A Total Solution for Workplace Transformation

One provider for all people-related experiences.

Hire, engage, train, and retain. An all-encompassing solution for human capital management.

 

Workplace Transformational Consulting

Expert-led, out-of-the-box thinking provides the executive team with a solutions roadmap to revolutionize business operations through strategy and efficiency while mitigating risk and transforming company culture.

Talent Acquisition Services

The Encompass Group is an industry leader in the attraction and retention of top talent across a broad array of specialties. By providing our clients with qualified professionals who have both specific skill sets and cultural fit, The Encompass Group is positioned to help you grow your business strategically or fill immediate needs.

HR Technology Solutions

Combining powerful technology solutions alongside a team of HR experts, The Encompass Group provides paperless automation for pre, active, and post-employment processes. If your goal is to simplify payroll and HR, ensure compliance, facilitate business growth, and reduce administrative burden without adding unnecessary headcount, we can help.

 
News and Updates
DOJ Whistleblower Reward Program Coming Soon
DOJ Whistleblower Reward Program Coming Soon

On March 7, 2024, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) announced the creation of a pilot whistleblower program. This pilot program supplements existing whistleblower programs that fall under other regulators’ jurisdiction like the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Service. Under the DOJ’s program, a whistleblower who reports “significant corporate or financial misconduct” not otherwise known to the DOJ will be eligible for a portion of any resulting civil or criminal forfeiture (after victims have been compensated). The DOJ will develop the program’s formalities over the next 90 days, with the program likely taking effect by year end.

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Shifting Religious Accommodation Requests
Shifting Religious Accommodation Requests

In the last year, we have seen a sharp increase in religious accommodation requests. Given this, employers need to be aware of a significant shift in how courts analyze these requests.

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Updated Form I-9 & Remote Verification Procedures
Updated Form I-9 & Remote Verification Procedures

Updated Form I-9: The USCIS will be releasing a new Form I-9 on August 1, 2023. The prior version of the form was released in October 2019 and will continue to be effective through October 2023. After that date, the only form that can be utilized for verifications is the August 1, 2023 version.  

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Hostility Toward Non-Competes Continues
Hostility Toward Non-Competes Continues

We previously reported on the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rule banning non-competes. The final vote on that rule has reportedly been delayed until 2024. In the meantime, two more states and the National Labor Relations Board have taken steps to outlaw non-competes.

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Updates to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 affecting Mothers
Updates to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 affecting Mothers

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP For Nursing Mothers Act) were adopted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Please see below for an overview and actionable items of the PWFA and PUMP.

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5 Ways to Improve Gender Equality at Work
5 Ways to Improve Gender Equality at Work

The best work is done in environments where employees feel they are valued and treated fairly. By focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion to bridge the gender gap, you can make the necessary steps to attract, retain, and develop your top talent.

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COVID-19 National Emergency Set to Expire
COVID-19 National Emergency Set to Expire

Both the COVID-19 National Emergency and Public Health Emergency are set to expire on May 11, 2023. The Public Health Emergency expirations impact COVID-era accommodations and mandates.

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FTC Issues Proposed Rule Banning Non-Competes
FTC Issues Proposed Rule Banning Non-Competes

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) proposed a rule prohibiting employers from entering or enforcing non-compete clauses with their workers. The proposed rule would supersede any inconsistent state law. Given a March 2022 US Treasury Department report finding that one in five Americans are subject to a non-compete, this proposed rule – if it becomes final – will have a significant impact on the workplace.

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Casual Conversation Becomes Criminal Conduct: Wage-Fixing and No Poaching Agreements
Casual Conversation Becomes Criminal Conduct: Wage-Fixing and No Poaching Agreements

Employers need to be aware that casual conversations between competitors can now create significant legal risks. Recently, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has filed criminal charges against several employers alleging they illegally engaged in “wage fixing” or illegally entered “no poaching” agreements.  Although the cases filed have been unsuccessful so far, we expect the DOJ to continue pursuing these charges.

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Can Employers Still Conduct COVID-19 Screening Tests? It Depends.
Can Employers Still Conduct COVID-19 Screening Tests? It Depends.

During the early stages of the pandemic, many employers implemented mandatory, periodic COVID-19 screening tests for all employees. At that time, the EEOC approved the testing, finding that it was always “job-related and consistent with business necessity”, which is the standard employers must meet to conduct medical examinations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

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