Category: Management

When hiring new employees, it’s important to stay on top of Form I-9 and E-Verify compliance requirements. As of January 2025, a new version of the Form I-9 is available, bringing some small but important changes. While these updates don’t affect what documents employees provide or how they complete the form, they do reflect updated legal terminology and privacy guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security.

What’s New with Form I-9?

All U.S. employers must complete a Form I-9 for every new hire, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The newest version of the form (Edition January 20, 2025) includes:

• A wording change in Section 1: the box previously labeled “A noncitizen authorized to work” now reads “An alien authorized to work.”
• Updated descriptions for two List B identity documents to align with legal standards.
• Revised privacy notice language based on current DHS guidance.
  

Employers may use any of the following editions of the form:

• Edition January 20, 2025 (expires May 31, 2027) – recommended for immediate use
  Edition August 1, 2023 (expires May 31, 2027) – still valid
  Edition August 1, 2023 (expires July 31, 2026) – valid, but systems must be updated before that expiration date

Make sure your HR or onboarding systems reflect the correct expiration date if using the August 1, 2023 version.

E-Verify Language Update

If you use E-Verify to electronically confirm employee eligibility, there’s one key terminology update: The citizenship status selection has been changed from “A noncitizen authorized to work” to “An alien authorized to work.” Here’s how it affects you:

• If an employee selects “An alien authorized to work” on the new Form I-9, you’ll see that same language in E-Verify.
• If an older version of the form is used, and the employee selects the previous phrasing, you must still choose “An alien authorized to work” when creating an E-Verify case.
  

What Employers Should Do Now

To stay compliant, employers should begin using the newest version of Form I-9 or continue with a currently valid edition until its expiration. It’s also important to review internal systems and software to ensure they reflect the correct expiration date and updated terminology. Lastly, take time to train your hiring team on these language changes to prevent confusion and ensure a smooth onboarding process.

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Schedule a call to find out how Counter Point can protect your business and simplify your compliance processes.

In today’s workplace, protecting employee data is just as important as managing it. With threats evolving constantly, organizations must take a proactive and layered approach to cybersecurity. Here are five critical strategies to help mitigate your cybersecurity risk:

1. Conduct Employee Background Checks

While external threats often get the spotlight, insider risks can be just as damaging. Conducting thorough background checks helps prevent potential threats before they’re onboarded. Background screening also supports compliance, verifies trustworthiness, and mitigates risk. Leading human capital management systems integrate background checks with learning management systems (LMS), creating a seamless and secure hiring and training process. As with any technology, prioritize vendors who treat security as a foundational commitment, which leads us to…

2. Vet Your Technology Partners

The platforms you use to manage payroll, benefits, and HR data can either protect your business or expose it. Before selecting a vendor, it’s essential to understand where their data is hosted (whether on-premise or in the cloud) and if it’s cloud-based, whether it’s a private or shared environment, and which provider supports it. Ask what cybersecurity protocols and monitoring systems they have in place, and whether third-party audits or certifications have been conducted on their systems. It’s also important to know if they employ full-time leaders responsible for compliance, privacy, and security. Equally critical is understanding their overall investment in cybersecurity innovation. Involving your IT or security team early in any software implementation process can prevent unnecessary risk and help avoid costly delays.

3. Deliver Frequent, Thorough Training

The first and most effective defense against cyber threats is an informed team. Regular, mandatory security training equips employees with the knowledge to identify and avoid phishing attempts, data breaches, and other malicious tactics. Many LMS platforms offer built-in security training libraries and can automate reminders, track progress, and even prevent employees from being scheduled before completing their required training. Make security awareness part of your culture, not just a checkbox.

4. Strengthen Onsite Security

Cybersecurity isn’t limited to digital systems. Physical security also plays a vital role in protecting sensitive data. Measures like security badges, access-controlled doors, monitored visitor check-ins, and surveillance cameras can significantly reduce exposure. Additional controls such as biometric access, fire suppression systems, and temperature or humidity monitoring may seem advanced, but are essential for environments where data integrity and uptime are mission-critical.

