Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 15, 2005
For more information, contact:
Candace Walters, 585-381-8340 x11

Employee benefits costs overwhelming? HR Works’ HR Boot Camp offers guidance

Four-workshop series for HR administrators also will address employment law, FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Comp

Looking for innovative ways to help control the soaring costs of providing employee benefits? Overwhelmed by the increasing demands and complexity facing HR administrators? Uncertain how new laws and recent court decisions governing employment may impact your company?

If you’re an HR administrator and sometimes struggle with these challenges, the newest addition to HR Works’ HR Boot Camp series may be for you.

“Three Keys to a Successful Benefits Program,” scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to noon on Sept. 7, will provide guidance and best practices for designing, communicating and implementing effective employee benefits plans. HR administrators of all experience levels are welcome.

“Small companies often commit nearly half of their employment budget to benefits,” says Kate Leunig, director of training and development at HR Works, Inc. “And, with research showing that effective communication of a benefits plan is at least as important to employee retention as the benefit package itself, companies are well-advised to devote particular attention to this effort.”

In “Three Keys to a Successful Benefits Program,” seasoned HR professionals will address industry trends in designing plans, including health and dental, paid time off and tax implications. HR Works’ veteran trainers will offer communications strategies regarding campaigns, open enrollment and benefits statements. The workshop also will focus on achieving administrative efficiencies, including self-service options.

The remaining sessions of the HR Boot camp series -- designed for human resource administrators of all experience levels –- will highlight employment-law basics, FLSA, FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Comp. The sessions will focus on legally correct information and will highlight new rules as well as proposed changes to existing laws.

New administrators will learn real-world best practices favored by progressive companies, Leunig says, and experienced administrators will refresh their skill sets.

HR Boot Camp sessions are scheduled for Wednesdays as follows:

• “Three Keys to a Successful Benefits Program,” Sept.7.



• “Wage and Hour Laws: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA),” Sept. 14.This comprehensive overview will offer guidelines on auditing exempt status and communicating with employees. It will address minimum wage, overtime compensation, working time, on-call time, travel time and meal time, docking pay, and unlawful deductions.



• “Employment Law Primer for HR Administrators,” Sept. 21. This workshop will examine key laws -- EEO, Title VII, ADEA, ADA, laws governing employment at will, discrimination and harassment, workplace privacy, and New York State Human Rights Law -- and explore how the demands of compliance affect an employer’s policies and procedures. The session also will cover employment at will, prohibited discrimination, harassment, workplace privacy, record-keeping and retention.



• “Understanding FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation,” Sept. 28. Participants in this workshop will learn how effectively managing these three laws can reduce benefits costs, control absenteeism and reduce discrimination claims. The session will address proper handling of medical information, documentation and recordkeeping and recent court decisions.

All sessions will be held from 8:30 to noon at HR Works’ second-floor conference room, 345 Woodcliff Drive, Fairport. The cost is $150 per person per session. Participants may attend any number of sessions, but attendance at all four is recommended for maximum benefit. Early signup is encouraged, as the sessions are expected to sell out quickly.



HR Works, Inc., is a human resource management outsourcing and consulting firm serving more than 600 clients throughout the Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Baltimore/Washington areas. HR Works provides full-time, part-time and interim HR managers; HR audits; legally reviewed employee handbooks and supervisor manuals; affirmative action programs; compensation programs; HR*Stars direct placement services; training; benefits consulting; and more. Reach HR Works at 585-381-8340 or www.hrworks-inc.com.

HR Works
345 Woodcliff Drive
Fairport, NY 14450
1-877-219-9062
(Toll Free)