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8 Ways Not Having Workforce Automation Can Get You Into Trouble

When it comes to your people management systems, are you in iPhone or a flip phone?

If you haven’t gone paperless, your company is stuck in the past. It’s time to avoid major headaches, increase employee satisfaction, track time & attendance in a single database, and make onboarding a breeze with Workforce Automation. You may be thinking, “isn’t going paperless a hassle?” We’d say by not going paperless, you’re leaving your company at risk for potential law suits, compliance issues, and major fines. If you ask us, that sounds like a MUCH bigger hassle.

Setting up Workforce Automation will ensure that:

1. Onboarding doesn’t have to be a time suck.

Onboarding no longer has to be a tedious process that spans a few days. Switching to a cloud-based database with a powerful web and mobile application makes onboarding a breeze for both new hires and for the HR department. With workforce automation, the new employees know exactly what forms they need to sign, the signatures are stored in a secure database, and documents never go missing. Also HR teams can rest easy that employees can’t claim they didn’t sign a document or weren’t made aware, everything is easily accessible and laid out in easy to understand checklists.

2. Time and attendance is ALWAYS accurate.

Tracking accurate time and attendance is more critical than ever. Take punching-in and punching-out into the 21st century with a powerful mobile app that allows your employees to clock in and out once they’re within a certain distance of the office or work site. California has especially stringent labor laws so as an employer, going paperless with time and attendance means you can pull a report on your workforce attendance in just a few minutes.

3. No one’s missing out on PTO days.

Nothing benefits a company more than having a motivated team. Part of maintaining employee engagement is to make sure they’re taking their PTO days and getting the rest they need to reset. Give employees visibility into their accrued hours via a self-service portal they can access from anywhere. Having transparent PTO accrual and usage hours ensures that PTO is properly paid out and reduced against balances.

4. Benefit enrollment is easy and your team has exactly the plan they need.

Benefits don’t have to be a headache for HR and confusing for employees. With an automated application, you’re able to offer your employees clear guidance on their benefit options. Once they choose their option, enrolling is simple and straightforward. Sometimes employees drag their feet on signing up for benefits, by going paperless, HR teams will know exactly who has yet to sign up, and can easily send a gentle reminder. Finally, going paperless protects the company by maintaining a reliable record, employees can’t come back and say they weren’t made aware or were never offered benefits.

5. Important forms and documents don’t go missing.

In the past, it was common for companies to have entire storage rooms dedicated to keeping paperwork. Nowadays, HR teams may keep a combination of hard copies and hard drives with computer files. This often leads to important documents getting lost, deleted, or simply overlooked. When important documents go missing, it can mean costly consequences if you’re faced with a law suit. Going paperless allows you to keep all mandatory files on current and past employees, all on line and easily accessible for employees and HR. No more taking up unnecessary office space and no more worrying about compliance.

6. Communicating important changes (like COVID-19 policy updates) is simple and no one misses the memo.

Failing to have an expedient way to communicate rapidly changing policies, like ones pertaining to COVID-19, can cause compliance issues. Not only does it keep you compliant, it also makes things like updating your Employee Handbook as easy as can be. No more wasting paper by printing out memos or Employee Handbook updates, simple make edits and hit “update” and you and your team are good to go.

7. Even when your entire team is remote, you can continue to build company culture.

Don’t forget: people need people! It’s been a tough year for company culture as so many teams have gone remote. Adopting workforce automation can actually help you continue building culture while remote. You can share culture building, like employee of the month or promotions, and company mission related information to your team with the push of a button.

8. Employees can access all the information they need on their smart phone.

Employees have come to expect that their information is readily accessible via smart phone and web and not dependent upon one person or email requests, why should their work place be any different? Increase employee satisfaction by up to 183% when you go paperless and allow employees access to edit or check their documents, benefits, and records—any time, any where.

Thinking of going paperless and bringing your team into the 21st century? Schedule a call with us. We’ll be there every step of the way and make it a seamless transition, using a combination of our cutting edge technology and unbeatable service.

ICYMI – California HR Legislative Updates 2021 – [FREE Webinar]

In case you missed it, this week we had a webinar where we talked about everything you need to know for HR going into 2021. This includes various additions due to COVID-19, policy changes, and new laws. Watch the full webinar and download the presentation PDF below!

Download the webinar presentation here: CA Legislative Update (2021) – WEBINAR

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us at marketing@www.corpstrat.com.

Everything You Need to Know About California’s Sexual Harassment Training Laws

On September 30th, 2018, California enacted a series of laws that strengthened the state’s protections against workplace harassment. California previously required employers with 50+ employees to complete required training every other year. This has changed and the deadline to complete the training is fast approaching. Read on to learn more.

What are the requirements?

