As an employer, you've no doubt received phone calls requesting a work reference for a former or current employee. How do you handle those calls? If you've ever wondered the best way to handle giving employment references, here's your chance to learn more!

We have heard your calls and now have a great answer to employee requests for payroll advances! Our new partner Multikrd offers both payroll debit/credit cards as well as early wage access for employees at no cost to you or them! We are launching our partnership this month and all employees will receive an email invitation to enroll if they think it will be something they'd like to use.

Summer entertainment and events are in full swing, especially those that help us enjoy the great outdoors. When your employees take advantage of their free LifeBalance program membership, they are eligible for discounts on activities and purchases that help them stay active, reduce stress and live life to the fullest. Read about it below.

Kaya HR supports to work of many local non-profits, including 3 years of financial support of Our Just Future (formerly Human Solutions).

Our Just Future helps homeless and low income families build pathways out of poverty. Based in East Multnomah County and East Portland, they operate shelters, employment programs, affordable housing units, and an emergency rent and utility assistance service. We love how they empower individuals and families to become self-sufficient. Jen volunteered as a gift wrapper last December where families were able to choose new donated toys, clothes and books for their kids and said it was a wonderful experience!

Statistically speaking, 20% of on-the-job injuries are attributable to unsafe conditions and 80% are attributable to unsafe acts. This mans that most workplace injuries occur because a worker didn't know how to safely perform a task (or for whatever reason decided not to). This month we are talking about carelessness. We invite you to share the info below at your monthly safety meeting. (Not sure what your requirement is for safety meetings? Call Michelle at 503-223-4408.)

We have a new method for contacting us with new hire information when you are ready to onboard a candidate. Instead of emailing Heidi, navigate to our website and click the yellow "Hire" button to fill out a quick on-line form. Completing this form will easily get us all the information we need to get your new hire ready to start work as soon as possible.

Oregon minimum wage increased on July 1st. The new poster is here and if you haven't posted it yet, please do so today!

USCIS issued a new I-9 form on August 1st. This updated version can be used right away for any client employers who are still using hard copy new hire paperwork and must be used beginning October 31st. (By the way, we strongly encourage you to consider using our electronic onboarding, which most of our clients use and love!)

Do you offer paid time off for your employees, or have you been considering developing this benefit but not sure where to start? We can develop and formalize vacation, sick, or PTO policies as well as accrue, track and report these hours for you and your employees. If you have over 10 employees in Oregon (or 6 in Portland), you need a paid sick time policy! Give Michelle a call (503-223-4408) and let us know how we can relieve you of this administrative headache.