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New Workplace Violence Prevention Rules for New York Retailers
September 26, 2024
As workplace safety becomes an increasing priority for businesses, new laws are emerging to protect employees, especially in industries that face higher risks of violence. If you’re an employer in the retail sector, it’s important to stay informed about the upcoming compliance requirements in New York. Starting March 4, 2025, all retail businesses with 10 or more employees must have a written Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and a formal Employee Training Program in place.
Let’s break down what you need to know and how to prepare for these new regulations.
Who Does This Apply To?
This new law, signed on September 5, 2024 (A08947), applies to employers in retail settings where 10 or more employees work. The scope is specific to retail stores, excluding businesses that primarily sell food for consumption on-site, such as restaurants and cafes.
As part of this requirement, your business must create a written policy on workplace violence prevention and ensure employees are trained annually. Both the policy and training program must be presented to employees in their primary language upon hire and during annual training sessions.
What Should the Workplace Violence Prevention Policy Include?
The policy must clearly outline how your business will:
- Identify and assess potential hazards of workplace violence.
- Implement preventive measures to mitigate those risks.
- Define the roles and responsibilities of management and staff in maintaining a safe work environment.
- Establish procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to workplace violence incidents.
The New York Department of Labor (NYDOL) is expected to release a model policy and training materials that employers can adopt and implement. These resources are designed to help ease the burden on businesses by providing a ready-to-use framework. If you prefer, you can also develop your own policy and training program, as long as they meet or exceed the minimum standards set by the state.
Why is This Important?
Workplace violence is a significant concern, particularly in retail environments where employees interact with the public. According to OSHA, nearly 2 million U.S. workers report being victims of workplace violence every year, and retail workers are often at higher risk due to frequent exposure to volatile customer interactions, cash transactions, and late working hours.
By implementing these new policies and training programs, not only are you complying with legal requirements, but you’re also taking proactive steps to protect your employees and minimize the risk of violent incidents.
Additional Panic Button Requirement for Large Retailers
In addition to the workplace violence prevention policy and training, businesses with 500 or more retail employees nationwide must also implement a panic button system by January 1, 2027. This can be fulfilled by providing employees with wearable panic buttons or mobile phone-based panic button solutions. These devices must be available throughout the workplace, giving employees an immediate means to signal for help in the event of a violent or dangerous situation.
This added layer of protection is crucial in large retail settings where employees may be spread across different areas of the store, making it difficult to alert colleagues or security quickly during an emergency.
Steps to Take Now
While the effective dates may seem far off, preparing early is key to ensuring compliance and safeguarding your employees. Here are some steps you can take now:
- Review Your Current Safety Policies: If you already have safety policies in place, assess whether they address workplace violence adequately. If not, begin outlining a strategy for incorporating these new requirements.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from the New York Department of Labor, as the model policy and training materials will help guide your compliance efforts.
- Consider Panic Button Options: If your business falls under the 500+ employee requirement, start researching panic button systems that can be implemented in your stores.
- Prepare Your Team: Start communicating these upcoming changes with your HR team and managers. Early planning ensures a smooth transition when the law goes into effect.
Looking Ahead
The workplace violence prevention policy and panic button requirements reflect a broader trend toward enhancing workplace safety across the retail industry. By complying with these new laws, you’re not only protecting your business from potential penalties but also fostering a safer, more supportive environment for your employees.
Stay tuned for further updates, and don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about how this impacts your business.
