In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley dives into the ever-shifting world of independent contractor classification—and why it matters now more than ever. With the political pendulum swinging once again, employers may find themselves facing new flexibility in how they engage workers… but also new risks if they don’t tread carefully.

Kelley breaks down key resources like Fact Sheet #13, opinion letter FLSA 2019-6, and how to interpret them under the current rules. She also explores what to watch for—like control factors, use of company resources, and the distinction between employees and contractors doing similar work.

If your business uses freelancers, consultants, or gig workers, this episode is essential listening. The rules may be loosening, but the scrutiny isn’t going away.

⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR #HRPodcast #IndependentContractors #HRCompliance #FLSA #EmploymentLaw #HRUpdates #DOLGuidance #WorkforceTrends #LaborLaw #HRLeadership

In this episode of What the Heck is Happening in HR?, Kelley breaks down the return—and expansion—of Department of Labor opinion letters, a critical yet often overlooked resource for HR professionals, business owners, and legal teams.

What exactly is an opinion letter? How do they differ from administrator interpretations? And why does it matter that they’re back under the current administration—with new platforms and expanded coverage across wage and hour, OSHA, benefits, and more?

Kelley explains how opinion letters provide valuable insights into how the DOL interprets the law in real-world scenarios, and how you can use them as a tool for compliance and smarter decision-making. Whether you're an HR pro trying to classify workers or a business owner sorting through federal guidance, this episode gives you a solid starting point—and a cautionary note on when to consult legal counsel.

⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#WhatTheHeckIsHappeningInHR #HRPodcast #OpinionLetters #DOLGuidance #EmploymentLaw #HRCompliance #WorkforceStrategy #HRLeadership #HRBestPractices #WageAndHour #LegalUpdates

In this final part of our series with Mark Koulianos, we explore real-world stories from the HR department. Mark shares moments when HR proved to be an essential strategic partner as well as times when their involvement created challenges. From handling difficult terminations to addressing workplace safety concerns, his candid reflections offer practical lessons on how HR can strengthen its support for leaders while avoiding common missteps.

Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer#HRPodcast #HumanResources #Leadership #WorkplaceStories #HRLessons #EmployeeExperience #HRandLeadership #PeopleManagement