5. Put Administrative Safeguards in Place

No one wants to be caught off guard when a breach or data loss occurs. Administrative safeguards such as access control policies, formalized security procedures, routine audits, user activity monitoring, and an incident response plan provide a strong foundation for resilience. Establishing a task force to review what safeguards are currently in place and identify any gaps can help your organization stay prepared and compliant.

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Protecting employee data is an ongoing effort, but with the right tools, partners, and policies, your organization can stay one step ahead.

Cybercrime is a daily risk that affects everyone—including your employees. Unlike most threats, data breaches can simultaneously harm individuals, compromise business operations, and damage trust across an entire organization. As cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication, helping your workforce stay informed and proactive is one of the most effective defenses.

Whether your employees are working in the office, remotely, or on the go, these cybersecurity best practices can help them protect their personal information and your business.

Provide Cybersecurity Training and Keep it Current

Knowledge is the first line of defense. Today’s cybersecurity training has come a long way—it’s interactive, relevant, and designed to address current threats. Encourage your employees to participate in security training, even if it’s not mandatory. The more informed they are, the more likely they are to spot suspicious activity before it becomes a problem.

Encourage Employees to Watch for Red Flags

Cybercriminals often exploit human error through phishing emails, fake text messages, and social engineering. Remind employees to stay alert to unexpected requests, especially those that urge immediate action. Misspellings, unfamiliar senders, and too-good-to-be-true offers are all warning signs. If something seems off, it probably is.

Promote Caution Before Clicking or Scanning

Phishing tactics can come in many forms: emails, QR codes, fake websites, or job postings. Encourage your team to pause and verify sources before clicking links, scanning codes, or entering personal information. A few extra seconds can prevent a major data breach.

Reinforce the Importance of Trust Indicators

Simple habits like checking for “https” in a website’s URL or spotting the padlock icon in a browser can help employees identify whether a site has a basic level of security. While not foolproof, these signals should be part of a broader awareness effort.

Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds critical protection by requiring users to verify their identity across multiple devices. Make it a standard across your systems and educate your team about the importance of keeping MFA codes private. No legitimate organization will ever request those codes by phone, text, or email.

Discourage Storing or Reusing Passwords

Strong password hygiene is essential. Recommend a password manager to help employees securely store unique passwords for each account. Reused or saved passwords, even in notes or documents, can lead to widespread compromise if just one account is breached.

Monitor for Cybersecurity Threats

Consider offering dark web monitoring or alert services as part of your employee benefits. These tools can notify users if their personal information has been exposed, enabling faster response and added peace of mind.

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Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By providing resources, reinforcing awareness, and leading by example, employers can help protect both their teams and their organizations from today’s evolving threats.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is firmly embedded in how modern workplaces operate. Employers are seeing it firsthand in polished resumes, auto-generated emails from candidates, and even in how job seekers interact with application systems. But AI isn’t just for applicants. It also holds powerful potential for HR professionals to streamline workflows, make better decisions, and improve outcomes for both the organization and its people.

According to a recent Gartner survey, 76% of HR leaders believe their organizations must adopt AI solutions within the next two years to remain competitive. Already, 38% have started using AI to improve efficiency and support better decision-making.

So how can AI support your HR team and enhance your organization’s success? One of the most promising developments is generative AI—a form of artificial intelligence that can create content, summarize data, and even write code. It has the potential to revolutionize HR in a few key ways:

3 Ways AI Can Support HR Functions

1. Content Creation – Just like ChatGPT can help draft emails, AI tools can generate clear, professional content for HR. That includes personalized candidate emails, job descriptions based on skill profiles, interview questions, policy documents, and even training materials—saving time and improving consistency.
2. Data Analysis – HR generates a tremendous amount of data—from performance ratings and salary benchmarks to engagement survey results. AI can analyze and summarize this data quickly, offering insights that help leaders make informed, equitable decisions.
3. Employee Communication – AI can enhance the employee experience by improving access to HR information. Chatbots can answer basic policy questions 24/7, learning platforms can offer personalized development paths, and onboarding can become more seamless with real-time support.

