HR Options, Inc.

Client legitimizes the employment relationship

The challenge - Our client, a major international steel manufacturer, was involved in a merger. As a result, there was a major downsizing of skilled technical employees. Many of the employees had been required to retire early and had received severance and/or retirement packages. Three months later, the absence of those skilled staff became apparent. Early attempts to use these retirees and former employees as independent contractors had caused difficulties for both the client and the worker. The client came to HR Options (HRO) to see how they could legally tap this valuable and highly skilled worker pool without jeopardizing the position of the client or the worker.

The process - HRO put together a program for the client which encompassed former employees and retirees who met the client's need. HR Options acted as the employer from start to finish - from offer letter through separation or assignment end. A simple and easy employment process, with HR Options serving as the employer, protected both the interests of the client as well as those of the employee. The process allowed the client maximum flexibility in the use of this extremely valuable workforce. The program was designed as a win-win proposition and, to this day, still serves the needs and requirements of the client and the workers providing services.

The results - The contingent employee program was instituted with this client over 15 years ago and continues to this day. "Our retirees and former employees are extremely valuable components in our overall staffing plan. The HR Options program provided us with just the tool that we needed while at the same time protecting our interests as well as those of the employees," says the General Counsel." The passage of time and depth of experience with this company has led to many modifications and enhancements which have directly benefited the client. "The issue of using independent contractors is no longer on the table. We don't. We use HR Options."

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