include increased employee trust, retention, and engagement. However, pay transparency may also require employers to quickly reformulate pay practices and could expose your company to the risk of competitors poaching employees.

What You Can Do

Regardless of whether your state currently mandates pay transparency, it is advisable to review and ensure that salaries are equitable and aligned with your company’s pay strategy. Developing a comprehensive pay strategy and updating pay ranges is recommended. Conducting a salary analysis and creating a structured salary framework, either internally or with the help of a third party, can be highly beneficial. Additionally, having a thorough communication plan to introduce the new salary ranges once the project is completed is essential.

^{Note: For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.}

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To learn more about how Counter Point can help support your compliance needs, request a call today!

According to a recent survey conducted by AARP, a concerning one in five Americans over the age of 50 have no retirement savings, and more than half (61%) worry they will not have enough money to support them through their golden years. 

To help private-sector employees in New Jersey save for retirement, the State has launched “RetireReady NJ”, a program created by the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program Act and signed into law in 2019. With the rising concern over the retirement savings gap, this program aims to provide more workers in New Jersey with access to retirement savings plans.

What does this mean for employers?

Employers with 25 or more employees, that have been in business for at least two years without offering a qualified plan, are affected by this program.

The State has announced implementation deadlines for the RetireReady retirement program as follows:

• Businesses with 40+ employees must comply by September 15, 2024
• Businesses with 25-39 employees must comply by November 15, 2024

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury oversees compliance–employers who fail to register may be subject to hefty financial penalties.

What should employers do?

Employers can access resources and support through the New Jersey Retire Ready NJ website. The site offers detailed information, guidance, and tools to help businesses comply with the mandates and educate employees about the benefits.

Although signing up with the RetireReady program will allow you to comply with these mandates and fast-forward your ability to provide a retirement program to your employees, it’s not your only choice.  

You have options when it comes to complying with the New Jersey state mandate! Counter Point works with leading companies that provide qualifying retirement and 401(k) programs. We’d be happy to connect you, so they can provide you with resources and guidance on what your business needs to do to comply. 

For more information or assistance with compliance, don’t hesitate to schedule a call or send us an email. 

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The bottom line

The New Jersey RetireReady mandates represent a significant step forward in promoting retirement savings among employees. By providing access to retirement plans and encouraging savings, you can help your workforce prepare for a more secure and comfortable retirement!

^{Note: For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.}

According to a recent Forbes article, 42% of candidates decline job offers as a direct result of a bad interview experience. What’s causing the unfavorable experience? 45% of negative reviewers cited the interviewers and 52% noted the overall hiring process. 

When it comes to hiring new talent, the job interview process is crucial. It’s the key to finding the right person for the right role. A well-conducted interview can reveal a candidate’s skills, personality, and potential fit within your organization. It can also boost the odds of having the ideal candidate accept your offer.

Here’s how you can ensure your interview process is thorough, effective, and a positive experience for both you and the candidate.

1. Involve the Right People

One of the first steps in conducting an effective interview is involving the appropriate team members. Depending on the stage of the interview, different individuals may need to participate. For instance:

• Screening Interviews: These initial interviews are often handled by the HR department or an outside recruiter. Their primary goal is to filter out candidates who do not meet the basic requirements for the role.
• Formal Interviews: Typically, these are conducted by the hiring manager and the candidate. The hiring manager dives deeper into the candidate’s qualifications and compatibility with the team and company culture.
• Second or Third-Round Interviews: At this stage, it can be beneficial to include colleagues, other staff members, or even executives. This approach provides diverse perspectives on the candidate and ensures that multiple stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process.

2. Put the Candidate at Ease

Creating a comfortable environment for the candidate can lead to a more honest and open conversation. Thank them for their interest and help them relax by starting with small talk or general company information. This applies to virtual meetings as well. Next, outline the key responsibilities and duties of the job early in the conversation. This clarity helps candidates understand what is expected of them and can guide their responses. 

When asking your questions, give the candidate ample time to respond, and avoid interrupting. This not only shows respect but also allows the candidate to fully express their thoughts and experiences. Encourage the candidate to ask questions as well, fostering a two-way conversation.

3. Prepare Questions in Advance

A structured interview process is essential for fair and consistent evaluation. Develop a specific set of questions that you ask all potential hires. This consistency enables you to compare candidates objectively and ensures that all applicants are evaluated on the same criteria.

