|
HR Pieces:
May 2025 News
| | |
Dear Lynette,
This May, we're not just welcoming a new season—we're celebrating a major milestone: 20 years of HR Advantage!
We’re beyond grateful for the incredible clients, candidates, vendors, and team members who have made this journey possible. Every connection and every success story has helped shape who we are today. Thank you for being part of our HRA family!
To celebrate, we're offering 20% off our Career Development Services through the end of May—because helping others grow in their careers is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do.
From resume help to interview prep, we’re here to support the next step in your professional journey—and we’re honored to walk alongside you.
Thanks for subscribing to our monthly newsletter. As always, we’re here to provide personalized HR solutions that align with your goals—today, tomorrow, and for the next 20 years.
With gratitude,
The HR Advantage Team-
Lynette, Camille, Karla, Dana, Liz, Seth, Sarah, Anita, Sharon, Erinn, Dana, and Diane
| | |
Lynette Weatherford MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President
Email Lynette
877.894.0202 ext 4
| | |
Camille Knowles PHR,
SHRM-CP, HR Advisor
Email Camille
877.894.0202 ext 3
| | |
Karla Callaway BS
HR Advisor
Email Karla
877.894.0202 ext 2
| | |
Dana Baldwin BS, SPHR,
SHRM-SCP, HR Advisor
Email Dana
877.894.0202 ext 1
| | |
Elizabeth Hurst MBA
Business Development Director
Email Elizabeth
877.894.0202 ext 5
| | |
Seth Bunn BS
Recruitment Advisor
Email Seth
877.894.0202 ext 6
| | |
Sarah Matthews BA
Business Development Manager
Email Sarah
(877) 894-0202 ext 8
| | |
Anita King MA, SHRM-CP
Learning & Development Advisor
Email Anita
877.894.0202 Ext 7
| | |
Erinn Johnson
HR Advisor Assistant
Behind the Scenes
| | | | |
Dana Snyder, MS, BS, SHRM-CP
HR Advisor Assistant
Email Dana
| | |
Diane Stites, MA, MBA, SHRM-SCP
HR Advisor Assistant
Email Diane
| | HR Hotline | Email | 877-894-0202 ext. 8 | | |
May HR News
-
Missouri Sick Leave Policy
- Supporting Nursing Employees
- Compliance Calendar
- Question of the Week
- HR Professionals Day
- HRA Celebrating 20 Years
- HRA Employee Spotlight
- Career Opportunities
| |
PROP. A
Missouri Paid Sick
Leave Policy
⚠️ Compliance Alert: Proposition A
Goes Into Effect May 1
Heads up, Missouri employers! A new state law—Proposition A—goes into effect May 1, 2025, requiring most employers to provide paid sick leave to eligible employees. This law also includes a gradual increase to the state’s minimum wage, reaching $15 per hour by 2026. It’s important to ensure your workplace is ready.
A few quick FACTS:
- Employees will earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
- Time off can be used for:
- The employee’s own illness or medical appointments
- Caring for a sick family member
- Preventative care
- Certain situations involving domestic violence or sexual assault
- Unused hours carry over annually, but usage caps may apply
- Employers must provide a private & written policy explaining accrual/usage
- Retaliation is prohibited for using earned sick leave
The Missouri Department of Labor has released a helpful video overview of Proposition A along with FAQs to guide employers through compliance requirements.
Whether you need to adjust your policies or just want a second set of eyes on your current handbook, we’re here to help.
HR Advantage can guide you through updates to keep your business compliant and your team supported!
Source: Labor.Mo.Gov
| |
Supporting Nursing Employees in the Workplace
Under the PUMP Act (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers), all employers are now required to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for nursing employees to pump breast milk during the workday.
This space must be:
- Shielded from view
- Free from intrusion
- Functional and available whenever it's needed
Creating a supportive, compliant environment is not only the law—it’s also an important part of taking care of your team.
If you’re unsure whether your workplace is meeting the current requirements, our HR experts are here to help you review and update your policies.
Let’s make sure your workplace is ready!