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The future of work is changing fast, and HR leaders are taking notice. More than half of companies are planning to switch their HCM platform this year—but not just for any solution. They’re looking for intelligent, scalable, and AI-driven technology that doesn’t just process payroll but actively enhances business operations. The days of rigid, outdated systems are over. Now, businesses need platforms that adapt, automate, and evolve alongside them. At Simco, we’re passionate about delivering the most advanced, transformative solutions to our clients. That’s why we’ve partnered with isolved, a recognized leader in the HCM space, to provide our clients with a powerful, AI-enabled platform that makes workforce management effortless. With a focus on automation, predictive analytics, and employee experience, isolved is changing the game for small and mid-sized businesses—and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Why isolved Stands Out in the HCM Market For the second consecutive year, Nucleus Research has named isolved a leader in its HCM Value Matrix for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs). The firm’s analysis highlights isolved’s enterprise-grade functionality, designed specifically for SMBs looking to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and leverage AI to drive efficiency. isolved’s adaptability ensures it evolves alongside customer needs. Whether an organization’s HR function matures or its priorities shift, isolved is uniquely positioned to support its success through continuous innovation. In 2024, the company launched 480+ product enhancements directly driven by direct customer feedback. Nucleus Research’s report also highlights several key updates, including: isolved's Candidate Match Tool , an AI-powered feature that evaluates and ranks candidates, streamlining the hiring process. Enhanced Talent Acquisition Services , including recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), job placement assistance, and comprehensive hiring solutions for quick-service restaurants (QSRs). A Broadened Content Library, now with over 95,000 courses designed for employee training, compliance, and professional development. A Next-Gen Time Clock , featuring advanced facial recognition and remote access for secure and accurate time tracking. The Power of Partnership: Simco + isolved While technology is the foundation, the real value comes from how it’s applied. At Simco, we don’t just provide software—we offer a full-service HCM and advisory solution, ensuring that all aspects of workforce management integrate seamlessly. Our clients benefit from: A Dedicated Client Success Manager – Your go-to resource who oversees your relationship with Simco, ensuring that every service—HCM, HR advisory, benefits, insurance, and retirement—works together without gaps. A Fully Integrated HCM & Advisory Solution – No need to juggle multiple vendors for payroll, HR advisory, employee benefits, commercial insurance, and 401(k)/retirement plans. Simco is your one-stop shop for all workforce solutions. Strategic Guidance & Ongoing Optimization – We help businesses maximize their investment in HCM technology while aligning it with compliance, employee engagement, and long-term growth goals. As businesses evolve, so do their workforce management needs. By combining isolved’s leading-edge technology with Simco’s hands-on service and industry expertise, we help businesses stay ahead of change, improve efficiency, and create better employee experiences. Ready to explore the future of HCM? Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your workforce operations!
Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, making phishing attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect. Every day, countless phishing emails reach inboxes, often with the intent to steal sensitive information or spread malware. Unfortunately, many of these attacks succeed in just a matter of seconds— the median time for users to fall for phishing emails is less than 60 seconds according to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report . With stolen credentials being one of the most popular methods of attack, businesses face increasing risks as these types of cyber threats become more complex and dangerous. How Phishing and Spoofed Domains Work Phishing attacks aim to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, often through: Fraudulent Email Links – These emails appear to be from trusted sources but contain malicious links that install malware or steal login credentials. Look-Alike Domains – Hackers create fake websites that resemble real business portals, altering a single character in the domain (e.g., “micr0soft.com” instead