Understanding Overtime Eligibility for Administrative Staff Article: June 2025 Can administrative support staff be salaried and exempt from overtime?  The short answer is - It depends on job duties, salary level, and increasingly, state-specific rules.  Under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees are classified as either exempt (not eligible for overtime) or non-exempt [...]

Navigating the New I-9 Landscape – Time For Businesses To Review Their Process Article: May 2025 Employers across the U.S. are adjusting to recent updates related to the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), specifically those impacting Form I-9 compliance. The I-9 remains a critical tool for verifying employment eligibility—but recent changes mean it's time [...]

Understanding the WARN Act Article: April 2025 The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a federal law that requires certain employers to provide 60 days' advance notice before a plant closing or mass layoff. This ensures employees have time to prepare, seek new jobs, or access retraining resources. Who Must Comply? Employers with [...]

Cultivating Positivity At Work Article: March 2025 Negativity in the workplace can spread like weeds, stifling productivity and morale.  But with care, it can be transformed into something vibrant—like a garden of petunias.  Here’s how to cultivate positivity at work. Recognize the Roots - Negativity often stems from unaddressed frustrations, miscommunication, or stress.  Instead of [...]

Navigating Recent Executive Orders with Clarity and Compliance Article: February 2025 Recent executive orders impacting the workplace have left many employers questioning their next steps.  With legal challenges, potential policy shifts, and uncertainty surrounding enforcement, it’s essential for businesses to stay the course, maintain compliance with current regulations, and communicate effectively with their teams. Here’s [...]

Social Media:  A Double-Edged Sword for Employers Article: January 2025 Social media can be a business’s best ally—or its biggest risk.  While it’s a powerful tool for engagement, it also carries legal pitfalls if misused in the workplace. A strong social media policy is your first line of defense.  It sets clear expectations for online [...]

Kickstart The New Year: Business Prep Essentials Article: December 2024 The Chamber’s new CHUMCAP (Chamber Human Capital) series is designed to help share important HR information and offer suggestions on where to get support. The Southington Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with experts in the field to help you protect your business and your [...]

Holiday Cheer: Best Practices for Workplace Festivities Article: November 2024 The Chamber’s new CHUMCAP (Chamber Human Capital) series is designed to help share important HR information and offer suggestions on where to get support. The Southington Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with experts in the field to help you protect your business and your [...]

Smart Hiring:  Key Essentials for Employers : Article: October 2024 Hiring in Connecticut requires more than finding the right qualifications. Employers must navigate key regulations and best practices to protect their business while attracting top talent. The Chamber’s new CHUMCAP (Chamber Human Capital) series is designed to help share important HR information and offer suggestions [...]

Managing Respectful Conversations in the Workplace:  Article: September 2024 One of a company’s most valuable assets is its employees. Having a properly updated employee manual is as important for your business as it is for those who work for you. It can help your company reduce risk and provide guidance for complying with applicable federal, [...]