Granite Insurance Brokers

Many companies have relaxed their social media policies in recent years. For one, more companies want their workers to be active on social media, and it may even be part of their job description. Some studies have even found that employees who use social media outperform those who don’t. But sometimes employee social media usage gets out of hand—whether they’re using it at home or from their work computer. These situations can put companies in a prickly position, as they are forced to decide whether the social media blunder is severe enough to warrant termination.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a new version of and instructions for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. By September 18, 2017, ALL employers must use only the new version.

For more assistance on complying with the employment eligibility verification requirements Curated Compliance by Granite offers HR Phone Support for one low monthly cost, learn more here. Already a Granite VIP Client? Great, this service is available to you at no cost through Granite HR.

Last Friday, June 23, Granite Insurance Brokers participated in Pet Sitters International (PSI) 19th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day event and campaign, which encourages employers across the United States—and around the globe—to open their doors to employees’ dogs for one fun summer Friday each year to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote their adoptions.

Maybe you've never thought about the difference between being an employee and being an independent contractor (also called a "consultant"). In many respects, there seems to be no difference at all. Often, independent contractors and employees work side by side at the same company, even doing the same or similar work.

By law, California employers must provide a safe workplace. Failure to do so not only leads to steep penalties but also can threaten the life or health of your workers. So you ask yourself, “What can I do to keep things safe for my workers and also avoid the fines?” A critical step to avoiding safety hazards, employee injuries, and costly citations is conducting your own site safety inspections on a regular basis.

Are you ready to get the best of both worlds..amazing benefits administration technology (at no cost to you) with Granite HealthPro, powered by Maxwell Health, and trusted benefits expertise and compliance, auto-delivered with 2 or more employees enrolled in a group plan, all in one place? 

As an employer, providing workers with a safe and healthy workplace is critical to the wellbeing of your employees and the success of your business – but it is also the law.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently released a new version of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. Employers are required to start using the new form by January 21, 2017. The penalties for non-compliance have dramatically increased as well, making it critical that employers become familiar with the new form and make sure that they are I-9 compliant.

Does your company have protocols for dealing with workplace violence and do you know what the plan is for handling disgruntled customers or coworkers? Are you prepared?

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a set of Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs to help employers establish a methodical approach to improving safety and health in their workplaces. Highlights of the recommendations are presented below.