Source: DOL
| |
Question of the Week!
An employee requested an unpaid leave of absence to complete their last semester of college.
Do we have to approve it? If we don’t but still want to, what should we consider before approving the employee’s request?
A leave of absence for educational purposes is not typically covered by FMLA, ADA, or similar state laws. Check your company’s policies for any provisions regarding unpaid leave in such situations.
If there’s no existing policy, and you choose to approve the request, consider the long-term implications. Will you offer similar leave to other employees in the future? Be sure to clarify why this instance may be an exception.
Additionally, think about how benefits and seniority will be handled during the leave, and how the employee’s responsibilities will be covered—whether by redistributing tasks or hiring temporary help.
Offering this type of leave can show support for your employees, improving morale and retention. If you approve, document the terms in a signed leave letter.
Source: SHRM.org (Note: This is not legal advice and does not address state or local laws.)
| |
|
A Day for HR Professionals: May 2nd is Now Officially HR Day in Missouri!🎉 🎊
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has officially declared May 2nd as Human Resource Professionals Day in Missouri. This day acknowledges the significant impact HR professionals have in creating and maintaining strong, effective workplaces.
HR professionals are essential in shaping policies, promoting workplace growth, and fostering a culture of well-being. Their contributions go beyond just managing the workforce—they are integral to the success of any organization!
| |
In celebration, SHRM chapters across Missouri will host service projects and volunteer efforts, demonstrating the core values of the HR profession.
How you can get involved:
- Mark your calendar for May 2nd
- Acknowledge your HR team for their efforts
- Participate in your local SHRM chapter’s celebration
- Share your appreciation on social media with #MOHRDay and #ThankYouHR
Thank you to ALL HR professionals across Missouri for everything you do!
Source: SHRM
| | | | |
HRA is Celebrating 20 Years in Business!
| | |
In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we’re offering a 20% discount on Learning & Development services throughout May to support your team’s growth and
long-term success!
Contact a team member to learn more—this offer is available through July 1st only!
| | |
HRA Employee Spotlight
🌟Meet Lynette Weatherford🌟
Meet Lynette, the Founder and President of HR Advantage! Lynette’s passion for the incredible clients, vendors, and people she works with shines through every day.
Twenty years ago, she started HR Advantage with a vision that has grown into a thriving, collaborative team, and we’re so grateful she took that leap!
Her leadership is rooted in a simple yet powerful philosophy: "Never burn bridges, and always give grace—someone who is curt may just be having a bad day."💡
Fun Facts About Her👇
🍽️ Favorite local spot? The Vineyard Market
☕ Go-to coffee order? Vanilla latte, extra hot, with whip
📖 Currently reading? It Begins with Us
✈️ Dream destination? Greece!
🌟 If she could have dinner with anyone, it’d be? Oprah Winfrey
We’re proud to celebrate the vision and dedication Lynette has brought to HR Advantage over the last 20 years! Thank you, Lynette, for everything you’ve built and continue to inspire in our team.
| | |
Recruitment Services
tailored to your needs...
| | | | |
Our team offers knowledge on effective recruitment strategies.
We are here to step in when time and resources to recruit internally are scarce.
If you're struggling to find great candidates for that critical role, let our expert team help...
| | |
Executive Recruitment
Leave top talent recruitment in the hands of seasoned experts who will conduct a full-scale, comprehensive search to deliver the best match for your company.
| | |
Recruitment Support
The beginning stages of a candidate search can be the most tedious and time-consuming. Let our team support your efforts with posting, monitoring and pre-screening activities.
| | |
Candidate Profiles
HR Advantage takes the time to source and screen active candidates in advance to simplify the recruitment process for employers. Preview some of our featured candidates on our website!
| | Let our expert recruiters help you attract and hire your next quality employee. Contact us today for more information! | | |
Have an HR Need?
HR Advantage helps companies with their human resource needs.
We value your feedback. If we've helped your company with an HR problem or issue, leave us a review.
| | |
Follow us on social media for weekly HR tips and other important HR updates! Click the icons above to visit our pages.
| | | | |
