Overview:
This session breaks down what employers need to know about worker classification in 2026, especially as the DOL’s new proposed rule reshapes how organizations decide between W‑2 and 1099 status. You’ll learn how the updated economic‑reality test works, how it differs from the 2024 rule, and how IRS and state standards fit into the picture. The goal is to make the shifting rules feel understandable and manageable, even for teams juggling multi‑state workforces or contractor‑heavy operations.
We’ll also look at how the IRS, DOL, and NLRB each approach worker status, why their tests don’t always align, and what that means for everyday decisions about control, independence, and documentation. Through clear examples and practical guidance, this session helps HR and business leaders make confident, defensible classification decisions and reduce misclassification risk across federal and state systems.
Areas Covered During Training:
· Understand how the DOL’s proposed 2026 rule updates the economic‑reality test and what it means for determining employee versus independent contractor status.
· Learn how the IRS, DOL, and NLRB each evaluate worker status and why their tests do not always align.
· Identify the key factors that increase misclassification risk across federal and state systems, including the growing influence of ABC‑style standards.
· Apply practical steps for documenting worker relationships, assessing control and independence, and making defensible classification decisions.
· Strengthen your organization’s compliance posture by recognizing common pitfalls and preparing for increased federal and state scrutiny in 2026.
Why Should You Attend:
By attending this session, you will gain the clarity and confidence to navigate one of the most confusing areas of HR and payroll in 2026. With federal agencies tightening their focus on worker classification—and each using its own test—organizations can no longer rely on old assumptions or one‑size‑fits‑all rules.
This webinar session breaks everything down in a practical, easy‑to‑apply way so you can make informed W‑2 vs. 1099 decisions, avoid costly missteps, and strengthen your compliance posture across multiple jurisdictions. Whether you manage a multi‑state workforce, rely on contractors, or simply want to stay ahead of federal enforcement trends, this session equips you with the insight and tools to protect your organization and support sound, defensible decision‑making.
Who Should Attend:
· HR Directors, Managers, and Business Partners
· Payroll Directors and Managers
· Talent Acquisition Leaders
· Operations Directors
· Business Owners and Executive Leaders
Melveen Stevenson
Melveen Stevenson is the CEO and founder of M.S.Elemental, LLC, a human resources and business advisory firm. As a certified HR professional with a background in accounting and finance, she helps companies to navigate the human resources “jungle” of compliance, human capital, and leadership challenges. In doing so, she empowers companies to strengthen their infrastructure from the inside out, specifically through leadership development, operations, training, employee engagement, and executive coaching.
Melveen speaks on key topics to empower companies with the latest research and best practices for increasing engagement, enhancing leadership presence, and optimizing diverse workforce groups.
Over the last 20 years, Melveen has held leadership positions in human resources operations, supply chain, and talent management at international companies in food manufacturing, medical devices, and consumer products. She has spent most of her career in California and has expertise in the state’s complicated employment regulations.
Melveen is certified through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and the Human Resources Certification Institute (SPHR). She is also a faculty member at California State University-Dominguez Hills.
SHRM -
Standeagle is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM. This program is valid for 1.0 PDCs for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit - portal.shrm.org.
HRCI -
This webinar has been approved for 1.0 HR (General) re-certification credit hours toward California, GPHR, HRBP, HRMP, PHR, and SPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.
The use of this seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the activity. It means that this activity has met the HR Certification Institute’s criteria to be pre-approved for re-certification credit.
ACCREDITATIONS
