When a crisis hits, Human Resource professionals often find themselves as “first responders” working on the front lines of employment issues. For smaller employers, hiring an HR team to offer that type of front line support isn’t always an affordable option. When the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in stay-at-home orders and shut downs on non-essential businesses, many employers were left scrambling to figure out how to manage sending workers home to work remotely, processing Leave of Absence (LOA) requests for workers who were unable to perform their duties remotely, and navigating the constantly-changing protocol for employees affected by COVID-19. Employers who partnered with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) for their Human Resource services prior to the pandemic, however, found themselves with a team of experts in their corner to help them weather the storm.

Compliance Management

Majuana Martin, who manages Ace Home Health and Hospice, an Emplicity HR Outsourcing & PEO client in the Greater San Francisco area, was overwhelmed with all of the laws being rapidly passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mrs. Martin turned to her team of HR Representatives at Emplicity to help walk her through legal updates, leave of absences and unemployment claims. “At first it was uncomfortable, confusing and high-stress, but with the team at Emplicity we were able to stay in communication and work it out. They helped walk me through and identify issues and make sure we were doing the best for each and every employee,” she explained.

Compliance management is one of the top benefits of partnering with Emplicity. “I wouldn’t have been able to manage it on my own,” Mrs. Martin said, as she described some of the roles that each Emplicity HR team member took on to support her company through the pandemic. PEOs like Emplicity give their small business clients the unique advantage of having access to HR specialists whose core responsibilities include staying constantly updated on changing laws to ensure their clients don’t miss important compliance-related changes that impact their businesses. The consequences of non-compliance with state, local and/or federal regulations can be devastating on small businesses, but partnering with experts that can walk you through compliance is a smart investment in mitigating that risk.

Administrative Support

In addition to keeping small businesses up-to-date with the latest changes in labor laws and regulations that apply to them, PEOs offer unparalleled administrative support for their clients. Typical administrative support includes recruiting, hiring and onboarding, training and safety, records management, payroll, time and attendance, performance management and terminating employees. In a crisis, good administrative support becomes even more crucial for small business owners who have to navigate the sudden influx of mounting unemployment claims, furlough notices and leave of absence requests. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, another type of administrative support became necessary: management of COVID-19 exposure protocols.

Anthony Sandoval, CEO of WSH Management, an Emplicity HR Outsourcing & PEO client in Irvine that manages many senior (55+) apartment complexes around Southern California, turned to Emplicity to make sure his company could accommodate any leaves that his employees needed to take to keep themselves and their residents safe. Some of WSH Management’s employees even fell into the same vulnerable category as their residents and needed to take time off for their own safety, but didn’t have the PTO to do so. With extensive knowledge of the recent laws passed to provide better accommodations for employees, Emplicity was able to offer guidance on the best options for WSH Management’s employees, such as the paid leave provisions and relevant tax credits created through the CARES Act. “Emplicity helped us to get that [paid leave] on board, helped with the follow through, and also helped on the back side of it, making sure that WSH got the credit for that leave that was promised through the CARES act so it wasn’t coming out as a cost to the property.” Mr. Sandoval explained.

Guidance When You Need it Most

 

Navigating a crisis can be scary and intimidating, but Emplicity’s clients can turn to their trusted support system of HR Managers, Payroll Specialists and Benefits Administrators to offer expert guidance when things get really overwhelming. Emplicity takes pride in offering their clients the support they need to navigate any crises, or just handle normal daily administrative tasks that can pile up on small business owners.

Learn how Emplicity can help your business weather any situation.

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About Emplicity:
Since 1995, Emplicity has provided a smarter, more secure, and integrated platform of employer services to its 300 business clients and their 8,500 employees. As a Professional Employer Organization, or PEO, the California-based HR outsourcing firm simplifies the compliance, administration, and support businesses need in the areas of employee benefits, payroll, and human resources technology.

NOTICE: Emplicity provides HR advice and recommendations. Information provided by Emplicity is not intended as a substitute for employment law counsel. At no time will Emplicity have the authority or right to make decisions on behalf of its clients.

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