HR in 15

Amidst all the tumultuous news of 2020, Civil Rights has landed a major victory.

Today, Maggie Spell, Partner at Jones Walker LLP, talks with Eric about the transformation decision the Supreme Court made this past June. 

Our guest tells the story of three cases of workplace discrimination, where employees were fired because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The firings were all upheld by federal circuit courts, based on a strict reading of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. 

Yet they were all simultaneously challenged before the Supreme Court and ultimately overturned, providing a 2020 update to the 1964 law that says – Workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, though not specifically worded in the original law, is still illegal discrimination.

Episode highlights:

• Maggie Spell tells us how these cases came to be, why they were first upheld and then overturned by the Supreme Court.
• We hear a hypothetical example that clarifies why the three cases should be fundamentally considered sex discrimination.
• We learn why it’s a great time for employers to update policies and training protocols.

“It’s a really big decision. The Supreme Court made clear that discrimination based on sex encompasses discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.” 
     —Maggie Spell

Have Questions? Prestige PEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com.

Maggie Spellis an attorney and partner at the labor employment practice group Jones Walker LLC. Maggie has a deep background in local, state, and federal employment laws. She offers day-to-day advice to employers on workplace issues and helps resolve workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases.

A crisis might bring us together in ways we wouldn’t expect.

Today we’re joined by Lisa Marchitelli, Chief Administrative Officer at AFMDA. The American Friends of Magen David Adom is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support Israel’s foremost emergency response and disaster relief organization, Magen David Adom. MDA has conducted over a million COVID tests in Israel and been a major part of the country’s response to the pandemic.

Lisa has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources. In this conversation, she brings an HR perspective to the ways in which AFMDA, as an American nonprofit supporting Israeli healthcare workers, has coped and adapted during the pandemic.

Discussion highlights:

• How AFMDA has engaged famous musicians, chefs, authors, and others to raise funds virtually, as in-person fundraisers have been canceled.
• How the pandemic has affected Israel, and how reopening too quickly has now led to a second wave and a second lockdown.
• How the pandemic and work from home have, in many ways, improved communication between AFMDA teams and has instilled them with greater compassion, even in areas that are not COVID related.

Virtual Gala - Nov. 8th - with Jason Alexander and Howie Mandel. This year, AFMDA is combining its many annual regional gala fundraisers into one national virtual event. The Virtual Gala will feature over an hour of comedians, musicians, Israeli singers, and more to benefit AFMDA. Join them on Sunday, November 8th @ 7:30 PM.

“Reaching out and listening and talking to your staff– it’s so essential during this time to do check-ins. That’s all people need, is just to know someone is thinking about them and cares about them.”  —Lisa Marchitelli

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available with Human Resources, Payroll Management, and Employee Benefits to help you navigate these uncertain times. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com.

Lisa Marchitelli is Chief Administrative Officer at American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA). She has been with AFMDA since 2016 and has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources.

AFMDA is an American nonprofit that raises funds to support Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s foremost emergency response and disaster relief organization.

There was a time when grief was shunned from the workplace.

But of course, it's impossible to leave your grief at home. Thankfully we have people like Ron Glenn Kelly to coach us through times when grief intersects with our professional lives.

R. Glenn Kelly is a coach, motivational speaker, and author – most recently of Grief in the Workplace – who, since the loss of his son, has been helping professionals deal with their own grief and that of their coworkers. He is regularly featured on TV and radio programs, in articles, and at live speaking engagements, and we’re proud to have him on our podcast today.

In this episode, R. Glenn and Eric discuss the importance of us showing compassion toward the grieving processes of employees and coworkers, how this dynamic has evolved over time, and what it means in today’s working world.

Episode highlights:

• How R. Glenn struggled through the death of his son to find that there is always joy and purpose in life.
• What it means that US companies lose $100B per year in revenue due to employee grieving (and the flip side of that reality).
• How dealing with grief in the workplace comes first and foremost from the leadership, in everyday examples of how an organization carries itself.