Starting January 1st, 2021 the new law:

  • Requires employers with five or more employees in the state to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees.
  • Expands and clarifies employer liability for workplace harassment
  • Prohibits employers from entering certain agreements related to sexual harassment and other unlawful acts in the workplace.

How does this affect me?

All California employers should become familiar with the laws and ensure that each of their employees receive the required training. Sexual Harassment Training is required within six months of when each employee assumes a position. Employers must provide the initial training after January 1st, 2019.

What does this mean for temporary employees?

There are also requirements for seasonal and temporary employees. For these employees, the employers must provide the required training within 30 calendar days after the employees’ hire date or before the employee has worked 100 hours, whichever comes first. These rules went into effect on January 1st, 2021.

What is the expanded employer liability for workplace harassment?

Employers may also be held liable for nonemployees’ acts of any type of unlawful workplace harassment. An employer may be held liable if:

  • A nonemployee commits harassment against any of the employers’ employees, applicants, unpaid interns, unpaid volunteers or people providing services pursuant to a contract in the workplace.
  • The employer knows or should have known of the conduct
  • The employer fails to take immediate and appropriate corrective action.

Make sure you’re up to date with all the requirements so your company remains compliant. Sign up for CorpStrat’s Sexual Harassment Training today!

At CorpStrat, we offer affordable Sexual Harassment Training for every company size, from 3-300+. If you’re interested, let’s talk! Call us at (818) 377- 7260 or email us at marketing@corpstrat.com. 

3 Things That Set Us Apart

At CorpStrat, we’re not just insurance brokers, we’re business advisors with extensive knowledge in Payroll, Employee Benefits, and Human Resources. We want to become your go-to advisors and we’re in it for the long haul — we’ll help you find and maintain state-of-the-art HR and Workforce solutions, tailor-made for your company. We promise to always go the extra mile for you and your business.

<< Click to download our Capabilities White Paper to learn more about the CorpStrat Experience. >>

Here are three key things that set us apart:

1. We Think Differently

We’re all about tackling old problems with new approaches. From creative tax planning ideas to out-of-the-box Benefits solutions, we’re always going to push the limits of the industry standard. We think that complacency in our industry absolutely means money down the drain. We work hard every day to find the best possible solutions for our clients, we don’t settle for anything less than the apex of both quality and value.

 2. We Simplify the Complex

Human Capital and Benefits management is a layered and complex business. We’re fortunate to have a team with a variety of strengths that can help you no matter the issue. Our experts will always take the time to explain things plainly and transparently. If anything goes over your head, we get it, it’s a confusing business. We’ll loop back together until things are clear. We promise we’ll always be available to you. This means you’ll never get stuck with 800 numbers, instead you’ll always reach a team member that knows your name and everything about your business. We’ll work tirelessly to take care of the nitty gritty so you can focus on running your business.

3. We’re Multidisciplined

We don’t just think of solutions for specific aspects of your business, we consider your business as a whole. Our team of experts have specialties ranging from time and attendance to insurance to employee benefits to compliance—no matter what it is, we’ve got you covered. This means no more piecemeal hires, you’ve got a full house at the ready to help you no matter what the issue happens to be. Also, we’re not in it for the short term, we want to be your long-term partners and we truly view your success as our success.

We’d love to help you. Contact us today and schedule a FREE consultation. 

Solved: Tracking Time & Attendance in a Remote World

Timesheets, punch cards, time clocks… it’s one of the very fundamental HR monitoring duties— confirming that employees work the hours for which they are paid. In a COVID-19 affected world where teams are still working remotely, HR departments have been met with the unique challenge of accurately tracking employees’ hours. This is where our Workforce Automation system can make a huge difference. Having an automated system with a powerful mobile app allows your company to easily track your employee’s hours, no matter where they are. Plus, it makes it convenient and accessible for your employees.

Read on for ways utilizing our technology to automate Time & Attendance can save you time & money.

Improved Timekeeping/Absence Management

A fully-integrated HR attendance module can simply make timekeeping better. Timesheets are more accurate and reliable. Accidental errors are avoided, thus having the time and effort needed for corrections. This also ensures that paychecks are accurate, ensuring your company isn’t overpaying for hours not worked, and vice versa.

Scheduling is a Breeze

Nothing’s more frustrating than unintentionally overstaffing or having to fill a shift when there’s a last minute absence. Tracking in real time makes it easier for your company to forecast overstaffing and overtime, communicate quickly and efficiently with staff members, and minimizes the financial impacts of absenteeism.

Built-in Accountability 

Complicated issues can be reduced to minor levels, such as time theft and “buddy punching” (one employee clocking in on behalf of another). In turn, payroll errors and the cost associated with correcting them are reduced.

