Don’t Let the Fair Credit Reporting Act Catch You Unprepared!

Periodically, we issue article updates on the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the legislation enacted to promote accuracy, fairness and privacy for consumer information stored and used by consumer reporting agencies. Hiring organizations need to be aware of FCRA regulations, because in some instances they can be held liable if their reporting agency violates them. […]

Study Finds Minimum Wage Increase a Mixed Bag

For business owners in industries whose profit – or even viability – relies on filling positions with minimum wage workers, the possibility of a $15 an hour minimum wage is worrisome. Business leaders, or anyone concerned with the impact of a higher minimum wage, should take a look at a recent report by the Congressional […]

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Are You Leading the Way?

It’s been 55 years since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 13 years since the #MeToo movement started. Companies from Sephora to Starbucks are making assertive efforts to expand their support for “workplace diversity” — not only through training, policies and procedures but also by ingraining it into corporate cultures. Increasingly, […]

The Heat Is Coming – Are You and Your Workers Prepared?

The weather may have been cooler than normal for much of the spring, but that doesn’t mean it will last. This summer, the outlook for Atlanta and surrounding areas predicts above average temperatures – with especially warm weather in June.  That’s not good, because hot weather can be dangerous – especially if it is muggy. […]

Cannabis in the Workplace – It’s Decision-Making Time

With cannabis (“pot”) having been decriminalized or legalized in more than 30 states—in many cases for recreational, personal use—employers are struggling with how to approach the issue. Cannabis has been touted as a medicinal aid for many conditions, from PTSD to Crohn’s disease, nausea, cancer, multiple sclerosis and more. Yet, cannabis can alter worker reaction […]

Working with Sick Employees—What Are Your Rights—and Theirs?

With flu season peaking this month, you may be wondering what rights you have to control the workplace and its culture when employees might be sick. Do you encourage employees to go home when they are coughing and sneezing—even if they don’t want to? Do you intervene if your employees “sick shame” their peers, or […]

Social Media Is Putting People and Companies at Risk. Is Your Position Clear?

As the bad news grows regarding Facebook’s imprudent treatment of user information, you may be wondering if privacy violations are endangering your company or its personnel. At Marathon, we believe it is certainly possible. We recommend prudence as the best course of action. All organizations should have a clearly defined social media “posture” supported by […]

Sexual Harassment Training: More Important than Ever

With famous individuals continuing to fall like dominoes as allegations of sexual misconduct or harassment continue, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is stepping up enforcement. In FY 2018, the EEOC recovered nearly $70 million for sexual harassment victims, compared with $47.5 million in FY 2017. As a result, all business owners should be evaluating […]

Year-End “Punch List” Items – Are You on Track?

The end of any year is always challenging, between juggling personnel holiday vacation schedules, preparing year-end paperwork, and making adjustments for the upcoming year. From Affordable Care Act compliance and reporting to adjusting compensation strategies, there is no shortage of things to do. In case you are overloaded or running behind this year, here’s a […]

Compliance Tips for 2019

As we head toward the new year, following are some considerations for compliance in various areas. Staying on top of these will help keep your firm out of trouble while minimizing expenses and payroll. Payroll compliance is often more about correct interpretation of the law than math. If you are having trouble discerning between employees and […]