Key Considerations for Employers and AI

• Productivity – AI can reduce time spent on administrative tasks, potentially increasing HR productivity by up to 30%, according to LinkedIn research. While this may shift some entry-level roles, it also frees teams to focus on strategic, people-first initiatives.
• Security – HR handles sensitive employee data, so it’s critical to maintain privacy and compliance when using AI tools. Choose platforms with strong security measures and ensure your team understands best practices around confidentiality and data sharing.
• Adoption Strategy – It’s important to adopt AI thoughtfully. Start small, scale at a pace that fits your organization, and focus on tools that align with your HR goals and culture.

AI can’t replace the human element of HR—but it can enhance it. By using these tools wisely, HR teams can drive greater value, deliver a better employee experience, and lead the way in shaping a more innovative workplace. Counter Point is here to guide you.

When it comes to payroll, small errors can lead to big consequences.

It’s not just about missed numbers — it’s about legal exposure, damaged employee trust, and operational setbacks that can hit your bottom line harder than you think. If you’re managing a growing business, payroll isn’t just a back-office task; it’s a potential risk center.

Here’s what’s really at stake — and how taking a proactive approach can protect your business from unnecessary costs and reputational damage.

Fines, Fees, and Legal Exposure

One miscalculation on overtime or one overlooked wage disparity can trigger an investigation and result in costly resolutions. The Department of Labor (DOL) is aggressive about enforcing wage laws, and the cost of mistakes can add up quickly. In 2024, the DOL recovered over $273 million in back wages and damages for nearly 152,000 workers.

If violations are deemed willful, civil penalties for violating the Fair Labor Standards Act can reach $2,074 per affected employee. Even simple cases, contested or not, can rack up $50,000 to $100,000 in attorney fees and settlements. These financial penalties can drain your business’s resources and erode profitability.

Hidden Business Disruptions

Payroll problems don’t just cost money — they disrupt your entire business. Payroll is one of the most critical HR functions to keep everything running smoothly, and when it goes wrong, the effects ripple across the organization.

A hidden cost is the negative impact on employee experience. According to a survey by our technology partner, 55% of workers say they would consider looking for a new job after experiencing payroll mistakes with their employer. These mistakes lead to frustration, resentment, and lower morale, resulting in higher turnover.

The time spent by HR teams addressing investigations and corrections pulls resources away from critical business operations, hurting productivity. Mid-cycle payroll corrections also throw off cash flow, delay vendor payments, and disrupt financial forecasting.

Brand, Culture & Leadership Risk

Reputation and employee trust are invaluable, and payroll mistakes can severely damage both. Payroll violations, particularly if they lead to lawsuits or investigations, often make the news, creating negative publicity that’s hard to recover from.

These mistakes also hurt employee morale. Payroll errors are a leading cause of dissatisfaction, leading to disengagement, absenteeism, and a drop in productivity. Additionally, in some states, business leaders can be held personally responsible for wage violations, exposing them to significant personal liability.

The Cost of Doing Payroll Right

While the risks of payroll mistakes are high, the rewards of getting payroll right are equally significant. Accurate payroll isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your employees, your business, and your reputation. By addressing payroll proactively, you can avoid costly penalties, improve employee trust, and ensure smooth business operations.

At Counter Point, we do more than run payroll — we help you get it right. Our expert team helps businesses stay compliant, reduce risk, and streamline payroll operations with the tools and support they need to move forward with confidence.

Schedule a call to learn more!

In 2022, Uber agreed to a $100 million settlement to resolve two misclassification lawsuits involving drivers in California and Massachusetts. The company had been accused of treating drivers as independent contractors rather than employees—enabling it to sidestep costs related to employer-sponsored benefits.

The practice of misclassifying workers to avoid legally required payments for disability insurance, family leave, and unemployment insurance is far too common. A 2020 audit by the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJ DOL) revealed just how widespread the issue is. In a review of 1% of New Jersey businesses, the audit uncovered 7,149 misclassified workers, $443 million in underreported wages, and nearly $14 million in unpaid contributions to state programs.

