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HR Knowledge Inc. Advises Small Business Owners to Brush Up on the Law

Jeffrey Garr

Employees today are well aware of their rights in the workplace. As a small business owner, are you aware of their rights? HR Knowledge, Inc., providers of integrated HR, payroll and benefits services serving organizations throughout the Northeast with offices located in the Boston metro area, advises small businesses of the importance of knowing employee rights and offers three tips for getting “in the know”.

According to Jeffrey C. Garr, CEO of HR Knowledge Inc., “Employers are not always knowledgeable of their employees’ rights. We find this to be more common in small business. As a matter of fact I just learned of an employer that requires their employees sign an agreement at hire that they cannot take a lunch break or coffee break at any time during the day. They must work their full eight hours daily without any breaks. This is in clear violation of the law, namely that those employees are allowed a minimum of two 10 minute breaks every four hours worked. ”

He continued,”Most employers are good employers; it is the few that treat their employees terribly that affect the rest of us. Nonetheless laws are laws.”

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is the state’s Chief Civil Rights Agency. Essentially, this government body ensures that all businesses within the State of MA are compliant in their employment of employees. Any employee who feels they have been discriminated against may file a “Charge” or a “Complaint” against that employer at MCAD. Most all complaints must be filed within 300 days of the alleged infraction.

Unfortunately, what small business owners don’t know can hurt them when it comes to employment laws and regulations. Ignorance is not bliss nor is it accepted as an excuse when in violation of the law. If you are caught not following process/procedure/law it can be costly. It is imperative to have the proper “blocking and tackling” in place as an employer to prevent frivolous lawsuits from occurring.

There are attorneys who would be thrilled to take on a case where employee rights have been violated. They take the case on “contingency” which means the employee has legal representation at no cost to them. The attorney is confident enough in the case that he/she will represent the employee on a percentage of the settlement. The employer has to pay for their own legal representation, which can cost thousands of dollars and settlements can be in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Garr offers 3 key tips to small business owners:

Obtain proper training. Business owners and any staff that supervises employees should be enrolled in an HR training program. The program should teach key components of effective management of employees and employee rights.

Obtain an HR Audit for your small business. A complete and thorough HR Audit will identify where an employer is not compliant or is at risk. This audit should review your employee handbook, process, procedures for hiring, firing, interviewing, reviews, job descriptions and much more.

Consider Employment Practice Liability Insurance. This is the only liability insurance that will protect an employer from lawsuits in the workplace as discussed in this article. Without this insurance the employer stands alone in claims made against them.

About HR Knowledge, Inc.

HR Knowledge, Inc. is a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast. HR Knowledge has the experience and technology to efficiently provide best-in-class integrated HR services at an affordable cost to clients. HR Knowledge’s leaders have more than 100 years of combined experience and provide expert guidance in Human Resource management, Group Benefits Brokerage, Payroll Processing & Managed Services, Financial Services and Recruiting and Hiring Process Management (HPM). Through their comprehensive Human Resource Services, HR Knowledge helps organizations minimize operational risks, reduce administrative costs and better serve their people.

HR Knowledge has been recognized as a Gold Level Broker by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare. The company is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 890 Winter Street, Suite 208 in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at www.hrknowledge.com

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Jeff Garr CEO of HR Knowledge featured on MO.com

‎”Starting a business is no easy task, and once started the next 3-5 years will test you like you have never been tested in business” – Jeff Garr. Read his interview at MO.com http://www.mo.com/jeffrey-c-garr-hr-knowledge-inc

Jeff Garr, CEO

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HR Knowledge Inc. Shares 7 Key Points for Building A Strong Sales Team

Jeff Garr, CEO
Compensating your sales people correctly can be a great challenge to the average business manager or owner. If you don’t compensate correctly or adequately, sales production may suffer, which will directly affect business growth and profit. If you do incentivize sales staff correctly but pay them too much, it could create future problems related to growth and or profitability of your business.

