John M. Bagyi, Esq., SPHR

07/07/2022

Today, a CHRO with whom I have worked for over 20 years, sent me an email informing me of her impending retirement. In part she said “I want to thank you for all of your assistance over the years … Your knowledge and guidance has made me a better HR professional and ensured that I served my organizations well over the years. For that and much more, I owe you a huge debt of gratitude.”
While reading this it struck me that my “why” is and always has been making my clients better HR professionals. Successful outcomes are great but I love my job because of the opportunity it provides me to help professionals grow in their roles - not just resolving a particular issue/case/matter, but leaving them better prepared for the next challenge. And, in turn, I have the privilege of learning from each and every one of them.

12/10/2020

Yesterday we celebrated the graduation of the Capital Region Human Resource Association (CRHRA) HR Leadership Class of 2020. Congratulations to Danielle Barton, Saratoga Hospital, Natalie Bova, SHRM-CP, Plug Power, Natasha L. Derby, PHR, SHRM-CP, Ultimus LeverPoint, Ann Dopilka, PHR, SHRM-CP, CPHR, MBA, Tectonic Engineering & Surveying Consultants, PC, Kelly Dussault (Conroy), PHR, Living Resources Corporation, Theresa Jalowiec, SHRM-SCP, Northland Communications, Susan Karavolas, Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Morgan Layh, SHRM-CP, CAP COM Federal Credit Union, Marie McDowell, M.S., PHR, The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, Kristianna McWilliam, SPHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, EYP, Inc., and Amanda Warzek, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan!

10/20/2020

Breaking News - The NYS DOL has released guidance and FAQs on paid sick leave. (Spoiler - if you're looking for clear direction on employers' most pressing questions - you're going to be disappointed.)

New York's Paid Sick Leave law requires employers with more than five employees to provide paid sick leave and for smaller businesses to provide unpaid sick leave.

07/14/2020

Looking forward to this!

Bond attorney John Bagyi will discuss pressing COVID-related employment concerns in the New York Credit Union Association’s monthly web conference at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15. Register here: https://bit.ly/2CwLE7e.

06/08/2020

Employers are routinely incorporating the term "COVID-19 symptoms" in a variety of memos, policies and health screening documents, but what those symptoms are is a moving target. The CDC's list (linked below - the list in the image is not complete) has changed at least twice in recent weeks. If you're listing COVID-19 symptoms, be sure that list is up to date.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Call your doctor if you develop symptoms.

05/29/2020

An unsolicited tip for those employers preparing to “reopen” - employers should not be asking employees to record health screening information on a common form that allows other employees to see their responses. ADA confidentiality requirements for medical information remain in effect.
Have a good weekend.

05/28/2020

An important development today - by executive order the Governor has authorized businesses to deny entry to individuals not wearing masks or face coverings. A crucial step for employers trying to protect their employees.

05/21/2020

To all New York employers (and borrowing a quote from Effie Trinket from Hunger Games) - "May the odds be ever in your favor!"

05/08/2020

Looking forward to partnering with the Times Union to present this webinar next week. Join us!

As the economy opens, get prepared for what new labor laws and other obstacles are coming.

11/14/2019

Had a lot of fun presenting my annual labor and employment law update for CRHRA this afternoon. Only HR people can continue smiling while receiving this much bad news!

10/23/2019

My annual CRHRA labor and employment law update is just 3 weeks away. Hope to see you there!

The Capital Region Human Resource Association is a non-profit professional organization comprised of Human Resource practitioners employed in various functions such as talent acquisition and management, compensation, benefits, HRIS, organizational behavior and development, and more.

10/16/2019

Reviewing attendee feedback on this year's NYS SHRM keynote address, I stumble across this - "He scares me."
I'm choosing to assume that's meant as a positive...