May 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!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

In our last issue, we discussed how apps like Calm and Headspace can be beneficial tools for prioritizing mental health. With the increasing openness around mental health discussions, workplaces are evolving their benefits packages accordingly. A growing number of employers now offer designated mental health days, supplementing traditional sick leave and paid time off. These specific days empower employees to take necessary time for self-care without the associated guilt.

Is Your Employee Handbook Outdated?

When was the last time you reviewed your employee handbook? If reviewing it isn't included in your annual processes, it might be the perfect time for a thorough evaluation. The handbook serves as a crucial instrument for relaying your company's policies and expectations to your employees. The good news is, you don’t have to go it alone — our Workforce Strategies team can help!

Do you currently use AI in your HR practices? Vote in our poll by clicking one of the options below. 

...the IRS encourages taxpayers to use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator?

The IRS encourages taxpayers to use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator tool on its website to ensure they’re withholding the correct amount of tax from their pay in 2024. Consider sharing the link to this tool with your employees to help them plan and prepare for the next tax season.

EEOC Issues Final Regulation on Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The EEOC recently issued its final rule implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), requiring most employers to offer reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. The act expands upon previous pregnancy discrimination protections established in the Civil Rights Act.  

DOL Releases Final Rule Increasing the Minimum Salary Threshold

The DOL released its final rule to increase the minimum salary threshold and highly compensated exemption (HCE) total annual compensation level. The standard salary level will increase in two phases from the current $684 per week ($35,568 per year) to:

• July 1, 2024: $844 per week ($43,888 annually)
• January 1, 2025: $1,128 per week ($58,656 annually)

The highly compensated exemption (HCE) total annual compensation level will increase from its current $107,432 per year to:

• July 1, 2024: $132,964 per year
• January 1, 2025: $151,164 per year

The final rule also automatically updates salary thresholds every three years.

FTC Announces Rule Banning Noncompetes

The Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule banning noncompete clauses for most workers to help promote competition and innovation. The FTC estimates this will create more than 8,500 new businesses yearly, raising employee wages.