News

At the end of the calendar year, workplace holiday celebrations are an experience that many employees look forward to as a highlight of the season. These celebrations are often a long-standing tradition allowing employees to celebrate with their colleagues—and sometimes family and guests. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations are evaluating how…

Karen Shannon, VP of Business Consulting/CHRO for Ollis/Akers/ Arney has been in the banking and human resources game for over 30 years. She and her team work with worldwide clients on key business and HR strategies which have resulted in cost savings upward of $7 million. A key component of Ollis/Akers/ Arney’s business consulting division…

In the world of workers’ compensation, it can be a challenge for employers to find a way to ensure high-quality, yet affordable care for an employee following a work-related injury. That’s where telemedicine can help. Telemedicine allows employees to receive medical services virtually after they’ve been injured on the job. Such an option can give…

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, day cares and schools shut their doors. Months later, child care centers remain closed in many parts of the country, which means that parents are tasked with juggling caregiving and work responsibilities. In fact, according to a survey from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), 60% of U.S. parents report that…

In uncertain times, the capability of a bank to successfully navigate uncharted waters depends greatly on the abilities of their leaders and managers. This is particularly true of small organizations. One of the top reasons new managers fail is the lack of preparation for their roles. According to research by Corporate Executive Board, only 10%…

Social injustices, civil rights and discrimination issues affect all employers and employees across the country. Numerous recent events have led to unrest, which has permeated all areas of society, including the workplace. During these times, employees may be experiencing poor mental health and low engagement. To support employees as effectively as possible, promote employee safety…

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, one guideline that is likely to last beyond this year is social distancing. Employers have a responsibility to keep employees healthy and safe, and that duty is informing their return-to-work strategies. For instance, some organizations are keeping employees at home to work remotely for the foreseeable future. Other…

The stigma around working from home has mostly been lifted as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic abruptly shifted many employees into a remote work setting. Many organizations are expecting and planning more remote work for the foreseeable future. Before the pandemic, common office perks included remote work opportunities and work schedule flexibility. Now, employees are starting…

Even as businesses reopen and employees return to their new normal, the risk of becoming exposed to and ill with COVID-19 is still present. When an employee reports they have COVID-19, employers are faced with the difficult task of determining whether the employee’s illness is work-related. As is the case with all inherently legal issues,…

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended the entire world, it seems. With fluctuating infection rates and conflicting official guidance, organizations will need to adapt quickly if they want to succeed in the post-coronavirus landscape. HR teams stand at the forefront of these efforts. For years, HR departments have been tasked with ushering in fundamental workplace…