Author: Renee West

Article
New Legislation Protects Pregnant Workers
The Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a new law (signed by President Biden on December 29, 2022, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023) which goes into effect June 27, 2023. PWFA aims to protect pregnant workers from discrimination and ensure that they receive reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Blog
Healthy Headspace in the Workplace
Employers are in the driver’s seat when it comes to implementing mental wellness strategies in the workplace and offering a preventative approach to employees’ mental health.

Article
Retaining Top Talent: Think Beyond “Show Me the Money!”
Since 2021, many companies have had to pay higher salaries or wages to get new employees in the door and fill the gaps for labor shortages across the nation.

Article
Hiring and Compensation Strategies into 2023
As we look ahead to 2023, hiring compensation strategies will remain a key issue as organizations grapple with talent. If you haven’t evaluated your strategies and practices related to all things “people” lately, now is the time.

Article
Confronting The National Labor Shortage
We’ve all seen the recent unemployment numbers and heard employment projections from top officials. The struggle to identify, hire, and retain employees at all levels of the organization is very, very real, and it’s causing major issues for businesses. The labor shortage is not isolated to the State of Ohio – it’s happening everywhere and it’s affecting companies across all industries.

Article
Vaccine Mandate Blocked By U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the mandate requiring employees at large businesses to be vaccinated against COVID-19

Article
Strategic Workforce Planning Can Fuel Your Recruiting Success
With attitudes and priorities toward employment evolving in the wake of COVID-19, recruiting and hiring practices need to change in response to an exceedingly tight labor market. The unprecedented labor shortage promises to continue into 2022, so employers must engage in strategic workforce planning to fill their recruiting pipelines.

Events
HR Compliance & Insurance Benefit Perspectives: What Employers Should Be Aware Of As New Cases Emerge
Guidelines for employees are constantly changing but it’s important that businesses stay on top of mandates and regulations. What risks should organizations be informed about? Is your organization able to have varied insurance premiums for vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated employees? Join Rea & Associates and Huntington Insurance for a deep dive into best practices for exposures, … Continued

Blog
The Widespread Struggle to Find, Retain Talent
Many businesses are struggling to find and retain talent within their organizations. Understanding what employees want, and taking stock of your own recruiting strategies, can help keep your business positioned as an employer of choice.

Blog
Confronting The National Labor Shortage
When it comes to hiring and retaining employees, you have to first know what they are looking for. Spoiler alert: money isn't everything!

Events
COVID Crisis 2.0
Wondering how COVID 2.0 will impact your business? This webinar is one to watch!

Blog
HR Solutions For Every Size & Budget
Wondering how outsourced HR solutions can help you grow your business? Read on!

Events
How To Hire More Employees & Keep Them Happy
Finding and keeping the right employees is not easy. This webinar will help you navigate the talent search.

Events
Navigating The COVID-19 Vaccine In The Workplace
Is it legal to require your employees to receive the COVID vaccine as a condition of their employment? HR/legal professionals weigh in.

Events
New Year, New HR Compliance Considerations
How will your HR policies and procedures change in 2021? Register for this webinar to find out.
Dec 16, 2020

Podcast
Episode 263: HR Laws & Regulations: What Should I Be Telling My Employees?
FFCRA Updates For Employers There is so much change happening in the world of HR and safety guidelines every day. It can be a struggle keeping up with everything. Luckily, we have experts like Renee West, Senior Manager and Lead HR Consultant at Rea & Associates, keeping tabs on everything for us. She tells us … Continued

Events
Next Steps In COVID-19 Protocols & Compliance
These updated HR protocols and compliance strategies will help you manage your business as COVID-19 continues to spike throughout the state.

Blog
3 Signs Your Company Needs An HR Consultant
Human resource mistakes are easy to make and can prove costly.

Events
What Is Life After Coronavirus? Updated HR Policies And Guide To Employees Contracting COVID-19
Learn how you can manage your business or organization after and employee tests positive for COVID-19.
Sep 1, 2020

Podcast
Episode 248: Best Practices For Employee Retention In Your Organization: COVID-19 Edition
Come and get 'em! Employee retention best practices are here to help you through the coronavirus crisis.

