Employee Benefits — An Employer's Guide

I have found that the online version of the Classic HR Library available on HRSimple.com is a great tool and easy to navigate. I have chosen to use this tool in place of other on line resources that I subscribe to. The information has been easy to find and accurate.
— Lucie Zembruski, HR Manager, Bel-Art Products, Pocomoke City, Maryland

As the Director of Human Resources in a very fast paced unionized environment, the HR updates and annual manuals are extremely useful. Like most HR practitioners, I am a member of SHRM. I like to cross-reference from time to time and the Pennsylvania Human Resources Manual helps me do this quickly. It helps me be more confident in my decision-making. I highly recommend the Pennsylvania Human Resources Manual.
— Chris Horn
, Lehigh Valley Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

As ABI visits with business leaders throughout the state, there is no question that employment issues are at the top of their list of concerns. Our members value this resource and use it to address their HR needs. And for those professionals who make decisions on health and other benefits, it is a valuable tool to stay ahead of the curve.
— Kathy Anderson, Vice President, Member Development and Programs, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Iowa

Here’s a ‘tip of the hat’ to hrsimple.com. Reminds me of the old ink blotter…you may not need it until you spill something. It’s value, however, is avoiding the spill in the first place.
— Don Alexander, CEO, Jefferson County Local Development Corporation, New York

hrsimple.com is a must-have not only for HR professionals in the state, but for labor and employee relations professionals, employment lawyers and small business owners. It is comprehensive in scope, addressing the many legal and compliance issues that face employers from recruiting to retirement. Yet, despite the wide range of issues covered, and the complexity of those issues, information is easy to find and comprehend, avoiding much of the legal-speak that can often be difficult to interpret.
— John A. Challenger, Chief Executive Officer, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., Chicago, Illinois

I have been using the Florida Employment Law Manual for several years and have been extremely pleased with the ease of use and the time that it saves. I keep the book on my desk and it is usually worn out before time to renew. The Florida Employment Law Manual and the Model Policies and Form for Florida Employers are and will remain a number one source of information for me.
— Sharon Jones, Human Resources Director, The City of Palmetto, Palmetto, Florida

I do enjoy keeping up with some of the HR issues which will impact my company, and not being an HR professional who is in charge of that aspect of the company, I can use all the help I can.
— Scott Kleinberg, Controller, Service Supply Corp., Pennsylvania

I wanted to let you know that the manuals are very helpful in the day-to-day operation of the HR world. They have personally been extremely helpful on difficult days, especially the Model Policies and Forms I have used them several times and plan to continue to use both of the books for reference.
— Gina Larkins, HR Director, Radiology, Inc., Paris, Texas

I really appreciate the content of the ACCR’s HR Update. In the email format, it has been great! It comes automatically and it is short and concise. If there is a topic we are interested in, it is expandable to the full article. The topics are always up to the minute and applicable. With all the P/R applicable items to deal with this last year, the articles with links have been a real time-saver. These are issues that usually take so much time to research and gather the right forms. Your articles, with links to forms or rules or sample notices have been great. They are usually posted just as it is time to start looking at those items! I have gotten to a point, where I look for each posting and read it carefully. I know is it usually going to contain a topic I will need soon.
— Marian Wallis, Accounting, Unitherm Furnace Corp. Missouri Heat Treat, A Div., Wentzville, Missouri

I have been in Human Resources for over 30 years.  "Performance Management Strategies: Finding Common G.R.O.U.N.D." was one of the best presented, arranged, and informative webinars I have ever participated in.  I wish my whole crew of supervisors and managers could have participated in it.  However, with the information I received and the way it was laid out, I hope that I will be able to mock the presentation for them. You and Jamie did an excellent job in presenting this in a clear, distinctive way that was interesting and was never boring. 
— Dena Smith, Heartland EMS, Inc.