In addition, a structured approach can protect your organization from potential allegations of discrimination in hiring. By having a standardized set of questions, you demonstrate that all candidates are given equal opportunity to showcase their abilities and qualifications.

4. Share Next Steps

Ending the interview on a clear and positive note is just as important as starting it well. Provide the candidate with a timeline for the selection process, including when they can expect to hear back from you. This transparency helps manage their expectations and shows respect for their time and interest.

Additionally, clearly outlining the next steps demonstrates your organization’s professionalism and can leave a lasting positive impression on the candidate. Even if the candidate is not selected, a well-communicated process can encourage them to reapply for future opportunities or recommend your company to others.

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Conducting an effective job interview requires thoughtful planning and consideration. By including the right individuals, putting candidates at ease, preparing questions ahead of time, and clearly outlining the next steps, you create a structured and positive interview experience. This method not only helps you identify the best fit for your role but also enhances your company’s reputation as an attractive workplace.

To learn more about creating a positive recruitment experience, schedule a call with one of our HCM Consultants. 

Update: On November 15, 2024, a federal judge in Texas struck down the recently expanded overtime rule. In short, this reverses the changes that raised the threshold to $43,888 from $35,500 on July 1st and blocks the increase to $58,656 scheduled for January 1, 2025. If you previously adjusted employees’ salaries, it is recommended that you seek professional guidance before making adjustments.

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The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) recently introduced a new, final overtime rule, significantly impacting employers and employees, including making more salaried workers eligible for overtime.

In short, the new overtime rule mandates that exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees must be paid at least:   

• $844 per week ($43,888 per year) beginning July 1, 2024 
• $1,128 per week ($58,656 per year) beginning January 1, 2025 

Additionally, highly compensated employees must be paid on a salary basis and receive at least: 

• $132,964 beginning July 1, 2024 
• $151,164 beginning January 1, 2025 

These employees must meet the duties test and the salary level for the exempt status.  

Maintaining Compliance

Employers will need to devise a plan for how to address these changes to avoid FLSA violations. There are three main steps to take when determining a compliant course of action: 

• Identify which exempt employees might be affected 
• Calculate the hours worked by these employees 
• Evaluate the options and decide how, and how much, these employees will be paid

Employees classified as exempt and earning less than $43,888 need to be identified. It’s important to include total incentive pay such as bonuses and commissions.

Employers must either:  

• Increase their pay to $43,888 by July 1, 2024 
• Reclassify them as hourly non-exempt and determine a new hourly rate on their current salary. They will be entitled to overtime pay 
• Calculate a cost-neutral rate of pay for non-exempt employees as they will be entitled to overtime pay
• Reclassify them as salaried non-exempt, paying them the same weekly rate for 40 hours or fewer and overtime for any additional hours over 40 in a workweek  

Coverage and Exceptions

The FLSA applies to employers with: 

• At least two employees engaged in interstate commerce with at least $500,000 in gross annual business 
• Hospitals, residential care facilities, or schools 
• Public agencies 

Covered employees include those involved in interstate commerce, domestic service workers like housekeepers, full-time babysitters, and cooks, even if the employer isn’t a covered enterprise. 

The FLSA provides exemptions from the minimum wage and overtime provisions for employees in an executive, administrative, or professional capacity. The “White Collar” exemptions include:  

• Salary Level Test 
• Salary Basis Test 
• Duties Test 

Exempt employees must be paid their full salary for any week they perform work and must meet the above criteria. 

Nonprofit entities, including religious organizations, are generally subject to the same rules. If these organizations engage in interstate commerce (such as ordering from Amazon), they must comply with the FLSA. 

_{For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.}

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To learn more about how Counter Point can help support your compliance needs, request a call today!

According to research conducted by our technology partner, isolved, 65% of HR leaders expect recruitment to be just as difficult or more difficult than last year. If you can relate, explore these tactics to help you get a competitive edge. 

Embrace Flexibility

In today’s dynamic work environment, offering hybrid or fully remote work options is essential. Employees increasingly value the ability to work outside traditional office settings, as it allows for a better work-life balance and can boost productivity. Remote work options can also expand your talent pool geographically, enabling you to hire the best candidates regardless of their location. 

