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Employee Relations

Axcet HR can guide you to strengthen your workforce relationships – building a happier, more productive staff.

Employee Relations

Most small and mid-sized Kansas City companies know the benefits of strong employer-employee relations: greater employee loyalty and productivity, fewer chances for internal conflict and a better workplace culture, among others. But smaller business owners and managers, who often must give most of their attention to financials and day-to-day operations, may not know how or have time to establish employee relations policy and processes. As a certified professional employer organization (CPEO) and employee relations solutions provider, Axcet helps smaller companies strengthen their workforce relationships.

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Employee discipline and termination guidance

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably wished at some point that children came with an instruction manual. And, while employees obviously differ from offspring, they sometimes evoke similar sentiments from employers.

Difficult or under-performing employees are like poison to smaller companies, where it’s particularly important that everyone pulls his or her weight and works effectively with the rest of the team. Employers must take a firm stance in addressing the problem, but they also have to consider the legal risks associated with disciplinary actions. So, just like parenting, employer-employee relations are a delicate balance.

Consider Axcet HR Solutions, a Kansas City employee relations solutions provider, the answer to all of your employee relations questions. Axcet’s certified HR consultants help you navigate performance challenges and are especially effective when you consult us before disciplining an employee.

We view employee relations issues through a lens that considers both your company culture and employment law, giving you peace of mind that difficult employee situations have been vetted thoroughly with seasoned HR professionals.

Axcet provides coaching for managers in charge of disciplinary measures, helps write corresponding documentation and identifies ways to resolve employee performance concerns, all while helping minimize the risk of a claim against you.

In Axcet’s experience working with small and mid-sized companies in and around Kansas City since 1988, timely coaching for managers and effective corrective measures – both of which we can design and deliver – often remedy employee performance problems.

Given the high cost of turnover, the goal always is to rehabilitate an under-performing employee. Sometimes, though, termination is the only option. For clients who are considering letting a team member go, we recommend first discussing those plans with Axcet, an employee relations solutions provider with expertise to mitigate legal risks. We help your company comply with the state and federal laws that govern certain aspects of severing employee relationships, counseling you on steps you can take to ensure terminations are not discriminatory or retaliatory.

It sounds complex – and it often is – but Axcet can help you prepare for disciplinary or termination conversations, make sure you have the right documentation in place and manage any additional factors, such as safety concerns that could be elevated when an employee is fired.

Performance management processes

Most employers conduct yearly evaluations – even though only a little more than half of employees find them helpful – and do little else to regularly assess employee work contributions. If you wait until it’s time for an annual performance review, though, it might be too late to retain a high performer or to turn around an underachiever on your team.

Effective performance management goes beyond once-a-year meetings with each employee. To help your associates feel valued, improve the quality of their work and empower them for success, Axcet helps clients create ongoing, holistic With a consistent cycle of feedback, including constructive criticism and recognition for excellent efforts accomplished through ongoing performance meetings every few weeks throughout the year, your organization will:

  • Keep employees aligned to corporate goals;
  • Understand what help employees need and what obstacles are preventing goals from being achieved;
  • Maintain a healthy culture;
  • Build employee confidence;
  • Help associates improve both their strengths and weaknesses; and
  • Create trust and rapport between employees and managers.

As a highly qualified employee relations consulting company, Axcet assists clients in creating performance management processes customized to meet their specific needs, developing the right software or other tools the organization needs and providing coaching and help with implementation.

Metropolitan Kansas City organizations that work with Axcet can expect to see improved employee performance and productivity, as well as higher engagement, job satisfaction and retention levels.

Employee relations issues and concerns

The best employee relations policy for smaller businesses is to seek outside counsel. Employee relations consulting companies – including Axcet – examine internal employment issues from HR and compliance standpoints. We objectively identify risks and best next steps to manage employee problems.

Axcet’s certified employee relations specialists mitigate legal complications, protecting your company’s reputation as well as the bottom line. And, while we can help at any stage of a situation, you benefit most by involving us from the start. Clients who call us as soon as they become aware of an issue are more likely to make well-reasoned decisions that reduce the chance of a termination action backfiring into a legal claim.

HR Blues? Let's Talk

Employee grievances and complaints

Sometimes discord happens at work.

When an employee complains about a co-worker or manager, employers must swiftly address the situation to restore harmony and maximum productivity levels. It’s beneficial to navigate this rocky ground with Axcet, an employer-employee relations expert, at your side.

Axcet can determine if a complaint stems from harassment, discrimination, bad management behaviors, conflict between employees or a clash of personalities. Then we help you resolve these sensitive employee relations issues, mediating grievances or coaching managers so they can effectively address objectionable circumstances.

Axcet also will help you evaluate whether factors inherent to the company, such as culture, pay practices or an ineffectual organizational structure, are contributing to the internal conflict. You can turn to Axcet, a Kansas City employee relations specialist, to help you deescalate employee grievances – and avoid future conflicts among your workforce.