I love HRSimple because it keeps me up-to-date with changes in federal and state regulations and does it with a little humor. Not an easy task when you’re talking about regulations. Thank you for making me laugh.
— Linda Cannon, Human Resources Manager, PowerPay, Maine

HRsimple describes this site exactly. It is easy to navigate, straight forward information, and has reliable and diverse information. In my busy job, it is essential that I am able to access information that is trustworthy, specific to my state in a quick and simple fashion.
— Kelley Miller, Director of Human Resources, St. Louis Arc, Missouri

We appreciate the offerings from ACCR HR due to the timeliness and relevance of the products. They help our library provide materials that our local business and patrons can use.
— Louise Meyers, Director, Stayton Public Library, Stayton, Oregon

The HR Update has been a valuable resource for me in that it provides timely updated legal information that keeps me on top of my game. There have been many times when I have forwarded the information to our President and management team to increase their awareness without having to take the time to hold a meeting.
— Pam Summers
, HR Manager, Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, Tucson, Arizona

The publications that you provide allow us to keep up to date on the latest best practices. In our busy lives it’s refreshing to go to a resource that you can trust.
— Rosanna Matucan-Carson, SPHR, GPHR
, Manager, Human Resources
, Bausch & Lomb, Clearwater, Florida

Brad, just wanted to let you know how helpful it has been to have the TN Human Resources Manual at my fingertips for the last six years.  It is a quick way to get an overview on a topic.  Sometimes it is enough to answer my questions or at least points me in the right direction in the event I need more in depth detail.  Thanks for a product that worth’s having.
— Christine Andrews, Director of Finance, Christ Methodist Day School, Tennessee

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— Paul Kahn, Cardinal Scale Manufacturing, Webb City, Missouri

HR simple keeps me well versed and up to date on all contemporary human resources legal matters, AND in an entertaining format!
— Karen Fine Saltiel, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Primerica, Georgia

The Village Library has a small ‘small business collection’ that was started with grant money to address the needs of the business community in our service area. Your company provides essential information and forms to provide vital information needed by these patrons. Another added plus is that you update this information when necessary. I have also found that your publications are reasonably priced, so you are a good resource for human resource information. You are a pleasure to do business with and I enjoy your contest!
— Susan Shipe, Library Director, The Village Library of Morgantown, Morgantown, Pennsylvania

HR Simple is one of the best HR Tools I have any question I have I type in the subject and viola there’s my answer. The weekly newsletter is very informative and there is always something included that my managers can use. Best investment for HR here.
— Kaye Holcomb, HR Manager, Tritek Fire and Security, LLC, Georgia

In the challenging and ever-changing human resources regulatory environment, our members need accurate, up-to-date information they can find quickly in an easy to use format. HRsimple.com is a powerful online resource that provides the latest information, helping companies stay in compliance and avoid costly mistakes.
— Gene Barr, President and CEO, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

It is so easy to go on and find what I am looking for! Its a great reference when I'm fairly certain of an answer, but I just need a quick confirmation!
— Brandi Doroba, Human Resources, Corle Building Systems, Pennsylvania

This is my first job with real HR responsibilities and I have no idea where to start. Your newsletter makes me so happy, because HR is fun! But really, I appreciate the humor and insight. I want to work where you work. I have been able to rewrite our employee manual based on the rules/regulations/tips I’ve found, and I appreciate it.
— Janece Bertolino, Office Manager, William T. Jenkins Landscape and Irrigation, Arizona

Your books are so easy to read and understand. They are written in layman’s terms, which makes it easy for the HR team to apply to everyday situations. And the books are always up to date with the latest labor law information to help keep companies out of trouble.
— Debbie Laspisa, Vice President Human Resources, Arizona Mail Order Company, Tucson, Arizona

These documents are low-cost essentials for almost every business in Nebraska. Members of our chamber value the HR manuals since federal and state employment laws are ever-changing.
— Barry Kennedy, President, The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lincoln, Nebraska

For me, I’m a big fan of the weekly HR Update, though. Love the info and especially the tone of the author. I’m guessing the author is a woman and I wish she worked in our company. We’d get a lot accomplished and have fun in the process.
— Ben, Human Resources Manager, Certified Investigator, Bucks County Transport, Inc., Pennsylvania

It provides our business with easy to read and understand articles dealing with important HR issues. I enjoy the weekly update e-mails as well as the on-line resources.
— Sheri McKinney, Accounting Manager, Nova-Tech, Inc, Nebraska

I’m relatively new to ACCR’s HR Update email service but must say thus far, it’s the greatest! I think it’s safe to say that all HR professionals are pressed for time but are also interested in keeping in step with changes as they happen, so when ACCR provides a brief snapshot on various topics of interest, it’s quick and easy reading, and greatly appreciated! Should something of special interest appear, just a point and click brings up an informational brief, right at my fingertips! Thanks so much for the service!
— Jean M. LaBombard
, Human Resources Manager
, World Warehouse & Distribution, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia

