January 2024 Edition

RKL’s Workforce Strategies team is here to help you navigate the complexities of today's HR environment with the updates, reminders and insights you need to maximize your most important asset — your people. We value your feedback, so let us know what you think of this newsletter!

Gearing Up for the New Year with Updated Policies

It’s time to tackle some housekeeping items to help you start 2024 off on the right foot. These are some things to consider:

• Start by reviewing your employee handbook and making any necessary updates based on policy or benefit offering changes.
• Be sure any new rules and policies comply with the most recent guidance from the National Labor Relations Board.
• Another area to pay attention to: did the minimum wage change in your state? Make sure to pay all employees in compliance with any new regulations.

Has your organization eliminated degree requirements for open positions?

...there's a 2024 DEI holiday downloadable calendar?

Continuing to build an inclusive workplace is a goal across many workplaces. This calendar from Cooleaf with holidays, observances and celebrations can help your DEI efforts. Download it here.

...the EEOC and the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division announced a partnership?

The EEOC and WHD recently signed a memorandum of understanding to increase partnership between the two agencies. The EEOC and WHD will work together to elevate workplace justice issues of mutual interest nationwide. Read more here.

...there's a new W-4 form for 2024?

 The IRS recently released the form for the new tax year with updated deduction amounts and a tax withholding estimator for those who have self-employment income. Download it here.

IRS issues standard  mileage rates for 2024

Beginning on January 1, 2024, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

• 67 cents per mile driven for business use (up 1.5 cents from 2023)
• 21 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces (a decrease of 1 cent from 2023)
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations (the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2023)

These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

The Importance of Employee Engagement

A strong company culture is the backbone of any good workplace. Leaders should focus on creating an environment that makes employees feel engaged and valued and empowers them to be high performers. The secret to building that culture lies in employee engagement through living your values, learning and development opportunities, and recognition of both big and small achievements.

RKL Virtual's Workforce Strategies team offers strategic consulting and HR support that can help you foster a more positive company culture. Reach out to our team to learn how we can partner together.