of “microsoft.com”). Credential Theft – Once hackers obtain login credentials, they sell them on the dark web, leading to widespread data breaches. Red Flags: How to Identify a Phishing Email Unusual Sender Addresses – Cybercriminals often spoof email addresses to look like trusted sources. Carefully inspect the sender's domain name for typos, extra characters, or strange formatting. A genuine email from "paypal.com" could be faked as "paypall.com" or "paypal-support.com." Urgent or Threatening Language – Many phishing emails attempt to create a sense of urgency, claiming that an account will be suspended, a payment has failed, or legal action is imminent. If an email pressures you into immediate action, be suspicious. Unexpected Attachments or Links – Hover over hyperlinks before clicking to see the actual URL destination. If the web address looks unfamiliar or mismatched with the sender's identity, do not click. Similarly, attachments that appear out of context—especially ZIP files, PDFs, or Word documents—could contain malware. Requests for Sensitive Information – Legitimate organizations will never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or banking details via email. If an email requests confidential information, verify with the company directly using a trusted phone number. Generic Greetings or Poor Grammar – Emails that start with “Dear Customer” instead of your name, or those containing awkward phrasing and misspellings, often indicate phishing attempts. Many cybercriminals operate internationally and use machine translations, leading to unnatural wording. Best Practices to Protect Your Business Train Employees Regularly – Frequent security awareness training helps employees recognize phishing attempts. Past studies by Proofpoint show that companies with ongoing cybersecurity training reduce phishing-related breaches by up to 60%. Implement simulated phishing tests to reinforce learning. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – MFA significantly decreases the chances of an account being compromised, even if login credentials are stolen. Microsoft reports that MFA can block over 99% of automated cyberattacks . Ensure all employees activate MFA for business accounts. Verify Requests Independently – If an email asks for sensitive actions (e.g., wire transfers, login changes, or software downloads), confirm the request through a known and trusted contact method. Never use the phone number or link provided in the email —instead, visit the company's official website or call using a verified number. Monitor and Filter Emails – Implement robust email security tools that automatically flag suspicious messages. Advanced filtering systems, like those offered by Barracuda Networks, can block over 90% of phishing emails before they reach inboxes. Encourage a Report-First Culture – Employees should feel empowered to report suspicious emails even if they are unsure. IT teams can analyze these reports to strengthen cybersecurity measures. Early detection prevents widespread damage. Use a Password Manager – Employees often reuse passwords across multiple accounts, increasing security risks. Encourage the use of password managers like 1Password or LastPass to generate and store complex passwords securely. New Tactic: The Rise of QR Code Phishing ("Quishing") QR code phishing, or "quishing," is a new phishing tactic gaining momentum as attackers exploit the widespread use of QR codes. Unlike traditional phishing, which relies on malicious email links, quishing uses QR codes to redirect users to fake websites designed to steal login credentials. Several factors contribute to quishing's success: Ubiquity : QR codes are now commonly used for payments, tickets, and documents, reducing suspicion when they appear in emails. Minimal Text : Unlike traditional phishing emails, quishing messages often contain little text, making them harder for security systems to flag. Mobile Vulnerability : QR codes are scanned on personal devices, which typically lack the protection of corporate systems. According to Abnormal Security , 90% of quishing attacks involve credential phishing , where users are tricked into entering sensitive data. Another common tactic is using fraudulent MFA alerts, which account for 27% of attacks , while 21% involve fake document-signing requests . Final Thoughts At the end of the day, protecting your company from phishing and cyber threats requires more than just technology—it’s about the people behind it. By fostering a culture of awareness and encouraging open communication, you empower your employees to be the first line of defense. Together, with vigilance and the right tools in place, you can ensure the safety of your sensitive data and build a more secure future for your business.