This makes it easy for a small company to take care of business without hiring extra people.
— Jerry Smith, President, Powell Supply Inc., Missouri

The Arizona Human Resources Manual should be on every Arizona business’ bookshelf. Our members value the manual’s easy-to-use format for answering HR questions and addressing issues that come up on a regular basis in the workplace. I recommend having the Arizona Human Resources Manual at the ready for up-to-date information to help guide your personnel matters.
— Glenn Hamer, President and CEO , Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Phoenix, Arizona

I enjoy the fact that I can use the ACCR Human Resources Manual to find quick answers to the plethora of complicated employment laws and regulation without having to search the Internet. Having this information at my fingertips makes life much easier.
— Shane Brown, MS, HAS, Assistant Administrator, Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic, Sterling, Florida

I have used your books for over 10 years now, and they have always helped me tremendously as an accurate and trustworthy reference tool.
— Carla M. Butts, PHR, Human Resources Manager, Hospice of Citrus County, Beverly Hills, Florida

It’s just as it claims to be: SIMPLE! With 18 years of experience, one can imagine that I have collected some resources over the years and at this point, hauling a library of books from home to office to client site, is not efficient nor practical. With so much information in one site, I save time and energy researching, which is of great value to me. All of the material is written in plain English, not the legalese of many other so-called resources!
— Lisa Gale, PHR, HR Director, HR Betty, Phoenix, Arizona

As with most companies, we have HR policies and procedures already in place. I wasn't sure that we could use your products. I was wrong! Once I started reading your books, I realized that we not only needed some updates, but there were so many things that we had not even addressed. I use these books as a reference on a regular basis now anytime we address HR issues or policy. It has saved me time and, as we all know, time is money! Thank you for giving a skeptic a chance to make her job easier!
— Tabitha Weaver, WCG Workforce Development, Griffin, Georgia

Oh my goodness where do I begin, I am new to the HR aspects of my job. I have to admit when I started I knew very little. I am trained to do credentialing, billing, insurance. Your books have been heaven sent… I mean that literally. I use them practically daily. The template letters are one of the best parts. Do you know how hard it is to find a template letter on the Internet? When you do they want to charge an arm and a leg for each one. I can’t say enough about your books and email updates. Thanks a Million!
— Jacqueline Lillicotch, Credentialing Officer, Insurance Officer, Financial Advisor, Satilla & Oconee Regional Cancer Centers, Dublin, Georgia

I LOVE HR Simple! Straight forward and easy to understand! Great information.
— Patty A. Jiles, County Clerk, Heard County Board of Commissioners, Georgia

It minimizes the time I spend researching issues in a number of other resources for both my internal and external clients. I have trust and confidence in the information shared.
— Karen Shannon, Human Resources Consulting Director, Ollis & Co. Business Consulting Division, Missouri

I love your books because they are very useful to me. I have gotten a lot of questions answered with the books and your weekly newsletter. Some of our policies are just now getting into this century, which is what I have been working on for two years. It is a slow process but we are getting there. Your books and newsletters have been very helpful to me with this information. Thank you very much.
— Juanita States, HR Assistant, Langworth LLC, Topeka, Kansas

I enjoy receiving your emails because I would never search out the kind of information you guys (and gals!) provide...and some of it, more often then not, directly relates to my business. Generally it's always such good fun to hear about what the movers and shakers are up to in various regions of the country. And of course I certainly enjoy and can appreciate the way in which the information is presented!
— Kurt Hutchinson, Savannah Cartage, Inc., Georgia

The Georgia Chamber is committed to offering quality products and services that provide real value to our members. The Georgia Human Resources Manual is an outstanding product that has helped many of our state's businesses operate more efficiently and avoid costly mistakes and we are proud to offer this terrific resource again this year.
— Chris Clark, CEO and President, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta, Georgia

It’s so easy to read and very informative!
— Sue Canning, Office Manager, Chambersburg Dental Associates, Pennsylvania

Working in a smaller company, we do not have a separate HR department so the duties fall to me, the senior accountant. Since this is not my area of expertise, your publications are an invaluable resource providing me with up-to-date information on current HR laws and regulations. Providing sample policies and insight into current issues facing companies such as social networking are the tools I need to make sure my company is in compliance and up to date.
— Emily L. Wood, Senior Accountant/HR/IT, Temple B'rith Kodesh, Rochester, New York