HR Knowledge, Inc., a leading human resources Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the East Coast with offices in Mansfield and Waltham, shares their “7 Key Points for Building a Strong Sales Team”:

1. Consider a Compensation Model prior to targeting and hiring sales people. It helps to have a good understanding of what makes some people “tick”, yet not others. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs states that there are a number of aspects that generate needs for any person, some of which may be of more interest to one person and less interest to another. Once you understand which aspect(s) motivate people, you can create a better environment to help create greater success.
2. Hire the right team of sales people. Before hiring, understand the type of sales person you need and then target them. Are you looking for an “order taker”? This is a person who can call on existing accounts and build great relationship with the client. Are you looking for a sales person who can “make it rain”? This person has the ability to create and generate business. If they are able to “find” business then they are the “hunter”. Understand what type of sales person you need and then target them in recruiting.
3. Adhere to the “Three A’s” when hiring. Once you understand the type of sales person you are looking for, remember the “Three A’s” when hiring for a sales position in your company. The first and most important “A” is Attitude. The right attitude is everything when hiring people. If they have the right attitude they will go through the wall for you to close business and follow the direction of the company. The second “A” is Aptitude. Ask yourself if s/he has the aptitude for the position of the company. Webster Dictionary defines aptitude as “capability; ability; innate or acquired capacity for something; talent”. The final “A” is Altitude, meaning, how high can they go? How high do you need them to go? Will they plateau at a certain point and coast?
4. Beware of complacency. The next concern when hiring sales people and thus managing them is complacency. Most sales people will reach a point of complacency and then coast in the job. Less work and more play becomes their mantra. The key challenge for management is to do all you can do to prevent complacency by your sales people. Most people become satisfied (and have obtained fulfillment of Maslow’s higher level emotional needs) once they attain job satisfaction or reach a particular level of income or status. With sales people, the challenge is to prevent this from happening.
5. Utilize your Compensation Model. It is vital to keep sales people motivated and “in the game”. From a managerial standpoint, it is far easier to compensate sales people and steer them in the direction the company wants them to go than it is to create compensation models to drive operations people, where you have to rely on coaching and management techniques. Sales people are experts in understanding compensation models and how they can maximize their income in the quickest time frame. They are usually very highly motivated and understand how the game works. This being the case, it is imperative to find a compensation model to drive the sales team to do what you want them to do.
6. Understand what your company’s objectives are and then create the compensation model to attain those objectives. For example, if your interest is to expand and grow your client base, then the compensation model needs to reward your sales team for new business and retention. You can create additional incentives to ensure that a large portion of their pay will be derived from new business acquisition. If it is imperative that your sales team be involved in the retention of clients, then you need to find a compensation model which will reward them for retaining and maintaining great relationships with clients. If they lose clientele, you must ensure that this will affect their compensation. This is a delicate area because if your operations team is not equally committed to retaining clients and the service or product you are delivering is not up to standard, then the sales team has no chance to retain the business no matter how great their relationship is with that client.
7. Do all that you can to ensure that the product or service you deliver is “remarkable!” Make sure that your company is setting the tone and the barometer in the marketplace for what you do. This will allow your sales people to confidently and comfortably sell your product or service. Without this, no sales person of any quality can survive and thrive in today’s business environment. Make sure that your operations team are as committed and passionate about clients as your sales team.
For more information about compensation, HR and or benefits contact Jeff Garr, CEO at HR Knowledge or 508-339-1300.
About HR Knowledge, Inc.
HR Knowledge, Inc. is a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the East Coast. HR Knowledge has the experience and technology to efficiently provide best-in-class integrated HR services at an affordable cost to clients.

HR Knowledge’s leaders have more than 100 years of combined experience and provide expert guidance in Human Resource management, Group Benefits Brokerage, Payroll Processing & Managed Services, Financial Services and Recruiting and Hiring Process Management (HPM).
Through their comprehensive Human Resource Services, HR Knowledge helps organizations minimize operational risks, reduce administrative costs and better serve their people.

HR Knowledge has been recognized as a Gold Level Broker by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare. The company is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 890 Winter Street, Suite 208 in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at www.hrknowledge.com

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HR Knowledge Adds 35th Charter School Client

HR Knowledge, Inc., providers of best-in-class integrated human resource services to clients throughout the Northeast, has recently announced the addition of their 35th charter school client.

Less than a year ago, HR Knowledge incorporated a Charter School Division to cater specifically to the human resources needs of charter schools. Their charter school clientele has grown to 35.

As an HR Business Process Outsourcer (BPO), HR Knowledge helps charter schools manage the necessary but time-consuming HR administrative tasks and provides state-of-the-art payroll processing solutions and “Best in Class” health and welfare benefits. By outsourcing these HR services, charter schools can realize a cost savings of up to 60 percent over those who maintain in-house HR staff and administration. In addition to these cost savings, HR Knowledge can negotiate the best price on healthcare plans for charter school providers.

According Kenneth Bettenhauser, co-founder and the President of Brokerage Services at HR Knowledge, “The challenges faced by public education have promoted the growth of alternative learning environments. The charter school industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation. We are very sensitive to their human resources needs and have developed a specific program which addresses their particular requirements.”

