HR Consulting Firm Services
Employee Handbooks & Policy Development
Our Employee Handbooks are customized based on your company size, practices, needs, and company culture and designed for compliance with State and Federal regulations.
READ MORE »HR Best Practices Assessment
Our HR Best Practices Assessment is a comprehensive review of your business’ current policies, procedures, and practices.
READ MORE »Training Workshops
TPS Group offers a broad spectrum of HR training services for organizations of all sizes.
READ MORE »Performance Management Plans
TPS understands that managing employees is a time-consuming and draining supervisory requirement. Through our experience with a broad spectrum of organizations, we further understand that performance requirements and standards vary greatly from organization to organization. Performance standards required in one organization may be different or not important to another.
READ MORE »HR Compensation Analysis and Benchmarking
For most organizations, compensation and benefits are its largest expense. TPS utilizes an analytical approach to obtaining and evaluating jobs and benchmarking compensation.
READ MORE »HR Department Startups
We will act as your in-house HR department until which time you need to hire either a part time or full time HR Professional, which we can train for you.
READ MORE »Hiring & Recruiting
TPS Group can assist you in determining needs, recruiting, conducting background checks, interviewing and on-boarding.
READ MORE »Outsourced HR Help Desk
Our team of HR Consultants has experience in a broad spectrum of industries and small and large size organizations.
READ MORE »Employee Self-Service
Save Time! Employee Self-Service gives your workforce access to pull personal data, pay information, W2s and time off accrual information securely via the internet.
READ MORE »Workers’ Compensation
Gain better control of your cash flow and expenses. Our workers’ compensation services provide efficiencies by having premiums based on your actual payroll deducted automatically from each payroll cycle. No up-front deposits requirement (to avoid year-end audit issues) and a time savings on administration.
READ MORE »Evolution's Human Resource Module
Payright’s Human Resource system is fully integrated with our payroll system. With Evolution's HR Module, you have the ability to handle comprehensive tracking of all important employee information throughout their employment period.
READ MORE »Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA)
Health Reimbursement Accounts are funded and owned solely by the employer and utilized for the benefit of employees to cover the cost of medical expenses chosen by the employer.
READ MORE »Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Offering your employees Flexible Spending Account Benefits. FSAs offer many benefits for both employers and employees, including substantial savings on qualified healthcare expenses.
READ MORE »Premium-Only Plans
POP plans are limited scope Section 125 plans that allow employers to pay health insurance premiums without FICA taxation. Employees also save by paying their portion of health insurance premiums with pre-tax income.
READ MORE »COBRA Administration
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires that employers follow specific guidelines when notifying individuals of their benefit continuation rights under Health and Welfare plans. Employers may face heavy government fines and penalties if found in non-compliance of COBRA requirements.
READ MORE »Group Medical Insurance
Every year the cost of health insurance is increasing, making it difficult to continue to offer it to your employees and retirees. When we meet with an employer group, first and every time, we’ll ask questions to put together a comparison of plans based on your answers and the best value. We’re here to help make it an effortless process.
READ MORE »Health Reimbursement Accounts
Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) may work in conjunction with any insurance plan. It can be designed to cover specific health expenses, or insurance plan cost-sharing, such as co-pays, coinsurance or a portion of the deductible on a High Deductible Health Plan. HRAs are funded and owned solely by the employer and are utilized for the benefit of employees to cover the cost of medical expenses chosen by you.
READ MORE »Group Dental
Group Dental provides the benefits associated with better overall health for your employees and can be a key component in a competitive compensation package to attract and retain the best employees.
READ MORE »NYS DBL/Enhanced
As a business owner in New York with employees, you know the state mandates disability coverage for your employees that get sick or hurt off the job. NYS DBL provides coverage up to 26 weeks for your employees. For a very affordable rate you can enhance this coverage, increasing the weekly amount available.
READ MORE »Long and Short Term Disability
Attracting and retaining top-tier employees should be a top priority within your company. Offering disability insurance will not only give your employees peace of mind, but help you compete with other companies that may be offering it.
READ MORE »Group Life Insurance
No one likes to think about prematurely dying, but the reality is it happens. Protecting those left behind is what life insurance is all about. Whether the goal is to pay off debt, like a mortgage, cover lost income or retirement, or give children the ability to continue to go to college. It’s care when someone is no longer here.
READ MORE »Voluntary Benefits
These plans are designed to supplement benefits that you, the employer, offer. Usually the employees pay for the plans, certain plans can be offered on a pre-tax basis and by paying that way it saves the employer FICA. Why wouldn’t you have these available?
READ MORE »Section 125 Cafeteria Plans
Employers establish a menu of benefits by electing to offer group health or accident insurance, group term life insurance, disability benefits, dental insurance, vision insurance, or voluntary benefits.
READ MORE »Return to Work Service
Our experienced HR Consultants can help you navigate through the various HR challenges so you can continue to focus on running your business through the COVID-19 crisis.
READ MORE »HR Consulting Firm Team Members
Phil Coco
Vice-President of Sales and Marketing
Kimberly Colegrove
Vice President HR Consulting & Compensation Services
Diane Durso
Sales Consultant/Client Relationship Representative, North Haven, CT location
Jesse Walters
Benefit Consultant, Buffalo, NY Location
Teri Schatz
Director HR Consulting and Compensation Services
Michael Goodrich
HR Consultant
HR Consulting Firm Resources