Events
Shifting The Business Infrastructure: HR Resources & Hot Topics To Keep Your Organization Compliant
Register for this free webinar to learn about top HR topics and policies all businesses need to keep on their radar during our "new normal."

Blog
Should Businesses Quarantine Employees Who Have Traveled Out Of State?
Wondering whether your business should require employees who have been to "high-risk" COVID-19 states to self-quarantine? Read more...

Blog
Supreme Court Issues Ruling On LGBT Rights
The U.S. Supreme Court has made Title VII a federal mandate. Find out what this means to you and your employee handbook.

Events
What Is Life After Coronavirus? Next Steps For ReStart Ohio And Workplace Safety Compliance
Learn more about your responsibilities under the ReStart Ohio plan and how to comply with new workplace protocols.

Events
What Is Life After Coronavirus? HR Scenarios and Common Questions
Discover stories from the front lines of the company HR department and how you can address common questions moving forward.

Events
What Is Life After Coronavirus? Understanding Legal Liabilities and Employment Regulations
Kim and Jacob, attorneys with Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston, break down the legal liabilities and employment regulations that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

Events
What Is Life After Coronavirus? REGULATION UPDATES: Understanding Employer Compliance And Safety
The COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve. Our HR Compliance team addresses new safety regulations to keep your business running.

Events
What Is Life After Coronavirus? Understanding Employer Compliance And Safety
Looking for insight to help you manage your organization during the COVID-19 crisis? This webinar will point you in the right direction.

Blog
I-9 Changes Take Effect May 1, 2020
Employment rules and regulations are under close scrutiny here in the U.S., particularly when it relates to I-9 compliance. Therefore, as an employer, it's incredibly important to stay on top of these changes and to ensure that your organization continues to comply with all government mandates.


Blog
Motivate Employees with Effective Performance Appraisals
Looking for more ways to retain your top talent? Take a closer look at your employee performance appraisal process.

Blog
Build A Strong Organization With An Interview Plan
Before you interview for your next job opening, check out this article for some tips to help you find the best candidate for the position.

Blog
Are You Failing Your New Employees?
Do you have a new employee who is slow to catch on? This article might help you decide whether to stick it out or cut your losses.

Blog
Making A Great Catch
Got a job opening? Being down even one person can hurt your productivity. But don't let your sense of urgency cause you to make a hasty, regrettable hire.

Blog
Are Job Descriptions Becoming Obsolete?
The written statements outlining the qualifications, duties and responsibilities of an available position no longer carry the weight they once did. Keep reading to find out why.

Blog
Artificial Intelligence Streamlines Diversity Recruitment Strategies
Human resources professionals are starting to put significant emphasis on diversity recruitment. Find out how AI is making this objective possible.
Mar 18, 2019

Podcast
episode 175 – HR compliance on the rise
Remaining compliant with the ever-changing HR laws and regulations is nearly impossible without the right guidance. Watch (or listen) to this episode of unsuitable on Rea Radio to hear Rea's senior human resources manager discuss HR compliance and how businesses can prepare.
Mar 18, 2019

Podcast
episode 175 – transcript
Read the "official transcript" of this episode of unsuitable on Rea Radio to hear from our human resources expert about HR laws and regulations and how to remain compliant.

Blog
Fighting Back Against The Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic continues to have devastating consequences. Keep reading to learn what you can do to help combat the problem.

Blog
Don’t Get Lost In HR Laws And Regulations
Are you able to keep up with the ever-changing human resources laws and regulations? It's harder than it sounds.

Blog
HR Compliance Is Hot Topic In 2019
This year will bring a heightened focus on HR compliance. Are you ready?

Blog
Find And Keep Top Talent In Today’s Economy
It's getting harder and harder for employers to attract and retain top talent. Read on to find out how you can differentiate your company with a robust benefits package and more.
Sep 7, 2018

PR
Renee West Earns Predictive Index Practitioner Certification
Renee West has embraced Rea's strategy for growth and with this certification, she will continue to develop professionally while driving firm success.

