Employment Resources

Does your employer require a background check during the hiring process or when deciding whether or not to renew employee contracts? If so, know your rights and nine facts about employment background checks.

1. Employers can request a variety of information. Your employment history, criminal record, education, financial history or social media usage is all fair game during employment interviews. Refusing to answer questions could prevent you from being hired.

2. Potential employers cannot request medical information during interviews. They may ask certain questions about your medical history after they hire you, though.

3. Most employers cannot request genetic information, including your family medical history. This information is private except in limited circumstances.

4. Employers may not discriminate against you based on your background, which includes your nationality, race, gender, religion, age, disability or medical history. Additionally, employers may not ask you different interview questions or fire you based on these factors.

5. Employers can hire someone to do background checks for them. In these cases, they must get your permission in writing first and must give you a copy of the report if information in it prevents them from hiring or retaining you.

6. You can contact a background reporting agency to correct mistakes and forward a corrected report to the employer.

7. You can refute negative information in a background report. For example, you can provide documentation to a potential employer that shows you can do a job despite a disability or criminal record.

8. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces background reports that are required for employment. Contact them at www.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357 if an employer obtains your background report but does not get your permission first.

9. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulates employment discrimination. Contact this agency at www.eeoc.gov or 800-669-4000 if your employer asks unauthorized questions or does not hire or retain you because of your age, gender, nationality, race, disability or medical history.

Now that you know 9 facts about background checks, you’re prepared for your next job interview or employment review. Use the information to protect yourself from unlawful background checks.

Lacks Enterprises decided in January 2014 to open two health care clinics for their 5,161 employees and dependents. One year later, the company reported a 35 percent decrease in employee payroll contributions. As important, employees are now more actively managing their health and well-being. This trend could benefit you, too.

The Lacks Enterprises Health Clinic Story

In 2012 and 2013, Lacks Enterprises discovered that its cost per employee was rising in large part to healthcare costs. The Grand Rapids, Michigan company decided to open two primary care clinics in an effort to cut costs and improve worker health.

The clinic met its goals and more. In 2014 alone, the Lacks Enterprises health clinic saw 680 patients and diagnosed 2,607 chronic conditions. The company also curbed rising healthcare costs and realized a decrease in absenteeism.

The Clinics See Results

Since opening the clinics, Lacks Enterprises has seen numerous benefits. Financial savings cover all costs associated with running the clinics, and the company and employees enjoy a simpler healthcare system.

Employees also benefit from the clinics.

• The 35 percent payroll deduction for healthcare costs is gone thanks to the clinics and HSA high deductible insurance plans that link wellness participation and HSA contributions.
• 52 percent of Lacks employees who use the clinics enjoy more holistic treatment options and more time with the doctor.
• Over 1500 patients received a preventative health assessment, and 41 percent of those patients returned for follow up.
• Up to 83 percent of the patients waited less than 10 minutes for their appointments.

Lacks Enterprises clinics are open Monday through Friday with some extended hours during the week. CareATC, an Oklahoma healthcare company, manages the clinics’ day-to-day operations and proudly uses data analytics and technology to identify employees with chronic conditions and improve the health of Lacks’ employees and their dependents. The company works with local network provider Priority Health and third-party administrators who handle outreach, specialty services and claims.

If your company could benefit from decreased healthcare costs and improved employee health, talk to your human resources manager. Employer-sponsored health clinics benefit everyone.

No one wants to think about what would happen if they contracted a critical illness like cancer or had a major heart attack. However, critical illnesses affect millions of people every day. Take several steps today as you prepare financially for a critical illness.

What are Critical Illnesses?

A short list of critical illnesses includes:

– Kidney failure
– Organ transplant (heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas)
– Brain tumor that requires surgery
– Multiple Sclerosis
– Severe burns
– Blindness
– Paralysis of two or more limbs
– Dismemberment of two or more limbs
– Stroke
– Heart attack
– Heart surgery
– Cancer

Understand the Financial Risks

A critical illness could cost you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. How will you pay for co-pays, childcare or loss of income? One study found that loss of income alone can exceed $50,000. These expenses could quickly wipe out your savings or tempt you to go into debt or borrow from your retirement plan. You need a feasible plan.

Access Your Cash Value Life Insurance Benefit

While life insurance doesn’t keep you healthy, a cash value policy can provide you with a little income when you become critically ill. Discuss the details with your insurance broker.

Boost Savings

A flexible spending or health savings account through your employer automatically saves money from every paycheck into a designated account. Those funds can cover non-reimbursed medical costs like deductibles, copays and medication.

You’ll also want to start an emergency fund. It pays for everyday expenses like transportation to the doctor’s office or child care.

Add Coverage to Your Mortgage Insurance

If you already have mortgage insurance, consider adding critical illness coverage to it. The extra protection can help you pay for expenses in the future.

Buy Critical Illness Insurance

This important coverage can pay for needed medical treatments. Ask your employer if it’s an option in your employee benefits package or purchase a policy from an independent agent.

Preparing for a critical illness should be a priority today. You can start saving in several ways. Which step will you take first?

A financial planner helps you invest, save and grow your money. Of course, you could do this job yourself and spend hours figuring out investment, the stock market and other financial issues, but most likely, you want to hire a professional. If so, do your research and use these tips to choose a financial planner you can trust.

Ask About Certification

A certified financial planner (CFP) is licensed and follows industry regulations. He or she also takes mandatory classes to stay updated on ethics issues and financial practices and products. Professional websites like the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and Garrett Planning Network help you find the right financial planner for your needs.