Maine Department of Labor (Maine DOL)
- State employment laws
- State independent contractor rules
- Unemployment
- Workers’ compensation
- Safety training & compliance assistance

Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC)
Anti-discrimination law enforcement

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- Federal wage and hour law
- Exempt and non-exempt employee status
- Compliance assistance
- Independent contractor rules for DOL

Maine Revenue Services (MRS)
- State tax laws, rules and forms
- Businesses and individuals

O*NET OnLine
Job analysis and job description development

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Labor statistics & wage data

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Federal tax laws, rules and forms
- Businesses and individuals
- Independent contractor rules for IRS

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination & enforcement

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Safety laws training compliance assistance

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Human resource data – laws, policies, forms and tools

American Payroll Association (APA)
Payroll guidance and information

Employee Benefits Security Administration
Benefit plan compliance and assistance (health and retirement) COBRA HIPPA

COBRA Information & Notices for Continuation of Health Coverage
COBRA Continuation Coverage - Resources for Employers, Advisers, Workers & Families
HR Consulting Firm Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why would a company consider HR Help Desk services?
A:
Many companies and organizations rely on HR help desk services. Providers of these services often also offer guidance on key Human Resources functional areas including general policies, recruitment, benefits, discipline & documentation as well as compliance areas.
By teaming up with an HR consulting firm like the TPS Group of HR Consultants has experience in a broad spectrum of industries and small and large size organizations.
Most employers want their provider to be able to extend their services to all areas of benefits, compensation, staff development and training, policy administration and much more. When you utilize HR Help Desk Services at TPS Group, you gain access to the knowledge and experience of an entire team rather than one or more individuals on staff that are juggling other in-house responsibilities.
Q: Why do employers need Hiring & Recruiting Services?
A:
Recruiting top workers should be a priority for every business, and your company should be no different. However, locating and attracting top talent is more competitive than ever.
Employers turn to HR consulting firms that can assist with Hiring & Recruiting for many different reasons and we find that there are a variety of circumstances that lead a company to require professional hiring & recruiting services.
Most often, employers utilize our services when one or more of the following is the case:
- They need assistance in analyzing the required duties and requirements of the position.
- They aren’t sure of the skills, experience and compensation range required for the position.
- They don’t have enough time to recruit the open position.
- They have had trouble filling the job for an extended period.
- They do not have internal staff who are proficient in interviewing who may be unaware of employment laws affecting recruiting and interviewing.
- They have seen high turnover rates for the position and seek expert help.
Q: What does a company have to do after establishing a profit sharing plan?
A:
If you establish a profit-sharing plan, you:
- Can have other retirement plans
- Can be a business of any size
- Need to annually file a Form 5500
Q: What topics are typically covered at a HR (Human Resources) training workshop?
A:
A training workshop is usually provided in an individual or group setting.
Topics covered typically relate to Human Resources and Workforce Management. Many Human Resources Consultants offer an extensive catalog of on-site or off-site training topics conducted by our Consultants and affiliates.
Topics covered at a HR Training Workshop should include, but are not limited to:
- Harassment
- Ethics
- Performance Management
- Effective Interviewing
- Supervisory Training
- Leadership Training
- Effective Communication
- Change Management
- Employment Law
- Conflict Resolution
- Helping Employee's Grow
- Effective Job Descriptions
HR Consulting Firm Articles

Pros and Cons of Annuities vs. Lump Sum Payouts for Defined Benefit Plans
At age 66 and widowed, Eric was ready to retire and faced with a choice: take a one-time lump sum benefit equal to the $550,000 he had in his defined benefit ...

Season’s Greetings from TPS Group
To our Friends and Associates – Each year during the holiday season, we take great pleasure in setting aside time from our regular work to send a heartfelt ...

Top Fears of Employees Approaching Retirement
The decision to retire often brings a mix of emotions: relief, excitement, and anticipation of more time to relax, travel, and pursue other interests. ...

From Office to Zoom: Managing Remote Employees
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses to allow employees to work from home. In many cases this switch was a rapid one and for companies unaccustomed ...

Performance Development vs Performance Management: Is it Time for a Change?
“I’ve been doing performance reviews for the past 20 years, and I’ve never gone back and looked at any of them once they were submitted.” “I usually just ...

Pros and Cons of CARES Act Retirement Account Withdrawals
Bob’s wife, Angie, was laid off from her job in retail when the pandemic began and stores closed their doors. To make matters worse, Bob became infected ...

