Human Resources

Senate Passes Unemployment Compensation Complaint Legislation

This week, the Ohio Senate voted 23-8 to pass Senate Bill 282. The bill, which is supported by the OMA, would create an online process for employers to report recipients of unemployment benefits who have potentially failed to meet the non-monetary eligibility requirements. The bill requires that the complaints be reviewed in a timely manner. SB 282 now moves to the House for consideration. 11/19/2020

House Passes Employment Discrimination Bill

The Ohio House this week passed House Bill 352, which would bring many of Ohio’s employment discrimination laws in line with their federal counterparts, thereby creating a more predictable and consistent system for both employers and employees.

Supported by the OMA, HB 352 would not disrupt an individual’s avenue to assert discrimination violations, but would encourage more predictability, stability, and administrative efficiency. Here’s an official summary. 11/19/2020

Six Ways to Reduce Employee Anxiety During a Crisis

Many manufacturers say some of their employees have reported fears about continuing to work during COVID-19. The Manufacturing Leadership Council — an arm of the National Association of Manufacturers — has published this infographic to share examples of how employers have addressed those fears. 11/18/2020

Biden Administration Could Bring Big Changes to Employee Compensation Rules

Employee compensation and pay-data reporting rules could see significant changes under a Biden administration, according to an article at HRDive.com.

The article quotes experts from OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips who said Biden will resurrect the EEOC’s pay-data reporting requirements under EEO-1 Component 2. A push to increase the federal minimum wage, as well as bigger penalties and tougher enforcement actions for non-compliance with wage and hour laws are also expected. 11/16/2020

Helping Employees With Mental Health Challenges

The CDC recently announced that during COVID-19 more than 40% of U.S. adults are struggling with their mental health or substance use. This article at EHSToday.com provides advice to employers, noting that when talking with employees about mental health, employers must do so in compliance with ADA guidelines. 11/16/2020

New Developments in Wage and Hour Law

At noon on Tuesday, Nov. 17, OMA General Counsel Bricker & Eckler will conduct a free webinar to address the most recent developments in wage and hour law. The virtual event will cover changes to the rules for calculating overtime, as well as common pay issues surrounding the use of certain bonuses and pay codes to encourage employees to pick up extra shifts. 11/12/2020

A Look at Workplace Law Changes Under Biden

OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this insight into what the next four years could bring for employers in the area of workplace regulations impacting safety, wages, pay equity, and benefits. 11/12/2020

Outlook for Employment-Based Immigration

This year, the Trump administration has announced many changes to employment-based immigration. With many of these changes currently being litigated — and in light of the presumptive results of the recent presidential election — it’s unclear what changes will be implemented.

OMA Connections Partner Roetzel has published this early outlook on what to expect in 2021 in the area of business and employment-related immigration and how to navigate the uncertainty. 11/12/2020

Vaccine Resources, Guidance for Employers

With news this week of Pfizer’s potential COVID-19 vaccine on the near horizon, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has produced a “vaccine resource center” for employers, which includes FAQs. The firm will conduct a free webinar Dec. 2 for employers considering a vaccination requirement for the flu and/or COVID-19. 11/12/2020

How Employee Benefits Are Changing During COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 has forced human resources leaders to evaluate their benefits and think beyond traditional offerings. Check out this infographic by OMA Connections Partner Paycor highlighting emerging benefits being provided by employers during the pandemic. 10/27/2020