HRsimple is the latest update to the Florida Employment Law Manual, which has been a part of the Florida Chamber and helping Florida employers manage their most important resource – their employees – for more than 25 years.
— Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Tallahassee, Florida

I am the Human Resources Manager for our company of over 900 employees. It is myself and my HR Generalist in my department to manage 37 departments and a lot of employee issues. This newsletter has helped me stay on track. I feel like this newsletter is another HR employee in my department sharing vital information. It has become part of our career and I look forward to the suggestions and reminders that are sent. It also reassures me that in a company with this many employees we are doing things correctly.
— Tamara Benkoski, Human Resources Manager, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie, Pennsylvania

From the moment I opened the box and began reading Chapter One, I could not put the book down! As a member of many boards in Witchita, Kansas, you can be certain that I will be bragging about this wonderful tool to all of the organizations that I work with.
— Regina Mille, Owner, Princeton Children's Center, Wichita, Kansas

HR Simple is one of the best HR Tools I have. Any question I have I type in the subject and viola there’s my answer. The weekly newsletter is very informative and there is always something included that my managers can use. Best investment for HR here.
— Kaye Holcomb, HR Manager, Tritek Fire and Security, LLC,, South Carolina

I like your books because they are written in layman terms, are well laid out, and are a terrific reference too. I primarily use the Florida Employment Law Manual. To date I have not had a topic or issue that I could not find in the book.
— Donna Schultz, PHR, Human Resources Director, ICx Imaging Systems, Apopka, Florida

The weekly emails are fun and informative. Generally speaking, there’s a little nugget of information that I take away after reading the newsletter. The attached articles and videos are great when you need more in depth information on a certain topic. I look forward to seeing them every week! Keep up the great work!
— Ingrid Wilbur Kachmar, Executive Director, Harbor House Community Service Center, Maine

Our company does not have an official Human Resources Department. I have what is known as *hands on* H.R. training. Your human resource publications have guided me through many issues such as I-9, FMLA and policy book. The money I spend for the publications each year have more than paid for themselves.
— Keith W. Brown, VP Marketing and Human Resources, S&S Food Stores, Lake City, Florida

Your books and newsletters have helped me to run our company more efficiently. Our 150 employees and I appreciate your guidance by keeping us on the right track.
— Gary Albright, President/CEO, Becker Tire & Treading Inc., Kansas, Great Bend

The Texas Human Resources Manual is a low-cost essential for Texas businesses. Our members value the HR manuals as a quick resource for HR questions and issues that come up in the workplace.
— Bill Hammond, CEO, Texas Association of Business location, Austin, Texas

HRsimple.com is straightforward, uncomplicated and effortless to use. It practices the KISS methodology to the highest extreme.
— Charlene O’Connor, Administrative Services Manager, Kemira-Finnchem USA Inc., Georgia

I ordered your books last year and when I got the notice to order this year, I sent it in without another thought. I appreciate the fact that your books are easy to read and understand, they fit our needs and they have supporting models to go with them. I really like that they are updated to comply with the current trends and laws in our nation. I plan on being a regular subscriber.
— Kathryn Oberg, Builders Supply Co., Inc., Omaha, Nebraska

We take great pride in being able to offer quality products and services to our members. The Tennessee Human Resources Library is an outstanding product, and it will go a long way in helping Tennessee businesses operate more efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
— Bob Gaskill, Vice President for Employment Issues, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Nashville, Tennessee

It is seldom the time in my professional career I come across great products, great customer service and fabulous personalities. I have ordered your books as resources and reference materials for the last four years and have been a great information tool for our agency. HR Simple Online Tool has been filled with informative resources, legal and current descriptions and forms that are updated every year depending on the governmental or DOL’s rules and changes. Recently, I had the fun-filled experience of speaking to your staff and spoke with Paula who knows HRsimple very well and assisted me with the information I was looking for.
— Zoraida Seguinot, Human Resources Manager, Human Resources & Risk Management, Florida

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— Lynn Durost, HR/Accounting Manage, Rubb, Inc, Sanford, Maine

I look forward every week to the HRSimple email! I am amused, informed and I even read about what is going on in other states! I will ALWAYS want to get this email. I also go to the links that are provided. I feel like this email is keeping me out of trouble! Good job all!
— Kathi C. Watts, Administrative Assistant, Peachtree Golf Club, Georgia