Harassment allegation investigations

Societal sensitivities around workplace harassment, discrimination and bullying are high, and the spotlight is trained more than ever on how employers respond to claims of harassment. An unhappy employee isn’t necessarily experiencing harassment, but if your company does face a complaint, Axcet can determine if it qualifies as a harassment or hostile work environment allegation based on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other laws. If it does, we can lead the investigation as an objective third party.

Partnering with Axcet, a metropolitan KC employee relations solutions provider, ensures a harassment investigation is unbiased – a critical factor in helping protect your company from a legal claim. We add integrity to the process by assigning two employee relations specialists to each case, so they can compare notes and confirm independent agreement before recommending steps your company should take to address the grievance.

Handling harassment investigations from start to finish, Axcet:

  • Interviews the complainant, alleged perpetrator and any witnesses in a confidential, professional manner;
  • Ensures all details are correctly documented; and
  • Provides a report to management with recommendations for immediate responses and actions.

A thorough, trustworthy harassment investigation not only provides legal protections for your company, but also reduces other potential fallout from an allegation, including heightened volatility that may create additional employee conflict, increased turnover, a deteriorating company culture and a negative public reputation. With Axcet, smaller Kansas City companies can avoid these significant adverse impacts.

PEO Services Help Small Companies Thrive

PEOs like Axcet HR Solutions exist for one reason: to manage essential HR tasks on behalf of small and mid-sized businesses. A PEO’s services save small business owners money and worry by delivering expert human resources, compliance with employment regulations and time to refocus on business growth.
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KC organizations that work with Axcet see improved employee performance and productivity, as well as higher engagement, job satisfaction and retention.

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Felisha-m

We are small, and as such, rarely in the eye of a payroll services company. Axcet works with our multiple entities. I want to focus on our business, and they focus on HR for me. Because we are small, I really don't want to have a 'personal' disagreement about PTO or vacation pay, so I set the guidelines, and Axcet manages them, which I love.

Felisha M.

Owner, Insurance Firm
professional-smile-and-portrait-of-asian-man-in-o-2023-11-27-05-23-58-utc

We really appreciate the work you are doing for our tradeshow and exhibit display company. The fun part is we get at least an email a day, phone calls every day, and we see the commercials on tv for something that you have taken care of for us last year. (And, of course, it is in the capable IRS hands now.)

Thanks for making this so easy for us.

Don J.

Owner, B2B Tradeshow & Exhibit Company
bob-g

Turning our admin, payroll, benefits, 401K, workers' compensation, etc., over to Axcet HR has been one of the best decisions that we've ever made: that was back in 2001! We've had 21 great years with Axcet and hope to have 21 more! Axcet has saved us time and LOTS of money but most of all, Axcet HR has allowed us to focus on running our business...because we know, day in, and day out that Axcet has our back!

Bob G.

Owner, B2B Services Company
Andrew-c

As a start-up, Axcet's HR solutions have been an integral partner in guiding us through several key business necessities and requirements. They have been very helpful in core functions including recruiting, 401k setup, employee onboarding, benefits enrollment, payroll and various compliance training for our employees. We've gained business momentum as a result of Axcet's team of dedicated professionals.

Andrew C.

Chief Growth Officer, Technology Company
Michelle-w

Axcet has helped us find affordable benefits for our 15 employees. Being a small firm, it was hard to find various health insurance options. It is nice knowing that we have someone with HR knowledge. It is good to get another persons opinion when we are having employee issues.

Michelle W.

Controller, Engineering Firm
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Axcet's professionalism and knowledge is a definite asset for our company. They have saved me so many hours in Payroll, HR, Benefits and Workers Comp. There is no way for me to keep up on Human Resources! I praise their staff highly! ...Axcet KNOWS Customer Service!

Anna H.

Owner, Car Dealership
head-and-shoulders-portrait-of-smiling-young-asian-2021-08-29-11-02-50-utc

Axcet has been so helpful and professional in answering questions that I have for payroll processing. My payroll administrator is so prompt in replying to emails. He is really easy to work with and is so knowledgeable. Our Human Resources Consultant is professional and personable. I have great confidence in Axcet and have never hesitated in contacting them for questions or clarification.

Mandy C.

Non-Profit Ministry
happy-indian-business-man-leader-manager-standing-2021-11-08-16-18-44-utc

Axcet HR has help lesson our burden in all aspects of payroll, HR, safety and our 401K. When an employee comes to one of us with a situation. All we do is point them to our Axcet administrator and or payroll administrator and the issue gets resolved. It has been a great relationship.

Rick B.

Electrical Services Company
Nita-c

I burned through a couple of "payroll companies" before I found Axcet. I have yet to encounter anyone at this company that hasn't been friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. Calls are returned amazingly fast and problems are solved without having to make any other calls. This is truly a great company and stellar business partner!

Nita C.

Owner, Medical Industry Company
Bruce-h

With all the changing rules and regulations we face as employers, I was always afraid of a "Gotcha!" moment. We've been with Axcet over 10 years now and I sleep well at night knowing all our HR is done right. They make it all so easy. Our payroll is accurate, we are legal and OSHA compliant in every area, and my employees love their benefits. Our team at Axcet is more than just a good vendor, they are a great partner!