New Jersey uses one of the strictest standards in the country—the ABC Test—to determine whether a worker can be classified as an independent contractor. Under this test, a worker is presumed to be an employee unless all three of the following conditions are met:

1. The worker is free from control or direction.
   
2. The work is outside the usual course of the company’s business or performed offsite.
   
3. The worker is engaged in an independently established business.
   

For companies like Uber and Lyft, drivers are unlikely to meet the second condition, as their work directly aligns with the company’s core service. As such, they may be deemed employees entitled to the same legal protections and benefits.

In response to these concerns, the NJ DOL has proposed a new rule that would classify drivers for app-based companies as regular employees—not freelancers. This rule extends beyond transportation companies and would bring sweeping changes to the gig economy and signal heightened enforcement statewide.

What Can Employers Do Now?

To stay ahead of these changes and avoid penalties, New Jersey businesses should act now:

• Audit contractor relationships: Review every independent contractor agreement for compliance with the ABC Test.
  
• Examine policies and contracts: Ensure your employment practices align with both existing laws and proposed changes.
  
• Engage in the rulemaking process: Consider submitting public comments if the proposal impacts your operations.
  

Misclassification is a serious risk, with real financial consequences. Proactive compliance is not just smart business—it’s essential. Counter Point can help your organization navigate compliance so you can focus on more strategic tasks. Contact us today!

Navigating the complexities of health and welfare benefits can be challenging, and mistakes are all too common. Missing reporting deadlines, overlooking required notices, or confusing important documents can easily happen. To protect your business and avoid unnecessary risks, it’s important to stay ahead of these key compliance areas.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Enacted in 2010, the ACA aims to expand health insurance coverage and make it more accessible and affordable. It includes provisions to expand Medicaid, protect consumers, and support innovative medical care delivery. The ACA impacts employers, employees, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and more. Due to the complexity of the law, compliance can be challenging, making it important to seek guidance from an expert who knows it well.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)

Passed in 1974, ERISA governs both retirement and health and welfare benefits. It is a federal law that sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established pension and health plans. Over the years, numerous amendments have expanded its requirements. ERISA applies only to private sector employers, and most compliance issues arise from documentation and disclosure related to employee benefits.

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Enacted in 1986, COBRA is a federal law that allows employees and their families to temporarily continue their employer-provided health insurance coverage after leaving a job or experiencing a qualifying life event. It helps individuals avoid gaps in coverage by allowing them to maintain the same health plan they had through their former employer. Most COBRA compliance failures stem from failing to notify employees of their rights. Like ERISA, COBRA applies only to private sector employers.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Passed in 1993, FMLA requires covered employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Employers must properly notify employees and administer benefits. Managers and supervisors can be held personally liable for noncompliance. To further complicate matters, FMLA often intersects with other federal mandates. FMLA applies to both private and public sector employers.

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Staying compliant with health and welfare benefit laws is critical to protecting your business and supporting your employees. By understanding your responsibilities and working with trusted experts, you can better manage your compliance obligations, minimize risks, and keep your business on track. Counter Point can help you stay on track and support your compliance. Schedule an appointment today.

As the workplace continues to evolve, employers must stay proactive in adapting their strategies. From leveraging new technologies to strengthening workplace culture, forward-thinking companies are focused on initiatives that support both business growth and employee satisfaction. Here are five essential priorities every employer should add to their to-do list this year.

Prioritize Employee Experience

Creating a positive and meaningful employee experience (EX) is no longer a luxury—it’s a business necessity. With changing employee expectations and ongoing economic uncertainty, companies that invest in EX are better positioned to attract and retain top talent. A strong EX strategy includes everything from effective onboarding and clear communication to professional growth opportunities and competitive compensation. Many businesses are prioritizing learning and development programs, enhancing benefits packages, and launching engagement initiatives that foster a sense of belonging. By making your team feel valued and supported, you’re not just improving morale, you’re building a foundation for long-term success.

Streamline Management of Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation insurance is essential for protecting your team and your business, but traditional management methods can be cumbersome and costly. Employers often face upfront deposit requirements, estimated payroll complications, and time-consuming year-end audits. A more efficient solution? Pay-as-You-Go Workers’ Compensation. This approach aligns premium payments with actual payroll data, reducing surprises and freeing up cash flow. It also minimizes administrative work by automatically syncing with payroll systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Streamlining this process gives employers more time to focus on growing their business rather than insurance paperwork.