Compliance

With an automated system, paid time off calculations are much less subject to human error and compliance is virtually assured. Plus, you’re able to show your work—companies can easily pull reports that accurately show employee work records and PTO requests.

Data, Data & More Data

As with all HR software, once the data is in the system, it can be dissected in numerous ways. The first advantage of doing this with HR system attendance is that managers receive real-time alerts.  Better-informed decisions on workforce deployment can be made on the fly. Beyond basic scheduling benefits, data can be used in more strategic ways with analytics and reporting, giving manager’s insights into trends and patterns.

Remote Portals

We live in a time when physically “punching the clock” simply isn’t a relevant solution. For many organizations, online and mobile access to time and attendance is increasingly essential. This makes it easier for organizations to log on from remote workspaces to punch-in, punch-out, and see basic time and attendance data.

Increased Efficiency

Modern HR system attendance software goes far beyond the old school ways. With integrated data and analytics plus employee and manager self-service, this type of system can greatly enhance the day-to-day efficiency of your organization. This frees you up to focus on the important work of growing your business.

To learn more about CorpStrat’s time and labor management solution, please contact us: marketing@www.corpstrat.com

Learn more about Workforce Automation

Are you looking for a solution that can help your employees make better decisions, conduct faster enrollments, and make changes on the fly with 24/7 access? If your answer is ‘yes’, then it’s time to go paperless. Learn more

10 Ways to Promote Mental Health in Your Workplace

With 1 in 6.8 people experiencing mental health problems in the workplace, its never been more important to be proactive about mental health in the workplace. Promoting mental health increases productivity, stimulates morale, and reduces stress, making it an important step to improving your organization.

For those who don’t know where to start, here are 10 ways to improve mental health in your workplace:

1.    Discounts to Local Gyms

Offering discounts to local gyms encourages people to be active and socialize outside of work. Since exercise is known to increase endorphins and reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, giving a way as well as a cost incentive for employees to do so can lead to an overall improved mental health in the workplace.

2.    Onsite Yoga

Providing yoga classes for your employees during their breaks helps with fitness and mindfulness in the workplace. Through stretches and breathing exercises, yoga combats stress and improves your employees’ overall mental health. It promotes relaxation, which is a key component to a positive mental state.

3.    Deskercise

Implementing a “deskercise” routine employees can easily follow is another approach to encouraging mental health in the workplace. A routine that helps employees loosen up, stretch, and fix their posture at their desk is the perfect opportunity for employees to refresh and re-center their minds and bodies. Some simple deskercises include shoulder and spinal stretches and ankle rolls.

4.    Flexible Work Hours

As a flexible work hour policy is quickly becoming common, establishing policies that allow employees to work flexible hours or work from home one day a week will help increase productivity and work-life satisfaction. It reduces burnout and allows them to de-stress, fostering a healthier mental wellbeing.

5.    Continued Education Workshops

Providing continued education workshops is another way to nurture mental health in your workplace. In addition to increasing employee retention, allowing employees to improve their skills instills a sense of personal achievement, which will motivate them to be proactive both at work and in their personal life.

6.    Healthy Office Snacks

The workplace can breed bad eating habits, so supplying health office snacks encourages both physical and mental health. With such a strong link between what we eat and how we feel, having snacks that provide healthy energy for the brain—instead of sugary snacks—can go a long way in producing a positive impact on your employee’s mental health.

7.    Catered Lunch

Catering a lunch for your employees works both as an employee appreciation and mental health initiative. Catered lunches create a space where your employees can come together to eat and socialize. Having a nice break like this can break up the monotony of a workday and cultivate a positive outlook (and ultimately healthier mental wellbeing) among employees.

8.    Monthly Potluck

Having a monthly potluck, where everyone can contribute, gives employees the opportunity to interact and socialize. Enjoying an afternoon of food, socializing, and fun activities creates a shared positive experience that employees can bond over while also refreshing their outlook towards the workplace.

9.    Mindfulness Classes

Offering mindfulness and stress management classes reduces stress and fosters positive emotions. Since the way employees think and feel has a direct impact on productivity and communication, promoting these classes will help them become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, so they are better able to manage them for long-term mental wellness.

10. Wellness Day with Resources

Another employee recognition idea that benefits mental health, organizing a wellness day where employees can learn about mental health and wellness can create awareness within the workplace. Resources, such as health and depression screenings as well as outdoor fitness events, can create a foundation of knowledge and support for mental health in the workplace.

Before implementing any of these 10 wellness initiatives, we first recommend establishing a method of getting feedback. Surveying your employees to find out what is working and what is not will be extremely beneficial in improving your mental wellness programs and reducing the need for unnecessary costs.

Want to know how you can offer quality benefits that help employees become their best selves? Contact CorpStrat for more information on how we design and manage employee benefits at competitive rates.