“To get in front of it and to actually be compassionate to somebody will be an investment in the future of that employee.”— R. Glenn Kelly

Have Questions? PrestigePEO  is available to help you through these uncertain times with excellent support in Employee Benefits, Human Resources, and Payroll Management. Call now at 888-PEO-PEO1 or visit prestigepeo.com.

R. Glenn Kelly is an author, coach, and keynote speaker who uses the pain from his life, along with the jubilance he’s found following tragedy, to help others move forward from grief and crisis. He is the author of the book Grief in the Workplace and can be reached directly by phone or email through his website, rglennkelly.com.

Diversity impacts everything around us.   

For proof, we need only consider the experience of today’s guest, Karen Haycox, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New York City. Haycox leads an organization that battles housing inequities in one of the most diverse cities in the world, and she possesses a trove of knowledge and perspective on the topic.   

Today we explore how issues relating to race, class, and gender (like single motherhood) are deeply intertwined with the work of Habitat NYC. Haycox speaks about all of this, plus how things have changed amidst COVID-19 and the current movement for racial equality in our country.     

Episode Highlights. Haycox discusses:   

• Diversity within Habitat for Humanity, how it relates to Habitat’s roots in 1970s Georgia, and the importance of representation within organizations.   
• Diversity among the people served by Habitat, and how old race-related issues surrounding housing are still painfully prevalent today.   
• Her own beliefs and experiences, as a white ally for racial justice, and the imperative act of using her own voice.     

“I am an awkward ally. I will use the wrong terms, say the wrong things. But I am committed to learning and doing better and amplifying the messages that I am hearing from my friends and colleagues who are leading this charge.”
       — Karen Haycox     

To get involved, visit Habitat NYC on Facebook or go to HabitatNYC.org.   

Have Questions? PrestigePEO  is here to help you in these uncertain times, with expertise on Human Resources, Payroll Management, and Employee Benefits. Contact Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or go to prestigepeo.com.   

Karen Haycox  has been CEO of Habitat for Humanity NYC since 2015. Before that, she was VP of Fund Development at Southwest Solutions in Detroit, MI and held senior fundraising positions at the headquarters of Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta, GA. She has also been involved in several of Habitat's global disaster response efforts.   

Habitat NYC  is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity New York City has served more than 1,500 families through home construction and preservation. Habitat NYC brings New Yorkers together to create equitable solutions for New York’s needs around affordable housing.   

Habitat for Humanity is more than you think, especially in New York City.  

Karen Haycox, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in NYC, channels 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, in addition to experience in the for-profit sector. She is involved in several organizations supporting LGBTQ+ and affordable housing causes in New York City.  

In this episode, Haycox discusses internal and external challenges of leading Habitat NYC through COVID-19. She offers valuable insight on the similarities in running nonprofit and for -profit organizations. As well as the true value and reward of doing work that makes a difference in the world.  

Today, we discuss:  

• The lesser known work of Habitat NYC, including financial lending for low-income housing cooperatives, and more.  
• Habitat’s unique part in NYC’s COVID-19, how it turned from a health crisis to a housing crisis, and how it has reshaped Habitat’s role for the people it serves.  
• A hint toward a significant development in the way Habitat NYC makes a difference in people’s lives.   

“I have worked as hard or harder in the nonprofit sector. The difference for me is, when I put my head on my pillow at the end of the day, I believe that I am making a difference in the world.”       — Karen Haycox   

To get involved, explore Habitat NYC on Facebook or visit HabitatNYC.org.   

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com.   

Karen Haycoxis a leader in affordable housing who became CEO of Habitat NYC in August of 2015. Before Habitat NYC, Karen was Vice President of Fund Development at Southwest Solutions in Detroit, MI and held several senior fundraising positions at Habitat for Humanity's International headquarters in Atlanta and has played major roles in Habitat's global disaster response efforts.   

Habitat for Humanity New York Cityis an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Founded in 1984, Habitat NYC has served over 1,500 families in New York City through home preservation and construction. Habitat NYC brings thousands of New Yorkers together each year to create solutions for New York’s affordable housing needs.   