Embrace Self-Service for HR Processes

Today’s employees want autonomy and convenience—and self-service HR tools deliver both. Employees can view pay stubs, update personal information, request time off, and more without having to go through HR for every task. Employers benefit from increased efficiency and fewer administrative burdens, while employees gain quick, around-the-clock access to the information they need. Automated workflows ensure that tasks like onboarding, performance reviews, and time tracking are completed consistently and accurately. Embracing self-service is a win-win: it streamlines operations and boosts employee satisfaction.

Prepare for AI

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern business operations. Employers are beginning to explore how AI can reduce manual workload, improve accuracy, and speed up decision-making. Whether it’s using AI to automate repetitive tasks in payroll and HR or analyzing large datasets to forecast hiring needs, the technology offers real-time solutions to everyday challenges. Preparing for AI doesn’t mean replacing people, it means enhancing their capabilities. Now is the time to identify areas where AI can be integrated and begin training staff to use AI-powered tools responsibly and effectively.

Focus on Security

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and businesses of all sizes are targets. From phishing scams to data breaches, the risk to personal information (PI) is real and employers have a responsibility to protect it. Strengthening your internal policies and investing in secure technologies are important first steps. But just as critical is educating your team. Providing cybersecurity training, encouraging a culture of vigilance, and making it easy for employees to report suspicious activity can significantly reduce your risk. 

By adding these five initiatives to your to-do list, you’re not only protecting your business but also empowering your people. Ready to get started? Counter Point has solutions that can help you tackle these priorities. Reach out to our team today!

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal personal information (PI). Threat intelligence researchers are warning of a malicious search advertising phishing campaign that leverages Google Ads to carry out payroll redirect scams. 

Here’s how it works: Cybercriminals buy search ads with optimized keywords to have their phishing pages rank at the top of Google Search results. These pages are aimed to lure victims into providing access to their company’s employee portal. Once the employee’s account is accessed, the attackers use additional credential information—such as social security numbers obtained from illicit online forums—to change their banking information to redirect funds to a fraudulent bank account.

Employers must play a vital role in protecting their workplace from these threats. By equipping employees with the right knowledge and tools, you can foster a strong culture of security awareness. Here are 5 things you can do to safeguard your employees and your organization: 

Train Your Workforce

Hold regular training sessions to educate employees on identifying phishing emails, fraudulent calls, and other types of scams. Incorporate real-world examples of common scam tactics, such as impersonating a trusted vendor or colleague to request sensitive information. Stress the importance of verifying any unexpected or unusual requests before sharing any data.

Strengthen Internal Security Policies

Establish robust policies for handling sensitive information. Limit access to PI based on role necessity and enforce strong password policies. Require employees to use multi-factor authentication for accessing company systems, adding an extra layer of security.

Deploy Technology Safeguards

Invest in tools like email filters, firewalls, and antivirus software to detect and block potential scams. Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities that scammers might exploit.

Conduct Simulated Scams 

Test your employees’ awareness by running simulated phishing campaigns. Use the results to identify areas where additional training is needed. Periodically review and audit your security practices to ensure they are up to date with emerging threats.

Create a Reporting Culture 

Encourage employees to report suspicious emails, calls, or activities immediately. Set up a clear and anonymous reporting process, and ensure employees feel safe sharing concerns without fear of retaliation.

By taking a proactive approach and implementing these measures, employers can significantly reduce the risk of employees falling victim to scammers. Protecting PI isn’t just good practice—it’s a responsibility that ensures trust and security for your workforce.

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At Counter Point, security is our priority. We provide thorough training to our staff, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to prevent potential breaches. Using advanced monitoring systems, we detect and manage fraud risks by identifying emerging trends, stopping known threats, and addressing security gaps to protect our customers and minimize financial impacts.

As fraud tactics grow more sophisticated, we stay ahead with cutting-edge monitoring to safeguard both our business and, most importantly, our customers.