Employee Appreciation Day, which falls on March 7th this year, is an ideal occasion to express gratitude for the hard work and dedication of your employees. At Simco, we recognize that employee appreciation shouldn’t be limited to just one day, but this day presents a special opportunity to go above and beyond in showing your team how much they mean to the success of your organization. When employees feel recognized and valued, it enhances morale, engagement, and ultimately, productivity. Here are several thoughtful and impactful ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, creating lasting positive effects for both your employees and your company. 1. Personalized Appreciation Nothing shows employees you truly value them more than personalized recognition. Tailor your appreciation efforts to each individual, acknowledging their unique contributions and the impact they’ve made. Personalized gestures help employees feel recognized for the specific work they’ve done, making the appreciation feel authentic and meaningful. You can: Write Personalized Thank-You Notes : Take the time to write handwritten notes to your employees, thanking them for their specific achievements and how they contribute to the company’s overall success. Publicly Acknowledge Contributions : During a company meeting or via a group email, recognize each team member's individual contributions, celebrating their efforts with concrete examples. Employee Spotlights : Feature standout employees in your internal newsletter or on social media to highlight their unique strengths and hard work. 2. Host an Engaging Celebration Employee Appreciation Day is an excellent time to host a celebration that brings everyone together, whether virtually or in person. A well-planned event can boost morale and provide a chance for employees to connect with one another outside of their usual work routines. Ideas for celebration include: Catered Meals or Special Treats : Provide lunch, snacks, or a special treat to make the day feel celebratory. A fun lunch or dessert bar can offer an opportunity for employees to mingle and bond. Themed Events : Host a fun, themed event such as a retro office party or a “thank you” happy hour where employees can unwind and enjoy themselves. Virtual Celebration : For remote or hybrid teams, set up a virtual event like a game or trivia session where employees can engage and laugh together. 3. Offer Tangible Tokens of Appreciation While a simple thank-you is powerful, offering a meaningful gift can take employee appreciation to the next level. Thoughtful rewards can show your team that you not only recognize their hard work but are also willing to invest in their well-being. Consider: Gift Cards : Offer gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, or online stores, allowing employees to pick out something they personally enjoy. Wellness Incentives : Gifts that promote health and wellness—such as fitness trackers, yoga classes, or access to mental health resources—show employees you care about their overall well-being. Company Merchandise : High-quality, branded merchandise like apparel, accessories, or tech gadgets can serve as a lasting reminder of your appreciation. 4. Invest in Professional Development One of the most meaningful ways to honor your employees is by helping them grow professionally. Employee Appreciation Day is a great time to invest in their future, whether through formal training, new opportunities, or fostering leadership skills. Ways to offer growth opportunities include: Learning Stipends : Offer financial support for employees to pursue further education, certifications, or online courses that align with their career goals. Internal Development Programs : Launch mentorship initiatives or leadership programs that enable employees to expand their skill sets within the organization. Growth Opportunities : Encourage employees to explore new roles or responsibilities that align with their career aspirations, reinforcing your commitment to their long-term success. 5. Encourage Peer Recognition Employee appreciation doesn’t have to be a one-way street from management to employees. Encouraging peer-to-peer recognition helps build a strong team culture, where employees feel supported and valued by their colleagues as well. This helps foster camaraderie and teamwork, which benefits the entire organization. Ideas for peer recognition: Peer-to-Peer Appreciation Platforms : Create an internal platform where employees can nominate or thank their colleagues for their contributions, highlighting specific ways they've gone above and beyond. Recognition Wall : Set up a virtual or physical wall where employees can post messages of appreciation for their peers, encouraging a culture of gratitude. Monthly Recognition : Implement a peer-nominated “Employee of the Month” program to recognize and reward employees for their ongoing contributions. 6. Give Back Employee Appreciation Day also provides an opportunity to show gratitude by giving back to the community. Many employees value working for companies that have a strong sense of corporate social responsibility. By organizing a charitable event or initiative, you demonstrate that your organization cares about making a positive difference beyond the workplace. Ideas for giving back include: Company Volunteer Days : Organize a day of service where employees can volunteer at a local charity or nonprofit, allowing them to contribute to causes they care about while bonding with their colleagues. Matching Donations : Offer to match employee donations to their favorite charities, demonstrating that you support their personal values and causes. Charitable Fundraising Events : Host fundraising activities or auctions with proceeds going to a charitable organization chosen by the team. 7. Seek Feedback Finally, a key part of showing appreciation is listening to your employees and gathering feedback on how they feel valued. Employee Appreciation Day offers the perfect occasion to ask for input on what makes them feel appreciated and what could be improved. This helps ensure that future efforts are even more meaningful. Ways to gather feedback: Anonymous Surveys : Send out a survey asking employees what makes them feel most appreciated and if they have any suggestions for improving recognition practices. One-on-One Check-ins : Arrange individual meetings with employees to hear their thoughts on workplace culture and recognition, providing an opportunity for honest feedback. Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation Year-Round Employee Appreciation Day is a special occasion, but the benefits of recognizing your team should last well beyond this single day. When employees feel consistently valued and appreciated, it leads to higher morale, greater job satisfaction, and increased engagement. By investing in recognition efforts, offering meaningful rewards, and fostering a culture of appreciation, you ensure that your team remains motivated, happy, and productive all year long. At Simco, we believe that lifting and supporting employees is integral to creating a thriving workplace. Whether you celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with gifts, events, or personalized recognition, taking the time to show gratitude is a small gesture that can have a lasting impact on both your employees and your business.