This is an inspiring, can't-miss episode.

Today’s guest, Dr. Bob Scott, is President Emeritus of Adelphi University and served 15 years as acting president. Previously, he served 15 years as president of Ramapo College, and held positions at Cornell University and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The experience and perspective he brings to today's conversation are invaluable.  

Dr. Scott provides priceless wisdom that you are sure to grow from. He discusses the true nature of success, defining it in terms of communities and people’s lives and measuring it based on ‘giving’ rather than ‘getting’. He discusses the difference between a healthy ego and a toxic ego, and much more.  

Dr. Scott recently wrote a short essay on the topic, entitled "What is Success?", based on a speech he gave at a Long Island award ceremony.    

Dr. Scott defines 3 main principles of success:  

• Talent – These are the gifts we’re born with. Dr. Scott asks, how will you use your unique talents to be truly successful in life?  
• Time – This is the aspect that treats every person equally. How do you spend your time? If you sacrifice time with family for more work, will it truly lead to a successful, meaningful life?  
• Treasure – These are the things we acquire in life, both material and immaterial, given and earned. But their value doesn’t lie in possessing them, it lies in how we use them to make a difference in the world.   

“It’s not about 'getting' – money, status, power – it’s about giving one’s talent, time, and treasure.”  —Dr. Bob Scott   

Have Questions? PrestigePEOis always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com.   

Dr. Bob Scott is President Emeritus at Adelphi University. He was Adelphi’s 9th President from 2000-2015. Previously, he was President of Ramapo College for 15 years and held many prior positions in higher ed. Institutions he’s touched throughout his career continue to honor his success. He can be reached directly at [email protected].   

Adelphi University is a leading higher education institution, with over 150 years of history at Garden City, Long Island campus, and at other locations in the New York City area.   

Today we are joined by Dr. Bob Scott, President Emeritus of Adelphi University. Dr. Scott’s decorated career in higher education has included 10 years at Cornell University, 6 years with the Indiana Commission for Higher education, 15 years as President of Ramapo College, and 15 years as President of Adelphi University.   

Dr. Scott shares his knowledge on how the pandemic has affected higher education, recent graduates entering the job market, and the companies hiring them. His experience is invaluable, as he brings the perspective of a professional who’s been a part of higher education’s evolution since the 1970s.  

Listen to learn more about:  

• Lessons from the pandemic’s impact on institutions – and the resiliency of those who had the proper infrastructure in place.  
• What has changed for businesses hiring recent college graduates, and what’s changed for those grads who are now navigating the job market.  
• What has been the impact of small colleges who have had to close their doors due to the pandemic.   

“In a sense, this is a wonderful opportunity to change the way we evaluate potential candidates for employment, because students … have had to really figure out how they’re going to be problem solvers.”  —Dr. Bob Scott   

Have Questions? PrestigePEOis always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com.   

Dr. Bob Scott is President Emeritus of Adelphi University. He served as Adelphi’s ninth president from 2000-2015. He was President of Ramapo College from 1985-2000 and held several prior positions in higher education. Many of the institutions he has led continue to honor his legacy.   

Adelphi University has been a leading higher education institution for over 150 years, at its home campus in Garden City on Long Island, and at other locations throughout the New  York City area.

Malcolm Slee, Principal at Groom Law Group, guides businesses through laws on company payroll and finances. He works in Washington D.C. and is an expert on complex financial issues at the intersection of business and government.   

On today’s show, Malcolm and Eric look at the Paycheck Protection Program’s recently updated FAQs and help untangle the web of PPP loan forgiveness. If you are a small business owner navigating, PPP loans this episode will give thorough answers on many of your top questions about the program.   

In this Episode, we answer:   

• What payroll expenses apply to your business’s covered period under the PPP?  
• Can loan payments be delayed? In communication with your lender, how will you know when PPP loan payments are due, or if they have been forgiven?  
• If you have attempted to re-hire employees since the pandemic began, are you eligible for related PPP loan forgiveness?   