In addition to a number of charter school clients in the Northeast, HR Knowledge has worked with charter schools in New York, Washington D.C. and Ohio.

For additional information about HR Knowledge’s Charter School Division, contact Ken Bettenhauser at (508) 339-1300.

About HR Knowledge, Inc.

HR Knowledge, Inc. is a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast. HR Knowledge has the experience and technology to efficiently provide best-in-class integrated HR services at an affordable cost to clients.

HR Knowledge’s leaders have more than 100 years of combined experience and provide expert guidance in Human Resource management, Group Benefits Brokerage, Payroll Processing & Managed Services, Financial Services and Recruiting and Hiring Process Management (HPM).

Through their comprehensive Human Resource Services, HR Knowledge helps organizations minimize operational risks, reduce administrative costs and better serve their people.

HR Knowledge has been recognized as a Gold Level Broker by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare. The company is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 890 Winter Street, Suite 208 in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at www.hrknowledge.com

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HR Knowledge Inc. Offers Sexual Harassment Prevention Training and Tips

HR Knowledge, Inc., a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast with offices in Mansfield and Waltham, recently announced that they provide training on sexual harassment prevention in the workplace. Companies are required by Federal Law to have a Sexual Harassment Policy in place, and annual training of all of a company’s employees provides greater understanding of the policy while reinforcing it.

HR Knowledge has outlined the steps required and suggested to prevent Sexual Harassment in the workplace:

1. Maintain an Employee Guideline that includes a Sexual Harassment Policy.

2. In the Guidelines there should be key elements which include investigation if necessary and non-retaliation, as retaliation can put the company in a greater risk position than they were with the alleged original offense.

3. Ensure that all employees sign off on and accept/receive the Employee Guidelines which should include the Sexual Harassment Policy. Keep this signature page in a safe and secure place.

4. Annual Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for the employees at your company. The training should mention and review the do’s and don’ts for Sexual Harassment and what could be construed as Sexual Harassment. The purpose is to create and maintain a positive and healthy work environment for all employees.

5. Once the training is completed please have each employee sign off that they did attend the training and keep this on file.

6. Finally, HR Knowledge recommends purchasing an insurance policy called EPLI (employment practice liability insurance). This insurance will protect the company from claims made against the company for Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination, Discrimination in the workplace and other type of employment related practices. Without this insurance, companies will have to pay for their own attorney and pay for any claims awarded for an employment practice lawsuit. This insurance should protect you from employment practice lawsuits. (Note: HR Knowledge is not property and casualty insurers. Please consult an insurance agent for more information on EPLI Insurance.)

According to Jeff Garr, CEO of HR Knowledge, “Sexual Harassment claims and awards can amount to a great deal of money, so prevention and education are vital in protecting the company, it’s managers and ownership. HR Knowledge provides this sort of training for organizations on an annual basis.”

Garr has spoken on a wide variety of HR topics ranging from employment issues to social media policies and sexual harassment prevention. He is available for speaking engagements.

To arrange a speaking engagement with Jeff Garr, contact (508) 339-1300.

About HR Knowledge, Inc.
HR Knowledge, Inc. is a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast. HR Knowledge has the experience and technology to efficiently provide best-in-class integrated HR services at an affordable cost to clients.

HR Knowledge’s leaders have more than 100 years of combined experience and provide expert guidance in Human Resource management, Group Benefits Brokerage, Payroll Processing & Managed Services, Financial Services and Recruiting and Hiring Process Management (HPM).
Through their comprehensive Human Resource Services, HR Knowledge helps organizations minimize operational risks, reduce administrative costs and better serve their people.

HR Knowledge has been recognized as a Gold Level Broker by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare. The company is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 890 Winter Street, Suite 208 in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at www.hrknowledge.com

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HR Knowledge CEO to appear on MYOB Radio Show Sunday

Jeff Garr, CEO of HR Knowledge will be appearing on the “Mind your Own Business” Radio Show this week. The show provides advice, information and connections for entrepreneurs, service providers and established companies. Tune into MYOB this Sunday between 9-11 AM to hear his segment.

Local Stations:

WBNW 1120 AM – Needham, MA
WPLM 1390 AM – Plymouth, MA
WESO 970 AM – Southbridge, MA

or stream online @ MYOBTheRadioShow.com

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HR Knowledge Opens Second Location in Waltham

HR Knowledge, Inc. of Mansfield, providers of best-in-class integrated human resource services to clients throughout the Northeast, has recently opened a second office in Waltham Woods Corporate Center, located at 890 Winter Street in Waltham, MA. The telephone number is 508-339-1300.

