Human Resources

Covid-19 sparks a renaissance in remote work, with many office jobs transitioning to full-time or hybrid work from home models. The manufacturing industry was no exception, with roughly 41% of the industry adopting remote roles in 2020.

But manufacturers were left with an obvious problem: the majority of manufacturing jobs are kinetic, requiring employees to be hands-on. Hear from Manufacturing Dive on how some in the industry have shifted their perspective on work-from-home policies and are addressing the challenges. 7/25/2024

Recreational marijuana will soon be available for purchase in Ohio after last November’s ballot initiative legalized it in the state.

These insights provide a detailed look at what is now legal under the statute, and what companies and leaders need to know in crafting workplace policies around recreational marijuana. 7/18/2024

According to a recent Federal Trade Commission report, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), originally formed to reduce healthcare costs, have instead been found to inflate medication prices and overcharge for treatments like cancer therapies.

The FTC’s findings, following a two-year investigation, reveal that PBMs’ practices lead to higher costs for health plans, employers, and patients, especially those on Medicare. Amidst significant advocacy and legislative efforts for reform, the report underscores the need for increased transparency and regulation to prevent PBMs from profiting at the expense of patients and manufacturers. 7/11/2024

This year, a slew of new federal and state workforce laws are hitting the books beginning July 1, including the federal overtime rule making millions of workers newly eligible for overtime pay.

OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this cheat sheet highlighting the new federal, state, and local rules, and what businesses need to know heading into July. 6/25/2024

The implementation of the U.S. Department of Labor’s new overtime salary threshold is rapidly approaching its July 1 rollout date, and leaving many unanswered questions on who is exempt.

OMA Connections Partner FisherPhillips answers questions on what is changing, which employees are exempt, and will this new rule even stick around. 6/20/2024

Employers are leaning more and more on AI tools to process and sort through applications and candidate date, but the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recently took aim at some of these tools. The ACLU’s recent filing with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleges that certain personality assessments, a video interview tool, and a cognitive ability assessment screening device, all powered by AI, unfairly screen out applicants with disabilities and unfairly target those with certain racial backgrounds. Hear from OMA Connections Partner FisherPhillips for an overview of the filing, and what employers who use these tools should do to prepare for potential changes to AI hiring tools. 6/13/2024

Balancing talent retention while adapting to the ever evolving manufacturing landscape is key to success and maintaining competitiveness. OMA Connections Partner Traba has detailed three key strategies for creating a more reliable and flexible workforce, helping retain top talent while blunting the volatility and production fluctuations. 6/5/2024

Artificial Intelligence is taking the business world in force, automating processes and saving companies time and money. AI is extending its reach into the HR world as well. This article from Sage details how AI can save recruiters and managers time, money, and effort in selecting the right candidate for the job. 5/29/2024

The broad ban of non-compete agreements by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is leaving many employers with more questions than answers. OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips recently published the most frequent asked questions they are hearing about the ban, with answers on this key issue. 5/22/2024

Think office spaces, equipment and security are the most valuable investments? What about the equally crucial investment that many overlook — employee engagement. A recent Gallup report has uncovered a shocking decline in employee engagement that could be costing your business big time. OMA Connections Partner Akhia shares more about the connection between internal communications and productivity, and how strategic communications can elevate your team’s performance to help boost the bottom line. 5/15/2024

As reported last week, Ohio Senator Bill Blessing (R-Colerain Twp) has introduced a bill to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour in an effort to preempt a possible November ballot issue. OMA’s Counsel Bricker Graydon has produced this memo outlining the impacts the bill would have on manufacturers. The minimum wage issue will be discussed at the upcoming May 22 Government Affairs Committee meeting. 5/16/2024

Ohio Senator Bill Blessing (R-Colerain Twp) has introduced a bill to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour in an effort to preempt a possible November ballot issue. The proposed legislation reportedly aims to achieve this increase in a phased approach: non-tipped workers would see their minimum wage rise to $15 over the course of four years beginning in 2028 — while tipped workers would receive $7.50 an hour. Additionally, the bill includes a refundable earned income tax credit that could provide lower-income workers with a tax refund in certain cases. The minimum wage issue will be discussed at the upcoming May 22 government affairs committee meeting. 5/5/2024

Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) announced a major increase in the salary threshold for certain exempt employees who will now be eligible for overtime pay. OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips will host a webinar on May 15 to discuss what can be done now to prepare for these changes to take place on July 1. 5/6/2024

The final rule on overtime salary threshold from the US Department of Labor last week is expected to affect roughly 4 million employees nationwide. OMA Connections Partner CliftonLarsonAllen released this article with key insights on the rule, historical context, and what employers can expect when the rule takes effect on July 1. 5/1/2024

This week, the Biden Administration finalized a new rule set to make millions of salaried workers eligible for overtime pay in the U.S. Starting Jul. 1, employers will be required to pay overtime to salaried workers who make less than $58,888 by 2025. This is a significant jump from the previous $35,568, which was set under the Trump administration in 2019. 4/25/2024

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 on Tuesday to ban noncompete agreements that prevent tens of millions of employees from working for competitors or starting a competing business after they leave a job. The OMA has previously led comments from Ohio’s business community opposing the rule back in April. OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has created a breakdown of the rule and how employers can plan for the roll out. 4/17/2024

This week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission finalized its rule to require employers to accommodate applicants and workers who need time off or other workplace modifications for an abortion procedure or recovery. OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has created a detailed breakdown of the rule and what is expected of employers. 4/17/2024

Operational efficiency is the lifeblood of manufacturing, but balancing increased demand while optimizing labor costs is one of the largest hurdles to clear. OMA Connections Partner Traba is hosting a webinar to tackle this challenge, with a focus on labor planning, optimizing workforce demands, and solving talent acquisition problems. Click here to register. 4/10/2024

More employees than ever are choosing non-linear career paths, deviating from previous generations. This has left many talent acquisition and retention experts scratching their heads. This article from OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips highlights how employers can adapt and support these employees to find professional fulfillment in whatever path they choose. 4/07/2024

OMA Connections Partner Arrowhead Talent Solutions suggests manufacturers follow these nuanced steps when considering how much to pay an employee. 4/04/2024