Webinar is Open — Sponsor Showcase

Welcome and Employment Law Update

– Alex Halper, Director of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry

• An overview of labor and employment legislative issues before the state General Assembly and highlights from the federal level

The Future of HR and the Future of Work

– Maria Yaremchak, HR Consultant, Alternative HR

• Human Resource professionals have been on the forefront of so many changes over the last two years. The way we work has changed forever. Is the way HR used to run things dying? What is the new HR? What are the trends anticipated for the future of work in general? Our speaker will discuss such issues as the decentralizing of HR departments, HR professionals becoming “championship coaches” more than ever; the support employees need — whether working in the office, from home, or in hybrid settings; and the need for corporate sustainability as part of a company’s mission to attract and keep the younger workers.

Latest Update on Wellness Programs including Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Drug Testing

– Sarah Ivy, Shareholder, Saxton & Stump

• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs are one of the most important items companies can offer to their employees. Mental health issues, rapid increase of drug and alcohol abuse — all of these continue to plague companies. In addition, the whole arena of what you should and should not do with drug testing continues to evolve. We will discuss:
  • The minimum requirements all companies should follow for their drug and alcohol substance abuse programs
  • Warning signs that an employee may need mental health help — how do companies provide this (e.g., Mental Health specialist is part of your Workers’ Compensation panel of physicians)
  • With so many regulation changes over the last year, what is HR now legally allowed to do concerning drug testing
  • A review of the best practices companies should follow

Refreshment Break — Sponsor Showcase

Re-Imagining Your Employee Benefits Programs to Enhance the Work/Life Balance

– Sandra Holzgen, Chief Human Resource Officer, PSECU

– Brian Orsinger, Employee Benefits Practice Leader, McGriff Insurance Services

• The whole world of employee benefits programs has also changed dramatically. For the last two years, the #1 benefit employees are asking for is financial assistance, and this continues to be the frontrunner. In addition, other benefits such as pet insurance, legal aid, and elder care are all in top demand. An excellent way to retain your employees is to offer employee benefits packages that meet their needs. From two perspectives — one an insurance broker, one an HR practitioner — we will discuss:
  • What are the overall trends shaping employee benefits programs in today’s post-pandemic world
  • A brief review of the benefits packages’ companies should keep, such as medical
  • What are the benefits programs today’s employees are requesting, and how should companies adopt and shape these new programs to reflect the needs of their employees
  • Best practices for managing your employee benefits programs

Lunch- Sponsor Showcase

Red Flags to Watch in How Your Managers Treat Employees — Employment Management Strategies

– Marc Scheiner, Special Counsel, Duane Morris LLP

• The data is still the same. Employees leave bad managers, yet so few companies take care of the problem. Employees are more demanding in being treated well and will walk away in seconds. The costs to employers for keeping bad managers in place is huge; and trying to find and replace top employees who walk away is impossible. Companies then find themselves cutting back on products and services, in addition to low morale. We will discuss:
  • Protocols to follow for your leadership program to promote good managers; including the minimum legal requirements for training your managers
  • Legal steps to follow should you have a bad manager — to protect the company and stop the exodus of top employees
  • How to conduct a proper investigation of a manager that may be a problem — including reminding managers to not contact employees after work hours unless a true emergency — a few European countries, such as Portugal, now have laws about this.
  • Proven strategies to ensure employee engagement is working; what works to keep your employees

Closing Comments and Questions

– Alex Halper, Director of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry