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Hiring and Firing on a Hunch? Here’s Why That’s a Risky Game

Close-up of a job interview with a hiring manager extending a hand for a handshake across a desk with a resume

Hiring and Firing on a Hunch? Here’s Why That’s a Risky Game Winging It with Hiring and Firing (Also known as: “We’ll just figure it out as we go.”) Hiring and firing are two of the most important decisions you make as a business owner. Yet too often, small business leaders operate on instinct — […]

Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness

Thermometer showing extreme heat with bright sun in the background.

Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: As temperatures rise across California, employers must be prepared to protect workers from heat illness.  Heat Illness Prevention Requirements Cal/OSHA investigates heat-related incidents and complaints of hazards at outdoor worksites in industries such as agriculture, landscaping, and construction. These investigations ensure compliance […]

“It Was Just a Joke” — The Excuse That Could Cost Your Business Everything

Upset female employee holding papers while coworkers in the background laugh in an office setting.

“It Was Just a Joke” — The Excuse That Could Cost Your Business Everything “We Don’t Need That Here.” That’s what a lot of small business owners say about harassment prevention training — until something happens. A complaint. A lawsuit. A headline. Suddenly, they realize that hoping for the best isn’t a strategy. The Truth: […]

What Is a 30-60-90 Day Review?

Employee and manager sitting at a desk during a 30-60-90 day review meeting in an office setting.

What Is a 30-60-90 Day Review? Setting New Employees Up for Success from Day One Starting a new job is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. That’s why smart organizations use a 30-60-90 day review to help employees hit the ground running, stay on track, and thrive in their new role. What Is a 30-60-90 […]

Why Outdated or Missing Job Descriptions Are a Big HR Red Flag

Job description document on a desk with paper clips, notebook, and a cup of coffee

Running Your Business Without Updated Job Descriptions tart=”330″ data-end=”576″>Your team can’t win if they don’t know the rules of the game. Yet many small businesses operate without clear, current job descriptions — or skip them altogether. That’s a huge HR misstep, and it could be holding your team (and your growth) back. The Risks of […]

Can You Contact an Employee on FMLA Leave? What Employers Need to Know

FMLA paperwork with eyeglasses, pen, and data charts on a desk

Can You Contact an Employee on FMLA Leave? What Employers Need to Know One of your employees is returning from FMLA next month—and you’re wondering if it’s okay for their manager to reach out in the meantime. The short answer is yes, but with some important boundaries. Employer-initiated contact during FMLA (Family and Medical Leave […]

Employee Handbooks: Your Secret Weapon Against Workplace Confusion

Employee handbook on a desk with a pen and reading glasses

Employee Handbooks: Your Secret Weapon Against Workplace Confusion Think employee handbooks are just corporate red tape? Think again. A well-crafted employee handbook is more than just a bunch of rules and policies—it’s your best friend when it comes to setting clear expectations, fostering positive workplace culture, and protecting your business from legal issues. As a […]

Seven Protected Classes Most Likely to File a Discrimination Lawsuit

Diverse group of employees giving thumbs up in office setting

Seven Protected Classes Most Likely to File a Discrimination Lawsuit Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and other employment laws, there are seven main protected classes of individuals in the United States. These types of individuals are protected under federal law from employment discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title […]

If It’s Not Documented, It Didn’t Happen

Manager and employee having a one-on-one meeting with documents on the table

The HR Mistake That Could Sink Your Small Business: Inadequate Documentation As a small business owner, it’s tempting to handle employee issues with a quick chat or mental note. But when it comes to HR, verbal doesn’t cut it. If you’re not documenting — you’re not protecting your business. Why HR Documentation Matters More Than […]

Can We Tell Employees Not to Talk About Their Pay? (Q&A)

Two employees walking through the office, engaged in conversation

Can we tell employees not to talk about their pay with each other? Generally, no. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) grants all non-supervisory employees (not just those in unions) the right to organize and engage in “concerted activity” for the purpose of mutual aid or protection. Concerted means “in concert,” meaning more than one […]