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Lever1’s Guide to Proposition A: What Missouri Employers Need to Know

ATTENTION MISSOURI EMPLOYERS Missouri voters recently passed Proposition A which affects Missouri employers across the state.  Proposition A contained two different provisions that will become effective on January 1, 2025.  The first of those provisions creates a stepped minimum wage increase.  The second provision requires that employees are provided paid sick leave to be used throughout the year.  These new laws are nuanced and contain multiple different deadlines.  Lever1 is here to help you to navigate these changes and ensure compliance. Minium Wage Increases The first provision of Proposition A amends the Missouri Minimum Wage law to provide for annual […]

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Top 5 Human Resource Nightmares for Business Owners 

Remember when you were a kid, and you had nightmares about what monster was hiding under your bed or in your closet? Well, now as business owners the nightmares aren’t so far-fetched and include a lot more paperwork. We’re no stranger to working with business owners to overcome the hurdles that get in the way of running their business, in fact, it’s why we exist. We’ve outlined the Top 5 HR Nightmares for Business Owners and steps you can take to erase some of those fears.     The Missing or Outdated Employee Manual An employee manual is more than […]

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Bridging the Generational Gap in the Workplace – Are We Really that Different?

Generational differences in the workplace continue to become increasingly prominent as the workforce diversifies. Your coworker might not only miss the punchline of your jokes or references, but these differences can significantly impact in the workplace, from communication styles to work ethics. While these differences may be challenging, it also creates an opportunity for growth and collaboration. By embracing differences and meeting each other in the middle, companies can cultivate an efficient and inclusive culture for all employees.   Generations in Workplace  The current workforce is made up of five generations: The Silent Generation (1928-1944), Baby Boomers (1945-1964), Gen X (1965-1980), […]

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Outsourcing: A Smart Solution in a Down Year

In times of economic uncertainty, business owners face an increasing number of tough decisions such as budget cuts and staff reductions. There is no better time to partner with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), such as Lever1, as an effective strategy to sustain profitability. As a business owner, your initial reaction may be to make cuts and bring services back in house; however, this is not an efficient solution. Now more than ever, business owners must focus on driving topline income while strategically outsourcing several bottom-line expenses. This innovative approach allows your business to build momentum to move forward, rather […]

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De-escalating Desk Drama: How to Deal with Workplace Conflict

As the great cast of High School Musical once said, “we’re all in this together” and that rings true when it comes to conflict in the workplace. Conflict in the workplace is an inevitable part of any organization and when individuals with diverse perspectives, personalities, and goals collaborate, disagreements are bound to arise. While conflict can be disruptive, it can also serve as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and improved communication—if managed effectively. Understanding the nature of workplace conflict and utilizing tools like emotional intelligence, accountability, and expert HR support can turn potential chaos into constructive outcomes.  Understanding Workplace Conflict  […]

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4 Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Discrimination Claims

Each year, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) releases an annual report detailing the number of charges received the prior fiscal year. Post-pandemic, each year has seen an increase in the quantity of charges.  The EEOC received over 81,000 new discrimination charges in 2023; over a 10% increase from 2022. Additionally, the latest annual report shows the agency secured over $665 million to resolve discrimination cases in 2023, which was almost a 30% increase from 2022.  How can employers avoid becoming part of these statistics?  Employers must be aware of potential risk and ensure that they’re cognizant of the optics […]

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Your Guide to Mastering the Performance Review

Say goodbye to the one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to employee performance reviews. Our VP of Human Resources, Shannon Taylor, dives into how addressing the unique needs and contributions of your team can drive employee engagement and development

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FTC Non-Compete Ban: What You Need to Know

In a significant move to promote competition and empower workers, the federal government has taken a decisive step by implementing a ban on non-compete agreements. This development marks a pivotal moment in employment law, with far-reaching implications for employers and employees.   Understanding the Ban: The federal government’s decision to ban non-compete agreements marks a significant shift in employment law, aimed at promoting fairness, competition, and mobility in the labor market. This ban has direct implications for employers like you and your valued employees.  The regulation, which the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially approved on April 23, and slated to […]

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Ready or Not: DOL Proposes Change to Salary Exemption Requirements

Toward the end of 2023, The U.S. Department of Labor announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to increase the threshold minimum annual salary requirements for exempt employees and “highly compensated employees” under the FLSA’s overtime pay requirements. Under the current rules, an employee must meet the minimum salary requirements of $684 per week or $35,568 annually for that employee to be exempt from the FLSA overtime rules. The new rule would increase this threshold to $1,059 per week, or $55,068 annually. The rule would also change the annual salary requirements for employees who are considered “highly compensated employees.”   Under the […]

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CDC Changes COVID Isolation Rule – Why Do I Care?

On March 1, 2024, the CDC said it would no longer require a 5-day isolation period for individuals testing positive for COVID-19. This guidance is contained in “Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.” The new CDC guidance applies to individuals experiencing “respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t better explained by another cause,” including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others. In such cases, the guidance provides that individuals can resume normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true: The individual’s symptoms are getting better overall, and The individual has not […]

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