Keeping up with overtime rules

Companies have been having a hard time in recent years complying with the U.S. Department of Labor’s rules defining which white-collar employees are eligible for overtime pay and which are exempt.

The Fair Labor Standards Act regulations were set in place to make it easier for companies to make the distinction between eligible and exempt. So far, that hasn’t been the case. Even more lawsuits about overtime have resulted, in fact.

You don’t want your company facing some attorney out for a quick buck because of some simple mistake concerning pay. Luckily, there are resources to help you make the choice between exempt and nonexempt employees. Here are a few things to remember:

• Employees earning less than $455 a week are automatically eligible for overtime pay.

• A “highly compensated” employee is exempt if:

1. The employee earns total annual compensation of $100,000 or more, which includes at least $455 per week paid on a salary basis;
2. The employee’s primary duty includes performing office or non-manual work; and
3. The employee customarily and regularly performs at least one of the exempt duties or responsibilities of an exempt executive, administrative or professional employee.

• To qualify for the administrative employee exemption, all of the following tests must be met:

1. The employee must be compensated on a salary or fee basis (as defined in the regulations) at a rate not less than $455 per week;
2. The employee’s primary duty must be the performance of office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the employer or the employer’s customers; and
3. The employee’s primary duty includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

For more info and a full list of exemptions, check out People Lease’s HR Support Center (look under Laws >Federal Laws>Fair Labor Standards Act).

You know that the success of your business hinges on how well you know your industry. Being an expert in your field sets you apart from the competition. The same goes for People Lease.

At People Lease, we strive for perfection in back office solutions so you can spend your time on what makes your business successful. Small Business Reports states that the average manager spends up to 23% of their work hours on staff administrative paperwork. People Lease is here to give you back that time.

These days, small businesses fight an uphill battle against employee administration rules, regulations, and penalties. We help our clients steer clear of these problems with superior knowledge of these ever-changing policies. People Lease can take care of your payroll processing, employee benefits, insurance, workers' compensation, 401(k) and much more. With access to all these benefits, our clients are able to attract and retain the best employees.

People Lease is a Mississippi-based company that has been in business in the Jackson area for over 27 years. Our clients receive reliable, personalized service and a high level of commitment to their needs. And we're always reaching to do more. We've recently added an online portal to our website where clients will be able to access employee files and pay histories, view and print management and payroll reports, and even submit payroll. We've also added an HR Support Center to our site so clients can now read human resources articles, download forms and job descriptions, research laws and more. With all these options and much more, People Lease is here to make payroll and human resources work for your business.

Fran Flood named Ambassador of the Month

Fran Flood of Account Services Group in Ridgeland has achieved the designation of Ambassador of the Month for November and December 2011 from the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership. The Ambassador of the Month is presented to a chamber member who best involves themselves in activities and events which grow the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.
Fran Flood is vice president of Account Services Group, where she has worked since 2001.  She specializes in the administration of health, life, and dental insurance plans for individuals and groups. She is a Mississippi licensed insurance agent for most insurance carries operating in the state. In addition to being an Ambassador with the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, Fran is also a Chamber member of Flowood, Rankin County, Madison City, and Madison County. She is a member of the Madison/Ridgeland Rotary, the Professional Women’s Association, the Jackson Association of Health Underwriters, and the Madison County Women’s Council.
Fran also attained Diplomat of the Month for October 2011 from the Chamber of Flowood.
Fran resides in Madison with her husband, Ralph Flood. They enjoy taking trips on the weekends, especially to watch New Orleans Saints games. The couple has five children and six grandchildren.