Lay-offs, furloughs, re-hires.
Payroll changes.
Managing unemployment.
Tracking FFCRA emergency sick leave and FMLA leave separately.
Applying for the PPP loan, then loan forgiveness.
Law changes.
Adjusting company policies to address new laws and work from home.
Certainly, the pandemic has created a volatile business climate, but employers across the country are developing creative solutions and taking back control.
Many of our clients have cited their partnership with us as the critical component with being able to handle so many new HR challenges. Instead of endless google searches figuring out HR implications, they remain focused on business operations. Our team monitors changes, determines which apply and provides all the necessary HR support. Are you leveraging all the ways a PEO (professional employer organization) can help? Now is the best time to harness outside HR expertise.
PEOs provide critical guidance during crises
Business leaders need trusted advisors as they balance employee needs, administrative requirements, compliance burdens, productivity and so much more. Whatever the crisis, PEOs have the systems and processes in place to ensure your continuity.
According to research by NAPEO in September 2020, PEO clients are 119% more likely to have received PPP loans and 60% less likely to have permanently closed. This underscores the significant role PEOs have played during COVID-19.
Clients count on their PEO’s advice more than ever when there’s a crisis.
- Employee safety – Always an overriding concern, we have emergency preparedness plans in place to guide our clients on OSHA and CDC requirements. We also developed comprehensive recommendations for returning to work safely during COVID. From cleaning protocols to communication reminders, we help keep your business compliant and your employees safe and confident
- Staffing decisions – Whether laying off or re-hiring, we advise you on best practices. This includes educating you on your options and explaining key differences. We also oversee unemployment compensation which involves processing notices and accepting/contesting claims.
- Payroll complexity – Our advanced payroll system and payroll specialists manage evolving requirements during a crisis. This includes monitoring tax implications for employees working from home, working in a different state/vacation home, altered work schedules, reduced payrates/salaries, OT and tracking FFCRA and FMLA leave separately.
- Legislation changes – We constantly monitor and analyze regulatory changes that impact HR, plus any subsidies or credits that can benefit your company. With the passage of the PPP and PPPFA, there was a flurry of client questions that required fast responses. It always our top priority to provide whatever HR support is needed.
- Adjusting company policies – For some companies, COVID-19 was the first-time remote work had been broadly implemented and you needed to adjust company policies accordingly. That can be very time-consuming. This is another example of how PEOs can save you time and worry. We make sure policies comply with applicable laws and ask probing questions to make sure the new policy addresses all of your concerns.
- Engaged remote workforce – You need to make sure off-site employees have the support and encouragement they need to reach their potential and help your company reach its goals. We provide advice on how to make that happen.
MidwestHR is a leading CPEO in Illinois (certified professional employer organization). Our clients rely on us to manage their HR functions including payroll and tax administration, benefits management, workers’ compensation, risk management and more. During the pandemic, we have also guided clients with everything from applying for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to furloughing team members. Whether it’s a work from home policy or protocols for returning to work safely, we are here for our clients. Give us a call at 630-836-3000 to learn more.
