Happy Friday…and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Did you miss me last week? Or even notice I was gone? Well, either way, my absence was for a good reason. I was traveling to NJ for a special event. My grandson, Connor, turned two last weekend, and Papa had to be there to celebrate. Although I really enjoy my time with all of you each week, sometimes a papa’s gotta do what a papa’s gotta do!

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If you recall, in my last Fridays with Frank I bared my soul to you about the impact that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”) has had on my life. Both personally and professionally. (I know, it really explains a lot!) 

Clearly, I am not alone. It’s estimated that four percent of adults in the U.S. have ADHD. However, less than 20 percent have been diagnosed, and fewer still are treated. Although a significant number of people have managed to turn the challenges of ADHD around to their advantage, many more struggle with ADHD-related issues every day. (“Hey Frank, can we move this along? Remember, it’s Valentine’s Day, and a lot of us have plans.”)  Continue reading

Happy Friday!

Goodbye January! You always begin with so much promise. A month associated with valiant efforts (resolutions); excuses (“mom would be crushed if I didn’t have a big piece of her birthday cake), disappointments (“we need a new scale, this one says I gained five lbs. since last week!); and frustrations (“$3 a day for an annual gym membership only makes sense if you actually go to the gym more than three F@#*&%G days a month!) But, tomorrow starts a new month, a fresh start! We can do this!!  Continue reading

Happy Friday!

Can you believe it’s already the end of another workweek? Once again, time went speeding by me like a new Corvette on the Autobahn (check out last week’s post). So, before we get too far into 2020, I want to discuss one of my favorite compliance topics. Wait! Don’t go; it’s not about I-9 forms this time! This week’s post is about exemptions from minimum wage and overtime. If you recall, I briefly discussed the new minimum salary requirements for exempt employees in the January 11, Fridays with Frank. So, let’s dive into some details!   Continue reading

Happy Friday!

Another busy and exciting week is behind us! I remember when I was a teenager—or at least I think I do, that’s going back a few decades—days, weeks, and months seemed to drag on forever. If you were like me, you wished you were 16, so you could drive; then wished you were 18, so you’d be done with high school and on to college; then wished you were 21, so you could get into a bar (legally). My father used to say, “wish in one hand, and…” well, ummm, maybe I better not repeat that one. Anyway, my point is that the days, weeks, and months that dragged on forever when I was young are going by at warp speed today! Why? Because I’m “older,” 56 to be exact. Continue reading

Happy Saturday!

Wait, isn’t the name of this outstanding publication FRIDAYS with Frank? OK, you caught me. But, since I took some time away for the holidays, I didn’t want to wait another week to get back at it. We’ve got a lot to catch up on! So, if you can overlook the minor timing issue, I’m sure you’ll find some great information in this Special Saturday Edition of Fridays with Frank!

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I know it’s hard to believe, but there have been some changes to state and federal labor laws and regulations that are now in effect. Since most of our clients are in NY and ME, that’s where I’m focusing: Continue reading

Happy Friday!

This week, someone asked me if my business typically slows down in December. Nope. If fact, more people appear to “misplace” their good judgment during the holidays than at any other time of the year. Speaking of misplaced good judgment, this week I’m introducing, On What Planet Is This OK? In this occasional feature, I will answer questions that begin or end with, “On what planet is this OK?” Have a question about an employee issue that’s out of this world? Send it to theexperts@hrcexperts.com. 

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Our very first question is from Ken:   I started working for my employer in February, so this is my first holiday season with the company and with my co-workers. When everyone started decorating their work areas after Thanksgiving, I decided to join the festivities and bring in a few things – a tabletop tree with mini ornaments, a Santa candy dish, and the extra Elf-on-the-shelf we had at home. Everything was great! Then, the next morning, I opened my desk drawer and found the Elf posed in a sexually-suggestive position with a half-naked Barbie doll and a mini bottle of vodka! Next, I Continue reading

Happy Friday!

Don’t tell my wife, but the main reason I volunteer to go shopping at the wholesale club is for the free samples. Last weekend I had cheese, crackers, sausage, chicken, pasta, eggnog, and a cookie for dessert! I also enjoy talking to the people handing-out the delicious morsels (unfortunately, I haven’t seen Gordon Ramsay at my club location). Don’t worry; this will make sense in a minute! Continue reading

Happy friday!

Another whirlwind week is over, and it’s time to celebrate the weekend! This week I mixed things up a little with a Q&A format. If you like it and have a burning question about HR or compliance, send it to theexperts@hrcexperts.com. Maybe you’ll be featured in a future Q&A edition of Fridays with Frank!

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Is that really you?  One of my favorite topics is Form I-9 compliance—I’m already excited for the 2020 I-9 Palooza in Nashville, TN! So, when friends have I-9 questions, who else would they call? Our first question: When hiring remote employees, can the employer use Skype, FaceTime, etc. to view the employee’s documents used for Section 2 verification? (I’ll give you a Continue reading

Happy friday!

Welcome to a special Washington, DC edition of Fridays with Frank!  As a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (“SHRM”) and a volunteer leader of its Advocacy Team, I joined more than 400 of my HR peers on Capitol Hill this week to meet with members of the Senate and House of Representatives.  As always, it was an exciting opportunity to be part of our democracy in action! Although legislative advocacy isn’t for everyone—my wife imagines it as slightly less enjoyable than enduring several consecutive root canal surgeries—I’m always energized by my discussions of the issues!    Continue reading

Happy friday!

Typing super fast…on a leftover Halloween candy-induced sugar high! Here’s some interesting stuff I read this week…enjoy!

Minnie Mouse is not happy  The company behind the self-described “happiest place on earth,” The Walt Disney Company, is accused of refusing to pay its women employees equal to men doing the same work.” According to a class-action suit recently filed against Disney, “in many instances, Disney is paying women workers tens of thousands of dollars less than their male counterparts.” With an increasing number of women joining the action, Disney is fighting the suit’s class-action status, effectively saying, you can sue us, but like a trip to the deli, you’ll need to take a number and get in line. I doubt Minnie is happy with her employer right now. Continue reading