Expert Human Resources Saves Companies Time and Money

March 16, 2015

Avoid employment litigation and non-compliance fines: hire Expert Human Resources

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Vanessa G. Nelson, president and owner of Expert Human Resources in Flint, Michigan. When asked why she started her company, Nelson states, “Employment litigation increased 2000% since 1995, [and] the average lawsuit settlement is $165,000. If the case goes to court, it can cost $1 million or more. Employment law non-compliance fines can cost upwards of $100,000. It is way too much for employers to operate their businesses and try to keep track of red tape and issues.” These staggering facts spearheaded Nelson to start Expert Human Resources in 2009 to help companies protect their assets.

Nelson, who was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, knew early on that she wanted to help others. She learned a strong work ethic from her role model and mom, Ione Larry who, Nelson states, always worked hard, took pride in all of the work she did, and is a strong leader. Nelson’s career path began over 30 years ago when she worked at Sparrow Hospital. She then went on to work at Hurley Medical Center in 1991 where, in 2000, she was promoted to Human Resources as a Benefits Specialist. After working in benefits for four years, a promotional opportunity became available in Labor Relations, a position she competed for and won. Nelson states, “I knew that Labor Relations was my passion almost immediately. I LOVED it!” She adds, “I had found my calling. “

During Nelson’s tenure at the Medical Center, she earned her Masters Degree from Central Michigan University, Certified Labor Relations Leader Certification from Michigan State University, and the prestigious Senior Professional in Human Resources Certificate from the Human Resource Certification Institute. While Nelson worked on her Master Degree, she wrote her thesis (business plan) on the “feasibility of starting a Human Resources consulting firm in Michigan,” she declares, further stating that, “I conducted all the research, surveys, market analysis, etc. and ultimately received an ‘A’ on my thesis. The professors thought my idea was so outstanding I decided to execute my plan.”

Simultaneously, while working on her Masters, Nelson noticed that many of her colleagues would complain about being sued and having to pay large employment settlements, jury verdicts, and/or non-compliance fines. It was then that Nelson had an “Aha” moment and realized that many of those incidents would not have happened if those colleagues had certain policies or procedures in place, as well as if they had kept up with the changing laws, or had their managers properly trained to observe the workplace. Nelson lights up as she describes that, “It was then that I realized I could help companies save money!”

Due to Expert Human Resources being so well received, in 2013, Nelson retired from the corporate arena. She states, “Many business owners don’t have the time or the manpower to dedicate to protecting their companies, which is where Expert Human Resources can help. Our consultants have over 100 years of combined HR and employment law experience, and we stay up-to-date for our clients. Expert Human Resources works closely with businesses to make sure they have the right policies and procedures in place. We train managers and supervisors to protect the workplace, conduct HR audits to eliminate or reduce risk, perform workplace investigations to ensure policies are adhered to, and we help to make sure companies are consistent with their policy application across all avenues of the business.” And expert Human Resources also has memberships available for only $99 per year, which is a great affordable price for many small businesses. The basic membership includes one FREE, 10-minute call each month to discuss any HR or employment law issue, free access to seminars, free customizable forms, sample job descriptions, employment law interpretations, hiring and termination toolkits, and more! Based on the level of service needed, a business can upgrade its membership at any time.

Vanessa G. Nelson is also a sought-after speaker in her industry. She recently presented Human Resources and Employment Law: Don’t Put Your Company at Risk! to the National Association of RV and Parks Conference -- to roomful of about 80 participant’s in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nelson reports, “After the presentation, I received a flood of emails from the attendees, thanking me for presenting and for all the tools I gave them during the presentation. One of the freebies I give to all businesses is a social media policy. Employers need to understand and communicate the social media policy to their employees to protect their companies’ reputations and bottom lines,” Nelson explains.

You can find a copy of Expert Human Resources’ Social Media Policy Sample on her website www.experthumanresources.com under the ‘Shop’ section. You can also find her FREE e-Book entitled, Management Guide to Crucial Human Resource Strategies. This book explains how to be proactive and avoid common employee- related litigation and non-compliance fees.

Nelson also has other valuable information that can be found on her blog, including ‘5 Smart Things to Do in 2015 to Protect Your Business’ and ‘Affordable Care Act Update: Employer Mandate in Effect January 1, 2015.' “We are different at Expert Human Resources. We are [concerned with] preventing employment lawsuits and helping companies maintain employment law compliance because that is where our clients are most vulnerable,” Nelson explains. “We are protecting our clients’ assets.”

Get connected with Vanessa G. Nelson and Expert Human Resources today. Expert Human Resources has worked with over 60 companies, including McDonalds, MTA, Genesee District Library, Suski Chevrolet Buick, Old Newsboys of Flint, Pain Management Center of Flint, Village of Birch Run, Hank Graff Chevrolet, Balance Concierge, Richfield Trailer Supply, Lapeer County Vision Center, I-Ken Video, Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, Energy Sciences, and many more.

Expert Human Resources is also a benefits partner with the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce and the Birch Run Chamber of Commerce. Expert Human Resources has clients all over Michigan, as well as in Texas, Maryland, Georgia, New Jersey and Washington.
Expert Human Resourcesis located at 2425 South Linden Road, Suite D126 Flint, Michigan (Oak Creek Office Park) (877) 356-6175.

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