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The future of work is changing fast, and HR leaders are taking notice. More than half of companies are planning to switch their HCM platform this year—but not just for any solution. They’re looking for intelligent, scalable, and AI-driven technology that doesn’t just process payroll but actively enhances business operations. The days of rigid, outdated systems are over. Now, businesses need platforms that adapt, automate, and evolve alongside them. At Simco, we’re passionate about delivering the most advanced, transformative solutions to our clients. That’s why we’ve partnered with isolved, a recognized leader in the HCM space, to provide our clients with a powerful, AI-enabled platform that makes workforce management effortless. With a focus on automation, predictive analytics, and employee experience, isolved is changing the game for small and mid-sized businesses—and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Why isolved Stands Out in the HCM Market For the second consecutive year, Nucleus Research has named isolved a leader in its HCM Value Matrix for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs). The firm’s analysis highlights isolved’s enterprise-grade functionality, designed specifically for SMBs looking to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and leverage AI to drive efficiency. isolved’s adaptability ensures it evolves alongside customer needs. Whether an organization’s HR function matures or its priorities shift, isolved is uniquely positioned to support its success through continuous innovation. In 2024, the company launched 480+ product enhancements directly driven by direct customer feedback. Nucleus Research’s report also highlights several key updates, including: isolved's Candidate Match Tool , an AI-powered feature that evaluates and ranks candidates, streamlining the hiring process. Enhanced Talent Acquisition Services , including recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), job placement assistance, and comprehensive hiring solutions for quick-service restaurants (QSRs). A Broadened Content Library, now with over 95,000 courses designed for employee training, compliance, and professional development. A Next-Gen Time Clock , featuring advanced facial recognition and remote access for secure and accurate time tracking. The Power of Partnership: Simco + isolved While technology is the foundation, the real value comes from how it’s applied. At Simco, we don’t just provide software—we offer a full-service HCM and advisory solution, ensuring that all aspects of workforce management integrate seamlessly. Our clients benefit from: A Dedicated Client Success Manager – Your go-to resource who oversees your relationship with Simco, ensuring that every service—HCM, HR advisory, benefits, insurance, and retirement—works together without gaps. A Fully Integrated HCM & Advisory Solution – No need to juggle multiple vendors for payroll, HR advisory, employee benefits, commercial insurance, and 401(k)/retirement plans. Simco is your one-stop shop for all workforce solutions. Strategic Guidance & Ongoing Optimization – We help businesses maximize their investment in HCM technology while aligning it with compliance, employee engagement, and long-term growth goals. As businesses evolve, so do their workforce management needs. By combining isolved’s leading-edge technology with Simco’s hands-on service and industry expertise, we help businesses stay ahead of change, improve efficiency, and create better employee experiences. Ready to explore the future of HCM? Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your workforce operations!
Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, making phishing attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect. Every day, countless phishing emails reach inboxes, often with the intent to steal sensitive information or spread malware. Unfortunately, many of these attacks succeed in just a matter of seconds— the median time for users to fall for phishing emails is less than 60 seconds according to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report . With stolen credentials being one of the most popular methods of attack, businesses face increasing risks as these types of cyber threats become more complex and dangerous. How Phishing and Spoofed Domains Work Phishing attacks aim to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, often through: Fraudulent Email Links – These emails appear to be from trusted sources but contain malicious links that install malware or steal login credentials. Look-Alike Domains – Hackers create fake websites that resemble real business portals, altering a single character in the domain (e.g., “micr0soft.com” instead of “microsoft.com”). Credential Theft – Once hackers obtain login credentials, they sell them on the dark web, leading to widespread data breaches. Red Flags: How to Identify a Phishing Email Unusual Sender Addresses – Cybercriminals often spoof email addresses to look like trusted sources. Carefully inspect the sender's domain name for typos, extra characters, or strange formatting. A genuine email from "paypal.com" could be faked as "paypall.com" or "paypal-support.com." Urgent or Threatening Language – Many phishing emails attempt to create a sense of urgency, claiming that an account will be suspended, a payment has failed, or legal action is imminent. If an email pressures you into immediate action, be suspicious. Unexpected Attachments or Links – Hover over hyperlinks before clicking to see the actual URL destination. If the web address looks unfamiliar or mismatched with the sender's identity, do not click. Similarly, attachments that appear out of context—especially ZIP files, PDFs, or Word documents—could contain malware. Requests for Sensitive Information – Legitimate organizations will never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or banking details via email. If an email requests confidential information, verify with the company directly using a trusted phone number. Generic Greetings or Poor Grammar – Emails that start with “Dear Customer” instead of your name, or those containing awkward phrasing and misspellings, often indicate phishing attempts. Many cybercriminals operate internationally and use machine translations, leading to unnatural wording. Best Practices to Protect Your Business Train Employees Regularly – Frequent security awareness training helps employees recognize phishing attempts. Past studies by Proofpoint show that companies with ongoing cybersecurity training reduce phishing-related breaches by up to 60%. Implement simulated phishing tests to reinforce learning. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – MFA significantly decreases the chances of an account being compromised, even if login credentials are stolen. Microsoft reports that MFA can block over 99% of automated cyberattacks . Ensure all employees activate MFA for business accounts. Verify Requests Independently – If an email asks for sensitive actions (e.g., wire transfers, login changes, or software downloads), confirm the request through a known and trusted contact method. Never use the phone number or link provided in the email —instead, visit the company's official website or call using a verified number. Monitor and Filter Emails – Implement robust email security tools that automatically flag suspicious messages. Advanced filtering systems, like those offered by Barracuda Networks, can block over 90% of phishing emails before they reach inboxes. Encourage a Report-First Culture – Employees should feel empowered to report suspicious emails even if they are unsure. IT teams can analyze these reports to strengthen cybersecurity measures. Early detection prevents widespread damage. Use a Password Manager – Employees often reuse passwords across multiple accounts, increasing security risks. Encourage the use of password managers like 1Password or LastPass to generate and store complex passwords securely. New Tactic: The Rise of QR Code Phishing ("Quishing") QR code phishing, or "quishing," is a new phishing tactic gaining momentum as attackers exploit the widespread use of QR codes. Unlike traditional phishing, which relies on malicious email links, quishing uses QR codes to redirect users to fake websites designed to steal login credentials. Several factors contribute to quishing's success: Ubiquity : QR codes are now commonly used for payments, tickets, and documents, reducing suspicion when they appear in emails. Minimal Text : Unlike traditional phishing emails, quishing messages often contain little text, making them harder for security systems to flag. Mobile Vulnerability : QR codes are scanned on personal devices, which typically lack the protection of corporate systems. According to Abnormal Security , 90% of quishing attacks involve credential phishing , where users are tricked into entering sensitive data. Another common tactic is using fraudulent MFA alerts, which account for 27% of attacks , while 21% involve fake document-signing requests . Final Thoughts At the end of the day, protecting your company from phishing and cyber threats requires more than just technology—it’s about the people behind it. By fostering a culture of awareness and encouraging open communication, you empower your employees to be the first line of defense. Together, with vigilance and the right tools in place, you can ensure the safety of your sensitive data and build a more secure future for your business.
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