“But Everyone Does It”: When Workplace Practices Don’t Match Your Written Policies
“But Everyone Does It”: When Workplace Practices Don’t Match Your Written Policies Your employee handbook says employees must be at work by 8:00 a.m. But everyone knows arriving by 8:10 is fine. Your policy says overtime requires advance approval. But supervisors regularly allow employees to finish work after hours. Your handbook outlines a specific call-in […]
When an Employee Won’t Sign a Write-Up: What Should an Employer Do?
When an Employee Won’t Sign a Write-Up: What Should an Employer Do? You’ve met with an employee to discuss a performance or conduct issue. You’ve explained the concern, reviewed the written warning, and asked the employee to sign it. The employee pushes the document back and says: “I’m not signing that.” Now what? An employee’s […]
Is Your Job Description Outdated? Why Employers Should Take Another Look
Is Your Job Description Outdated? Why Employers Should Take Another Look When was the last time you reviewed your company’s job descriptions? If the answer is “I’m not sure,” you’re probably not alone. Job descriptions are often created when a position is first established, used during recruiting, and then filed away. Meanwhile, the actual job […]
AI in the Workplace: Are Your Employees Putting Company Information Into ChatGPT?
AI in the Workplace: Are Your Employees Putting Company Information Into ChatGPT? Your employees may already be using artificial intelligence at work—even if your company has never officially approved it. AI tools such as ChatGPT can help employees draft emails, summarize documents, brainstorm ideas, analyze information, create reports, prepare presentations, and complete everyday tasks more […]
California Minimum Wage Increase Coming in 2027: What Employers Need to Know
California Minimum Wage Increase Coming in 2027: What Employers Need to Know California employers have another wage increase to prepare for in 2027. Effective January 1, 2027, California’s statewide minimum wage will increase from $16.90 to $17.40 per hour. The new rate generally applies to employers statewide regardless of employer size. While a 50-cent hourly […]
Leave of Absence Basics: What Every Employer Should Know
Leave of Absence Basics: What Every Employer Should Know Managing a leave of absence may seem straightforward: an employee needs time away from work, the employer reviews the request, and the leave is approved or denied. In reality, employee leave can be one of the more complicated areas of HR compliance. Federal, state, and local […]
IRS Mileage Rate Update: What Employers Need to Know for 2026
IRS Mileage Rate Update: What Employers Need to Know for 2026 Keeping up with changes that impact employees and business operations is an important part of effective HR management. One recent update employers should be aware of is the IRS standard mileage rate increase for business-related driving. Due to rising fuel costs, the IRS increased […]
When Is It Time to Call an HR Professional?
When Is It Time to Call an HR Professional? Many small business owners handle HR responsibilities themselves, especially in the early stages of growth. Hiring employees, managing schedules, answering policy questions, and addressing workplace issues often become just another part of running the business. But as your company grows, so do the complexities of managing […]
HR Compliance Checklist for Small Businesses
HR Compliance Checklist for Small Businesses Running a successful business requires more than providing excellent products or services. Employers are also responsible for complying with a wide range of employment laws and workplace regulations. While HR compliance may not be the most exciting part of running a business, overlooking even one requirement can result in […]
New Manager? Avoid These 10 Common Leadership Mistakes
New Manager? Avoid These 10 Common Leadership Mistakes Being promoted into a management role is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a new set of responsibilities. Many employees are promoted because they excel in their jobs, not because they’ve been formally trained to lead others. While technical skills may have earned the promotion, […]