Episode Quote:  
“The FAQs are helpful in that they break down the rules for different groups, but it gets complicated in a hurry, so definitely worth taking a closer look.”  —Malcolm Slee    

For further information, visit the US Treasury website here.    

Have Questions? Prestige PEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us atprestigepeo.com

Malcolm Sleeis Principal at Groom Law Group. He advises employers, issuers, plan administrators, associations and plan trustees on a comprehensive range of issues, working with many professional employer organizations (PEOs) to help clients develop strategies for managing their businesses and health care coverage within the constraints of federal health care law. Contact him at[email protected].

Groom Law Groupsolves complicated legal issues for clients in health care, finance, retirement, and the public sector. Groom’s exceptional level of service has earned acclaim among clients, consistent top-tier rankings, and its industry’s highest awards. With 40 years of experience in Washington, D.C., Groom is recognized among the nation’s leading benefits, health, and retirement law firms.

Malcolm Slee, Principal of Groom Law Group, advises employers and institutions on legal aspects of corporate payroll and finances. He works in Washington D.C. and keeps a close eye on laws that impact the economy, companies, and employees.   

In today’s episode, Slee discusses the current state of talks between lawmakers in Washington. He offers close observations and thorough knowledge on recent turbulence surrounding the next round of coronavirus relief and its implications going into a presidential election.   

Episode highlights:  

• An understanding of the state of current talks between Pelosi, Mnuchin, and other figures in Washington.
• Answers to the questions: What are President Trump’s four recent executive orders and memoranda on extending COVID-related aid, and will they face any challenges?
• Implications of current events on the upcoming federal budget bill. (Could we have a government shutdown, in the thick of an election, during these unprecedented times?)   

Episode quote:  

“I’m optimistic something will get done, but … I think it’s going to take some sort of catalyst, and to me that is the unknown.” — Malcolm Slee   

Have Questions? PrestigePEOis always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com.   

Malcolm Sleeis Principal at Groom Law Group. He advises employers, issuers, plan administrators, associations and plan trustees on a comprehensive range of issues, working with many professional employer organizations (PEOs) to help clients develop strategies for managing their businesses and health care coverage within the constraints of federal health care law. Contact him at [email protected].   

Groom Law Groupsolves complicated legal issues for clients in health care, finance, retirement, and the public sector. Groom’s exceptional level of service has earned acclaim among clients, consistent top-tier rankings, and its industry’s highest awards. With 40 years of experience in Washington, D.C., Groom is recognized among the nation’s leading benefits, health, and retirement law firms.

Marcus Rosenau, Principal at SSP Architects, brings an architectural perspective to challenges we all face, as employees continue returning to the office. With a thoughtful approach to design, layout, and construction, he provides solutions to the questions you’re asking, as well as some questions you may not have considered yet.  

In today’s conversation, Rosenau gives advice that any professional can learn from– whether you’re welcoming employees back to the office, opening a new office during the pandemic, or thinking about the future of office spaces.   

Episode highlights:   

• What innovative designs and technologies can we implement for a safe reopening of office spaces?  
• What can you do to accommodate visitors at your office?  
• What are some pre-COVID trends in design and architecture that were reversed when the pandemic hit?  

Episode quote:  

“Come up with ways that are as simple as possible, intuitive, and that make it clear what the expectation is.”  — Marcus Rosenau   

Have Questions? PrestigePEOis always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com.   

Marcus Rosenauis Principal at SSP Architects. Marcus heads up the firm’s quality control efforts and assists design teams and Project Managers. He is an advocate for thoughtful sustainable design and the positive impact it can have on our health, productivity, and our business.   

SSP Architectsis a Tristate area firm, founded in New Jersey in 1891, that continually strives to create great communities and buildings. SSP designs for the real world, knowing that architecture is a tool to support our daily lives, whether working, learning, teaching, playing, or healing. SSP partners with its clients to develop appropriate solutions and meet each project’s unique objectives.