Offer Competitive Compensation

With inflation on the rise, it’s crucial to stay competitive by offering attractive salaries. Competitive compensation not only helps in attracting skilled candidates but also in retaining your current employees. Consider additional financial benefits, such as performance bonuses, profit sharing, and comprehensive benefits packages, to make your offers even more compelling.

Prioritize DEI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are no longer optional but essential components of a modern recruitment strategy. Job seekers, especially from Generation Z, are increasingly prioritizing employers who demonstrate a commitment to DEI. Make DEI a central focus in your talent acquisition efforts by implementing unbiased hiring practices, promoting a diverse workplace culture, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees. 

Target College Graduates

With new college graduates entering the job market, it’s beneficial to highlight roles that don’t require extensive experience. This approach can attract fresh talent eager to start their careers and bring new perspectives to your organization. Providing clear career paths and growth opportunities can also make your company an attractive choice for young professionals.

Focus on Employee Wellbeing

High rates of burnout among employees make it crucial to prioritize their well-being. Showcase your commitment to employee happiness and mental health through comprehensive wellness programs, flexible work schedules, and supportive workplace policies. Offer resources such as counseling services, wellness workshops, and regular mental health check-ins. 

Bridge Skill Gaps

To address skill gaps, consider lowering barriers to entry and providing on-the-job training. This approach opens up roles to candidates who may not have specific educational backgrounds or experience but possess the potential to excel. Invest in training and development programs to help employees acquire the necessary skills for their roles. 

Promote Pay Transparency

Even if not legally required, promoting pay transparency by listing salary ranges in job postings can increase the number of applications you receive. Transparent pay practices can build trust with potential hires and set realistic expectations, contributing to a more positive candidate experience.

Consider Retirees

Retirees who are re-entering the workforce represent a valuable pool of experienced talent. Their extensive knowledge and skills can benefit your organization, and they can also contribute to creating an age-diverse workforce. Consider offering part-time, flexible, or consulting roles to attract retirees. Their mentorship and experience can be invaluable in training younger employees and providing stability within your team.

Expand Beyond Full-Time Employees

To address immediate hiring needs and adapt to fluctuating workloads, consider utilizing freelancers or independent contractors for short-term roles. Offering temp-to-permanent positions can also be a strategic approach, allowing you to evaluate a candidate’s fit before making a long-term commitment. 

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By adopting these strategies, you can navigate the current recruiting landscape more effectively. But strategy can only take you so far. The right technology streamlines all stages of the hiring process, from recruiting to onboarding, so you get the right people in the right positions, right away. To learn more about our solution, schedule a call with us today.

What You Need to Know

On April 23, 2024, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its Final Non-Compete Clause Rule that would prohibit the enforcement of most non-compete agreements between employers and their workers. 

The rule makes it a violation of federal antitrust laws for employers to enter into non-competes with workers (including employees and independent contractors) on or after the rule’s effective date. Existing non-competes with senior executives may remain, but those with other workers are not enforceable after the effective date.

Senior executives are defined as workers who earn more than $151,164 annually and who are in a “policy-making position” which is defined as:

• A business entity’s president, chief executive officer, or the equivalent.
• Any other officer of a business entity who has policy-making authority.
• Any other natural person who has policy-making authority for the business entity, similar to an officer with policy-making authority.

When This Will Happen

The final rule will take effect 120 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register, which means it could be in place as soon as late August.

While most feedback received by the FTC has been favorable, the rule change is facing significant pushback. It is expected to be challenged by trade associations and businesses across the country. The appeals process may take 12-18 months before the Supreme Court issues a final ruling.

What This Means and What You Should Do Now

Non-competes are widespread. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 U.S. workers are affected, or about 30 million workers total. If you have a non-compete policy in place, under this new law it will no longer be valid. If you are hiring someone who has a non-compete in place, it will also no longer be valid.

Here’s how you should respond:

• Determine which current and former employees are impacted and be prepared to send notices once the law takes effect. 
• Create a plan to secure confidential and privileged company information. Have your employees review confidentiality policies on an annual basis and educate them on what conduct they need to follow through training and communications.
• Consider how, and if, the company should use non-disclosure, confidentiality, and non-solicit agreements to protect the business.
• Keep up to date on any changes and requirements. We will continue to monitor this rule and alert you.

For help with this or other compliance-related concerns, schedule an appointment with us today.