Ollie & Associates

10/20/2025

Important Update for Virginia's Minimum Wage:

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) has confirmed the next scheduled increase for the Commonwealth's minimum wage.

When: Effective January 1, 2026
New Rate: $12.77 per hour (a $0.36 increase from the current $12.41 rate)

This adjustment is a mandatory cost-of-living increase tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), ensuring the minimum wage keeps pace with inflation, as required by Virginia law.

Virginia employers should review their payroll systems and wage practices to ensure full compliance by the start of the new year. For more information, please visit the DOLI website. Still have questions? Reach out to us. We are happy to help.

10/13/2025

Don't let internal workplace disputes slow your business down.

Ollie & Associates specializes in impartial HR investigations that quickly and effectively get to the root of the problem. We provide objective findings so you can resolve issues confidently, protect your team, and keep a positive work environment.

Focus on your business and let us handle the investigation.
Contact us today at [email protected] or visit www.ollieassoc.com.

09/23/2025

08/22/2025

Have a great weekend everyone!

07/02/2025

I-9 Audits: It's Not If, But When. Is Your Business Ready?
Don't wait for an I-9 audit to strike! Increased scrutiny from agencies like ICE means proactive I-9 compliance is crucial for protecting your business.

Why the urgency? Even minor errors can lead to big problems. I-9 violations carry hefty fines:

Paperwork errors: $288 to $2,861 per violation.

Knowingly employing unauthorized individuals: $716 to $5,724 per employee (first violation), up to $28,619 per employee for repeat offenses, plus potential criminal charges.

Don't leave your organization vulnerable.

Ollie & Associates specializes in I-9 compliance and audit preparedness. We can help you:

Conduct internal audits.

Develop robust policies.

Train your team.

Mitigate risks and avoid costly fines!

Safeguard your business. Questions? Call us to schedule your free consultation.

06/22/2025

Virginia Employees and Employers: Let's Discuss Overtime for Salaried Non-Exempt Workers.

Being paid a salary doesn't always mean you're exempt from overtime. In Virginia, thanks to the Virginia Overtime Wage Act (VOWA), non-exempt salaried employees are entitled to 1.5x their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek.

Here's the key difference: Virginia calculates your "regular rate" by dividing your total weekly wages by 40, even if you worked more hours. This often means more overtime pay for you!

Why this matters:

Employees: Ensure you're paid fairly for your hard work.
Employers: Stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Got questions? Call us! It's always smart to understand your rights/obligations.

06/20/2025

Boo was reported to Human Resources this morning by one of his colleagues for poor attitude and destruction of property.

When he did not receive his treats in a timely manner, he pushed the treat container off the counter. All treats fell on the floor where the dogs promptly ate them.

I would put him on a performance improvement plan, but he wouldn’t care. 😂

06/19/2025

Today, Ollie & Associates pauses to honor Juneteenth, a day of profound significance marking the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the U.S. This isn't just a day off; it's a powerful moment for reflection on the ongoing journey toward true equity and justice.

We commit ourselves to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and heard, both within our team and in the communities we serve. Let's continue to learn, advocate, and work together to build a more just future.

06/18/2025

I had a conversation with a colleague today about the "ostrich approach" to business problems – essentially, burying your head in the sand and hoping things will magically improve.

In my experience, it rarely works out. Especially when it comes to HR. Ignoring those tricky employee relations issues, performance concerns, or compliance matters can snowball into bigger problems down the road. We're talking about potentially losing great team members, facing unexpected costs, and even damaging your company's reputation.

Instead of waiting for the storm to hit, why not address those issues proactively? Addressing challenges early on leads to a much healthier and more stable business in the long run.

If you feel like your head's been in the sand lately, or you want to be more proactive in tackling those challenging HR situations, Ollie & Associates is here to help! We can provide the guidance and strategies you need to face challenges head-on. Let's work together to build a stronger future for your business.

06/15/2025

Happy Father's Day from the team at Ollie & Associates! Today, we celebrate the incredible dads who inspire us, teach us, and always have our backs. Wishing you a wonderful day!