We take great pride in being able to offer quality products and services to our members. The Maine Human Resources Manual is an outstanding product, and it will go a long way in helping Maine businesses operate more efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
— Dana F. Connors, President, Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Augusta, Maine

The books are excellent. They're both very good for what I need. And, after looking at your model policy book, I see that we have a lot to do... on the Nebraska Human Resources Manual and the Model Employee Policies and Forms for Nebraska Employers.
— Lupe Mier, Public Library Director, Bellevue, Nebraska

This is the type of reference material that every manager and entrepreneur should have on his or her desk. The book addresses most employee-employer questions that occur during daily operations and includes coverage of many major federal employment laws. Managers will appreciate the implementation guidelines provided on specific state laws and requirements in the state of Illinois. In my opinion, owning this book is like having your own employment legal counsel sitting with you at staff meetings and when addressing routine business practices.
— Dr. Melody Wollan, Assistant professor of management, Eastern Illinois University School of Business, Charleston, Illinois

Your books have come in handy as a quick reference guide when questions arise. It’s much quicker than locating our HR consultant. THANK YOU!
— Nancy R. Stasko, CAN DO, Inc., Hazleton, Pennsylvania

I LOVE the easy-to-use HR library offered online at hrsimple.com. I have used it numerous times to update our handbook, guarantee we are handling employee matters correctly, and so much more.
— Victoria Miller, Human Resource Manager, Arizona

I love HRsimple because the humor used brightens my day yet offers valuable information on HR.
— Mary Kathryn Schomaker, Finance Director, Guardian Angel Settlement Association, Missouri

HR simple gives me up to date, useful information on key topics in a format that I can read quickly on a busy day. The links to more information ensures that if a topic is of immediate concern I can get a more detailed report. It is a nice service.
— Jim Cook, Executive Director, CRS, Pennsylvania

As an HR professional, I rely on resources to provide me with accurate and up to date information. In 2010, as a new resident to the state of Florida, I needed to have a resource guide to bring me up to speed on Florida’s laws. I found the Florida Employment Law Manual very useful. The Florida Employment Law Manual became a tool that I found myself referring to as my first point of reference. The manual made my transition to Florida and its laws an easy transition.
— Danylle Reynolds, Human Resources Director, ResCare, Florida

The Kansas Chamber takes pride in offering the Kansas Human Resources Manual. It is an outstanding product that helps Kansas businesses understand the ever-changing laws, helping them operate more efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
— Kent D. Beisner, Chief Operating Officer, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Topeka, Kansas

The Employee's Benefits Guide is particularly helpful because the institution strives to provide the best quality benefits to attract and retain valuable employees; and one way to do this is to have a thorough knowledge and understand of how to make these benefits work for the employees.
— Libby King, Director of Human Resources, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee

These books have been a godsend! Although I have an extensive background in HR, these manuals provide up-to-date information on tricky subjects such as the ADA and Employee Leave guidelines. It is like having a handy *cheat-sheet* when I need to find the right answers and quickly.
— Lauren Maciag, MBA/HRM, HR Coordinator, Sirona Infusion, LLC, Chandler, Arizona

I’ve had many occasions to use the materials purchased from ACCR. I enjoy the fact that they come both electronically and in hard copy. I keep the electronic copy on my desktop and find it very user friendly. I usually just search for a word in the document and just like that, I have my answer. The hard copy is nice for traveling or just looking things up the old fashioned way. The layout is very handy. Overall, I’ve been very pleased with my purchases thus far. The information is easy to find and the books are very easy to read.
— Bill Pinegar, SPHR, Human Resources Consultant, Kiesling Associations, Des Moines, Iowa

AOI recognizes that in the current economic climate, businesses are doing more with less. Everything is the Oregon Human Resources Manual is written for Oregon businesses, in a manner which cuts through the legal jargon, providing an informative easy to understand reference.
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It is always there with the topics covered that are affecting me daily and I have the confidence that it is up to date, current and complete.
— Paul L. Oestmann, Director of Business and Finance, Brownell-Talbot School, Nebraska

I love HRsimple because it simplifies the laws and policies. I enjoy the weekly emails and the ease of finding the information online.
— Colleen Fredrickson, Benefits & Payroll, Solutionary, Arizona