While there are a host of federal laws and regulations with which employers must comply, many state and local jurisdictions also have laws and regulations that govern the employment relationship. Understanding which laws apply to your business when these laws conflict can be a significant ...

Background checks can provide employers with a variety of job-related information to use when evaluating prospective employees' qualifications, such as work history and education, criminal records, and driving records. However, federal, state and local laws set limits on obtaining and using ...

  Effective communication is the foundation of a good employment relationship. Regular conversations with your employees can help build trust and loyalty, and drive performance. Here are eight critical conversations you should consider having with your employees.   1. This is who we ...

When you are ready to hire a new employee, the steps you take can mean the difference between a quality hire and a subpar one. A poor hiring decision can have a significant impact on your bottom line. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid when recruiting new employees. 1. Avoid: Waiting too ...

Smart scheduling practices can help employers manage costs and meet company, customer, and employee needs. Here are some tips for managing employee schedules. Make accurate projections. Using analytics, make projections based on the amount and type of work that needs to get done, when it ...

When a worker qualifies as an independent contractor, the employer is generally relieved of obligations related to payroll taxes, minimum wage  in addition to overtime requirements, benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment costs for that individual. However, only a small ...

One of the most difficult aspects of being an employer is terminating an employee. At times, it's a necessary decision for the best interests of the business, but it requires special care. When faced with an employee termination, consider using a checklist, such as the one provided here, to ...

Interviews are an important part of the hiring process, helping you gather job-related information that you typically can't find through resumes and applications alone. To be effective, interviewers should prepare and ask the right questions. Candidates for the same job should generally be asked ...

Many new and/or expanded employment laws and regulations have been adopted over the last year, affecting the way employers hire, pay, treat and provide benefits to their employees. One of the trends among these changes is states and local jurisdictions requiring greater pay transparency. Here is ...

Many employers consider being socially responsible as not only the right thing to do, but also as a way to help attract applicants, foster greater engagement and satisfaction among employees, promote teamwork, and generate good will in the community.    How can an employer encourage ...