Blog
#MeToo Movement Initiates A Shift In The Workplace
The large number of high-profile sexual harassment cases has helped drive the #MeToo movement. Find out how you can use employee empowerment to protect your business.
Jul 30, 2018

Podcast
episode 144 – transcript
Renee West is with Dave to discuss the growing opioid epidemic that is affecting Ohio and what employers can do to help fight this problem. Check out the "official transcript" now.
Jul 30, 2018

Podcast
episode 144 – ohio’s opioid epidemic
Listen to Renee West describe the growing opioid problem in Ohio and what employers can do to fight it in the workforce on this episode of unsuitable on Rea Radio.

Blog
Does Vacation Time Matter?
Employees aren’t the only ones to benefit from taking a step back from their jobs for a week or two each year. Find out why vacations are actually good for the bottom line.

Blog
Workforce In Crisis: The Opioid Epidemic And Its Impact On The American Workforce
As the opioid epidemic continues to grow, so does its impact on our loved ones, our communities and our economy – particularly our workforce.

Blog
It’s Time For Pay Equality
A gender-based pay gap is still found in workplaces across the country. Find out how you can help end wage discrimination.

Blog
Power To The Employers
Congress is flirting with the idea of making paid leave a reality at the federal level. Keep reading to learn more.
Feb 27, 2018

PR
Renee West Passes The Senior Certified Professional Exam
Renee West, SHRM-SCP, PHR, earned the highest available certification for human resource professionals by the National Society for Human Resource Management.

Blog
Employment I-9 Workplace Audits Are Set To Increase In 2018
Employers are once again reminded not to brush off the importance of maintaining I-9 compliance. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is planning to increase audits in 2018.

Blog
Don’t Let Your Competition Win The Battle For Top Talent
Competition for top talent is fierce. So fierce that HR pros often cite “recruiting and retaining key talent” as one of their most challenging responsibilities. Building an all-star team is a two-part process. The first step is to establish a continuous recruiting strategy that positions you to proactively identify and attract qualified employees. The second … Continued

Blog
Making Great Hires
The process of prescreening and hiring the most qualified individuals for your company can be very challenging. Predictive index assessment tools are available to make easy work of the process. Read on to learn more.

Blog
Stay Out Of The Headlines With A Solid Plan To Thwart Sexual Harassment In Your Business
It’s staggering just how many reports there have been in the news lately about sexual harassment claims in the workplace. Keep reading to learn what you can do to keep your company out of the spotlight.

Blog
Employment Laws Under The Microscope
Ohio’s Senate and Congressional leaders are in the process of considering legislation that would alter the state’s employment and labor law landscape. Read on to learn more.

Blog
Businesses Thrive When Employees Thrive
Do you know what motivates your employees to succeed? Read on to learn how to create a positive work environment in your own business.
Jan 9, 2017

Podcast
episode 63 – recruit right: find the chosen one
Hiring a new employee is not an easy task. Sure, it’s easy to fill your open position with a warm body. But that warm body will result in your business bleeding money if they aren’t the right person for the job. At least that’s what Renee West. SHRM-CP, PHR, says on this episode of unsuitable on … Continued

Blog
Gone But Not Forgotten
There appears to be agreement among those in the human resources sector that while many employers were breathing a little easier after learning of the injunction, they are far from being completely off the hook.

Blog
A Recipe For Business Success And Sustainability
Many businesses are missing a key ingredient in their quest for success and sustainability: employee development. Are you? Read on to learn more.
Oct 31, 2016

Podcast
episode 54 – the new overtime exemption rule: crippling companies’ ability to hire
How much do you know about the Department of Labor’s new overtime exemption rule? Well, on today’s episode of unsuitable on Rea Radio, Renee West, human resources manager at Rea and our resident Federal Labor Standards Act expert, takes on the topic to help business owners sort through the details in advance of the December … Continued