HR Knowledge has been providing comprehensive HR management, Payroll Processing, Managed Services, Group Benefits, Financial Services, Recruiting and Hiring services to businesses for more than a decade. The firm has experienced significant growth the past two years which has led to the need for additional space. HR Knowledge’s staff has grown to a total of 25 and the company is in the process of recruiting additional staff.

“The new space enables us to better cater to our clients on the 128 corridor and positions us for continued future growth,” noted Jeff Garr, CEO of HR Knowledge.

About HR Knowledge, Inc.

HR Knowledge, Inc. is a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast. HR Knowledge has the experience and technology to efficiently provide best-in-class integrated HR services at an affordable cost to clients.

HR Knowledge’s leaders have more than 100 years of combined experience and provide expert guidance in Human Resource management, Group Benefits Brokerage, Payroll Processing & Managed Services, Financial Services and Recruiting and Hiring Process Management (HPM).

Through their comprehensive Human Resource Services, HR Knowledge helps organizations minimize operational risks, reduce administrative costs and better serve their people.

HR Knowledge is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 890 Winter Street in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at hrknowledge.com.

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HR Knowledge adds Charter School Division – read more in New England Business Bulletin

Mansfield HR business adds charter school division.

Mansfield-based HR Knowledge Inc. recently announced a new division to specifically cater to the human resource needs of charter schools. The division, to be led by Kenneth Bettenhauser, co-founder and president of brokerage services, will serve a fast-growing client base in the Northeast, the company said.

Read full article in New England Business Bulletin: http://bit.ly/fKEF75

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HR Knowledge Rolls Out New Charter School Division

Ken Bettenhauser

HR Knowledge, Inc., providers of best-in-class integrated human resource services to clients throughout the Northeast, has recently announced a new Charter School Division to specifically cater to the human resource needs of charter schools.

HR Knowledge’s new division and dedicated staff will serve a fast growing charter school client base in the Northeast. HR Knowledge is an HR Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) that provides HR management, Payroll Processing, Managed Services, Group Benefits, Financial Services, Recruiting and Hiring services. The company helps manage the necessary but time-consuming HR administrative tasks; provides state-of-the-art payroll processing solutions as well as “Best in Class” health and welfare benefits, which allows charter school administrators and staff to stay focused on their business – providing the highest quality of education to children.

The division will be led by Kenneth Bettenhauser, one of the co-founders and the President of Brokerage Services at HR Knowledge.

According to Bettenhauser, “The challenges faced by public education have promoted the growth of alternative learning environments. The charter school industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation and because we provide HR services to many of the charter schools in the Northeast, we’ve also experienced significant growth. We are very sensitive to their needs and have developed a specific program which addresses their particular requirements.”

HR Knowledge currently serves over 25 Charter Schools, including: The MATCH School of Boston; Mystic Valley Regional Charter Public School in Malden, MA; City on a Hill Charter Public School in Roxbury, MA; Seven Hills Charter Public School in Worcester, MA; South Shore Charter Public School in Norwell, MA and a number of other charter schools in the Northeast. HR Knowledge has also worked with charter schools in New York, Washington D.C. and Ohio.

More than 75 charter school administrators and staff were in attendance at HR Knowledge’s recent “Navigating a New Course – Celebrating Charter School Excellence” luncheon event which featured a private screening of “Waiting for Superman” movie at the West Newton Cinema. The film is a documentary that analyzes the challenges facing public education starring renowned Education Reformer Geoffrey Canada.

For additional information about HR Knowledge’s Charter School Division, contact Ken Bettenhauser at (508) 339-1300.

More About Charter Schools

In Massachusetts, charter schools are independent public schools that operate under five year charters granted by the Commonwealth’s Board of Education. In New York, charter schools are independent and autonomous and approved by the State University of New York. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Education, charter schools are self-managed public schools that are approved by local school districts. For more general information about charter schools across the nation, visit uscharterschools.org.

About HR Knowledge, Inc.

HR Knowledge, Inc. is a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast. HR Knowledge has the experience and technology to efficiently provide best-in-class integrated HR services at an affordable cost to clients. HR Knowledge’s leaders have more than 100 years of combined experience and provide expert guidance in Human Resource management, Group Benefits Brokerage, Payroll Processing & Managed Services, Financial Services and Recruiting and Hiring Process Management (HPM).  Through their comprehensive Human Resource Services, HR Knowledge helps organizations minimize operational risks, reduce administrative costs and better serve their people.

HR Knowledge is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 45 First Avenue in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at hrknowledge.com.

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