Bruce H.

Founder & CEO, Services Company
woman-head-office-worker-in-a-stylish-office-with-2022-11-25-16-03-54-utc

My faith in Axcet's expertise has always been off the charts. It has been so nice to just be able to pick up the phone and ask questions. Simple to complex ... they can do all of it! Axcet has allowed us to offer an extensive benefits package to our Teammates which has been an added bonus. Axcet is not only part of our Team but we consider them part of our Family! We are one of Axcet's many fans. No regrets since day one and we wouldn't change a thing!

Moira V.

Small Business Owner
portrait-of-female-owner-of-gift-store-standing-in-2021-08-27-16-33-28-utc

Axcet handles all of payroll, HR and benefits needs. As a non-profit, it's great to have Axcet as a partner to provide all of the employee benefits and HR support that I need so our staff can focus on the core mission of our organization! They have helped me with hiring, navigating benefits enrollment to get our employees the best rates possible, as well as navigating possible employee related tax credits. I love our Axcet team!

Emily D.

CEO, a Kansas City Non-profit

We had tried two other PEOs. Both of which we left after the first year. The level of service that we were accustomed to with Axcet was not there, so we came back to Axcet truly because of the excellent service we always received. Everyone at Axcet would make us feel like we were their only client, like they were sitting there waiting for our call, always friendly and ready to help. 

Lisa C.

VP of Finance, Kansas City Financial Institution
portrait-of-female-owner-of-gift-store-standing-in-2021-08-27-16-33-28-utc

We started working with Axcet in 2018 and they have dramatically increased our internal productivity. We used to spend hours on payroll, HR, benefits, taxes, etc. each week and that is no longer the case. Prior to Axcet, we worked with two other payroll companies and is was a complete mess. Working with Axcet is like having a robust and efficient internal HR department. They have solutions to every problem and we no longer feel lost trying to navigate the payroll landscape. If you want to streamline your business and get out of the HR and payroll weeds, then go with Axcet.

Peyton W.

Owner, Recruitment Firm
businessman-2021-08-30-20-05-04-utc

Thank you Axcet HR for your assistance with the employee issue. You justified every penny we pay to Axcet through this exercise. I am really glad we have you and Axcet as a resource. It gave me peace of mind, knowing that you would know how to handle these situations the correct way. I really appreciate all the effort put into this to help me stay on course and protect our company.

Mark S.

President, B2B Company
Sherri Senior Human Resources Consultant at Axcet HR, Kansas City

Job Ads, Resumés, Onboarding, Oh My!

As a full service professional employer organization (PEO), we provide comprehensive HR support and administration to help your business succeed.

The cost of a bad hire can be significant, often reaching as much as 30% of their salary. By relying on our HR experts, you can save your business thousands of dollars and avoid the costly mistakes that can come with an uninformed hiring process.

Axcet HR Solutions
Axcet HR Solutions
25 Google reviews
Charles Fugate
Charles Fugate
March 11, 2024.
I trust that they've got "everything" handled or can handle quickly, regardless what the everything may be that day . . .
Ruth Mailand
Ruth Mailand
March 5, 2024.
Axcet HR Solutions provides me with exceptional staff who assist me with everything from payroll to training and updating our employee handbook! Wonderful service all around.
randy clayton
randy clayton
December 13, 2023.
The way Axcet gives each cient a personal touch is what sets them apart. Having a local, dedicated team of experts to help guide you through the intracacies of Payroll, HR and Safety compliance is rare in the PEO inductry. When you have an issue, your personal consultant will help you work through the problem, not some faceless name. Each person on your team is dedicated to take the worry off of your already busy plate. You maintain control, they coach. I just retired from Axcet after being part of the team for almost 13 years. What an honor and privilege to work with such a fine group teammates. Axcet was a GREAT fit for me. Love our clients. Wonderful experience!
Greg Krissek
Greg Krissek
July 5, 2023.
The Axcet Team - especially Sarah R. - helped us resolve a frustrating scenario with coverage of a medical procedure due to confusion between the medical facility and the insurance company. When the Axcet team got involved and cut through the bureaucracy the matter quickly was resolved after months of haggling. Thank you Axcet and Sarah!
Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson
May 22, 2023.
Having the HR expertise to help in difficult situations. And being able to make a call and get the correct info quickly. Health insurance is a pain! but Axcet is a big help!
Shana Crockett
Shana Crockett
May 16, 2023.
Our Axcet team is the best! Herman and Laura are great at what they do and very knowledgeable.
Lance Edward
Lance Edward
May 16, 2023.
The team at Axcet is amazing!! They are always ready and willing to help out anytime we need them. I would highly recommend them to any business. It's a huge relief for us, knowing the answers we need to keep our business moving forward are just a phone call away.
Cheryl Baldus
Cheryl Baldus
May 11, 2023.
The staff is wonderful!!
Frank Blanc
Frank Blanc
May 3, 2023.
Axcet staff is knowledgeable and helpful. They allow me to focus more on operating my business.

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