Consider the Payment Structure

Financial planners typically receive payment in one of two ways. They may earn a commission on the funds they manage or get paid a flat, hourly rate. If you choose a commission-based financial planner, make sure he or she gives you unbiased advice. Additionally, consider paying by the hour if your assets and needs are small right now.

Discuss Experience

While some financial planners work with anyone, others choose only clients who have significant assets. Certain financial planners may not be experienced with young adults or seniors, either. Discuss experience to make sure you and the financial planner you hire are compatible.

Run a Background Check

A basic Google search helps you hire a financial planner who is indeed reputable and qualified. It also verifies that candidates are not convicted of a crime and are not under investigation from regulatory agencies or industry groups.

Be Educated

Even after you hire a financial planner, stay on top of your financial portfolio. Read the monthly reports, double check statements and plan quarterly meetings with your financial planner as you stay educated about how your money is being saved and invested.

When you’re ready to hire a financial planner, you can make the best decision for you when you use this list and discuss your needs with your human resources manager at work. Protecting your money and your future could depend on this decision.

Every business owner is required to carry workers’ compensation for employees. They don’t, however, have to carry this coverage for independent contractors. Which are you? Understanding the rules can ensure you’re protected if you’re injured at work.

Are you an Independent Contractor or an Employee?

Before you can decide if you’re covered by an employer’s workers’ comp, you have to know if you’re considered an employee or an independent contractor.

Independent contractors:

– Control how and when the job is done and by whom
– Receive payment by the job
– Must pay their own taxes
– Provide all equipment necessary to complete the job
– May work for several companies simultaneously
– Are responsible to obtain any training
– Pay for licenses and other documents needed to work
– Can sue a business for work-related injuries that occur while on the job at their facility

Employees:

– Completes a job according to directions and method given by an employer
– Receive hourly or salaried wages
– Understand that taxes are taken out of their paychecks
– Complete jobs with equipment provided by the employer
– Typically works exclusively for one company
– Receive training from their employer
– Receive licenses and other work-related documents from employer
– Give up the right to sue the employer for injuries sustained while at work

What are the Consequences of not Carrying Adequate Workers’ Comp Coverage?

Employers may sometimes classify legitimate employees as independent contractors. They may be confused about the law or trying to get out of paying expensive workers’ comp insurance or extra taxes. However, disobeying the law can result in fines and penalties that could affect an employer’s ability to stay in business.

How do Independent Contractors Get Workers’ Comp?

Because they’re self-employed, independent contractors usually rely on their health insurance to pay for injuries that occur on the job. They can also purchase their own workers’ comp insurance policy and receive a Certificate of Insurance that proves they’re covered if they get hurt while on a job.

If you’re an employee, double check your workers’ compensation benefit. Make sure it’s current and that it covers you if you’re injured at work. If you’re an independent contractor, purchase workers’ comp coverage today. You can’t afford to be without it.

Have you used all your flexible paid time off (PTO) this year? In 2013, U.S. employees used only 84 percent of their PTO. Now’s a great time, though, to take a few extra days off. The weather’s warm, your kids are home and you’ll enjoy five benefits by taking PTO this summer.

1. Boost Your Productivity

If you think that working all summer will increase your productivity, think again. Your brain works better when it gets regular breaks. Combat mental blocks and burnout when you use your PTO for a much-needed and well-deserved day or two off.

2. Recharge Your Batteries

What would you do if you had a whole day to yourself? Sitting on the beach, hiking through the woods or visiting with a friend gives you a change of pace that helps your brain unwind and recharge. You’ll return to work rested and ready to tackle whatever project sits on your desk.

3. Improve Your Health

Are you putting off a medical procedure or exam because you didn’t want to take time off work? Prioritize your health and possibly save your life when you use your flexible days off to attend to medical procedures this summer.

4. Jumpstart Your Employability

Learning something new could be exactly the jumpstart your career needs. So take your PTO and attend a one-day leadership seminar or
sign up for a week-long course at a local college. You can even take off a few hours each week to attend online classes and prepare yourself for a brighter future.

5. Reduce Workplace Conflict

Sometimes, stress at work can cause conflict between you and coworkers or even customers. Take a break from the drama. The time away can give you perspective on the conflict and refreshes you so that you’re ready to get along.

This summer, use your flexible paid time off to take advantage of five personal and professional benefits. If your employer doesn’t offer flexible paid time off, ask your human resources manager to consider adding it to your benefits package. It’s important for you and your employer.

You usually have anywhere from 30 to 90 days to decide if this option is for you, and you can use it if you have at least $5,000 in your account. While this option is easy, especially if you have a good 401(k)plan, you may pay an extra fee to maintain the account, and you may not be able to access your funds for any reason until you retire.

Consolidating all your retirement money into one account makes keeping track of its performance easier for you. Check the plan’s investment options to make sure you have access to similar benefits and interests rates as your old plan offered.

An IRA gives you control of your retirement money. With it, you have the freedom and flexibility to choose any combination of investment stocks, bonds and mutual funds. IRAs often charge lower fees than 401(k) plans, too. You may owe taxes, though, if you move your 401(k) funds to an IRA. Ask your former employer to complete a direct transfer from the old 401(k) to your new IRA to avoid taxes.

When you cash out your old retirement account, you have cash to repay debt or go on vacation. Remember, though, that you’ll have to pay income taxes on the full amount. You’ll also owe an early-withdrawal penalty on the amount you withdraw if it is before your 55th birthday. Emptying your account also means you’ll have less money for retirement.

1. Quid pro quo harassment happens when someone rewards an employee for sexual favors. An example is the supervisor who promotes an employee who sleeps with her.

2. Hostile work environment harassment occurs when an employee feels intimidated, offended or uncomfortable at work. Sexual comments or treating one sex better than the other are two examples.