From Illegal Drugs to Paid Family Leave, How Are You Dealing With the Biggest Challenges Facing Companies in 2019?
Every year, new laws pop up and compliance becomes an issue once again. Are you staying on top of new regulations, Human Resource trends, and communication technology? Will you attract and retain talent with your employee benefits package during revolutionary times where appealing to multi-generational workers is critical? Find out how you measure up to the four biggest challenges facing HR professionals and business owners in 2019.
1.) Marijuana and Illegal Drug Use
One of the greatest and most complicated challenges facing organizations in 2019 is the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana. Companies with drug-free workplaces must have employee handbooks that outline illegal & legal drug use terms and conditions to be followed by employees on and off work premises. Staying on top of these laws can help you prepare for questions from your current workforce and potential employees.
2.) Tight Labor Market
It is no secret that unemployment rates are at an all-time low. How will you acquire the talent you need to maintain the vision of your organization? Comprehensive employee benefits packages may be the answer. Employers must offer competitive benefits that give different generations what they need. Millennials may be looking for child care and pet insurance, while older generations may be focused on financial wellness and retirement plan benefits. Additionally, while discussing employee benefits, business owners and HR gurus must remain compliant against constantly updated laws like the ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA.
3.) Employee Leave
As the laws update for parental and paid family leave, it is more critical than ever to review your guidelines when it comes to employee leave. Well-known companies are making the move to enhance their benefits packages for families and advertising their PTO policies as a way to retain top talent. Not only are they doing this as a form of talent management, but new leave laws at both the federal and state levels are demanding employers comply with complicated paid sick leave, family leave and military leave requirements.
4.) Workplace Violence & Sexual Harassment
Unfortunately, no organization can ignore the overwhelming responsibility of workplace violence & sexual harassment. It seems every day there is an event on the news demonstrating the need for workplace violence and sexual harassment training. What does this mean for you as a business owner or HR manager? Proper policies & trainings must be put into place to keep your workforce informed and safe. New laws released in 2018 and 2019 will mandate these types of trainings for all staff. Additionally, employers should think about implementing communication technology and testing it regularly to convey critical safety information immediately.
Understanding every facet of each regulation and tactic listed above is tough. That’s why you should contact the Lawley Employee Benefits team. Our 100+ employee benefits professionals are dedicated to providing cutting edge technology, in-house compliance advice, and countless customized resources to ensure our clients understand what they need to do to optimize their employee benefits program. We help our clients meet the constantly changing environment of talent recruitment, workforce preservation, and compliance head on.
To stay on top of the issues facing your company, call 716.849.8618 or visit go.lawleyinsurance.com/benefits to learn more.