TPS Talks Newsletter | Apr. - May 2020 | Issue 1
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Paying Fees From Plan Assets
COVID-19 is obviously causing financial stress and, when it comes to your qualified retirement plan, you may be looking for ways to reduce expenses. You ...

Can an Employee Take FMLA Leave During a Furlough?
During a furlough, an employee remains employed and usually remains eligible for benefits (depending on the terms of the employer’s policies and plan documents). ...

COVID-19 and Workplace Stress: Tips for Managers and Leaders
As the engines of the economy restart in phases, many business leaders are grappling with concerns about the welfare and safety of their employees and ...

CEFEX, Centre for Fiduciary Excellence, LLC, has renewed the certification of TPS Group
RECORDKEEPER/ADMINISTRATOR RENEWS CERTIFICATION TO INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES PITTSBURGH, May 27, 2020, CEFEX, Centre for Fiduciary Excellence, LLC, has ...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Nearly 450 Million people worldwide are currently living with some level of mental illness including anxiety, depression ...

How the CARES Act Applies to Your Retirement Plan
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The CARES Act and Retirement Plans
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Key provisions ...

CT Recovery Bridge Loan Program
Coronavirus Business Recovery TPS Group will continue representing the interests of you and your employees during this crisis and keep you informed of ...

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
As America has nearly shut down overnight due to the coronavirus pandemic, we understand employers are faced with growing concerns about how to manage ...

IRS Extends 2019 Qualified Plan, IRA, HSA Contribution Deadlines
The IRS on March 24 updated its website to indicate that it has extended until July 15, 2020 the deadlines for making contributions to workplace-based ...

TPS Group Statement On COVID-19 Outbreak
At TPS Group, we care deeply about the safety of our employees, customers, and communities. Due to the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) ...

Dealing with Coronavirus: Employer Considerations
As the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases increases in the United States, employers are faced with growing concerns about how to manage the impact ...

HR Outsourcing and the Small Business Owner
Small businesses in America employ the majority of the nation’s private workforce, and most include Human Resources professionals as part of their team ...

Auto Enrollment and Auto-Escalation
When we think about the important goals we've reached in our lives, like graduating from college or achieving a career milestone, the journey likely took ...

Social Media in the Workplace: Productivity Killer or Boost?
Is checking your Facebook feed, tweeting to friends or posting a vacation photo on Instagram while you’re at work a violation of your employer’s social ...

The Cost of Aging: Are You Ready?
Forty-five years old, married with two teens, and employed full-time, Shannon struggled to care for her aging parents as their health deteriorated. Her ...

Cash Balance Plans Allow Six Figure Annual Contributions
Cash Balance Plans Allow Six Figure Contributions Most people can contribute to their 401(k) without worrying about exceeding the annual contribution ...

Steps To Take To Protect Your Investments
Retirement accounts have become an attractive target for cyber-thieves, and fraudulent activity is on the rise nationally. Here are important steps to ...

Gen Z in the Workplace: Are Companies Ready?
Young adults of Generation Z, defined as the cohort of people born from 1997 on, are entering the workforce and will change the rule book just as the Millennials ...

The Vanishing Employee: “Ghosting” at Work
It’s a new, startling labor trend in one of the strongest job markets in 19 years: “ghosting.” Once a term used primarily in the dating world to describe ...

The Sobering Facts about Health Care Costs in Retirement
Unless you are one of the lucky few with a lifetime medical plan paid for by your employer, health care costs are one of the largest expenses in retirement ...

Should You Borrow from Your 401(k) Account?
Eric’s landlord was raising the rent again, and this time Eric decided he was ready to move out and buy his own house. After meeting with a loan officer ...

Are You Taking Advantage of Your Employer’s Matching Contribution?
Many employees don’t contribute enough to their 401(k) to take full advantage of their employer’s matching contribution. Are you one of them? Maybe you ...

"Hot Topics in HR" Complimentary Seminar
Don't Miss This Opportunity! "Hot Topics in HR" Complimentary Seminar November 13, 2018 You are invited to a complimentary seminar and brunch buffet ...

Managing Re-Hires
Publication: Solutions in a Flash Volume/Issue: October 2018 Managing Re-Hires Aaron R. Moody As we approach Halloween, let’s take a look at a real ...

Sexual Harassment Training: Is Your Company in Compliance?
The recent spate of sexual harassment accusations in Hollywood and in companies all over the country should serve as a reminder to employers about their ...

4 Great Reasons Why Even Small Businesses Need HR Services
For most businesses, their workforce is not only their biggest asset but their largest expense. No matter how small or large the business, strategic management ...

Fiduciary Responsibilities
Key Facts Employers Need to Know Employers who offer 401(k) Profit Sharing Plans must meet standards of conduct and practice under ERISA, but misconceptions ...

Organizational Pressure Points
Why you should consider utilizing qualified HR Consultants to manage your organizational pressure points! Are you concerned with the direction your company ...