Human Resources

By ComplyRight –

Training your staff on essential topics helps create a safe, respectful and productive workplace. There are two types of training: recommended and required. Let’s look at some important areas of training every business owner should consider implementing.

New Employee Orientation

Training should start on an employee’s first day. Orientation helps new hires get acclimated to your business and understand your company culture. Important topics to cover include:

• Goals and expectations, including job responsibilities
• Compensation and benefits, including pay dates, payment options (e.g., direct deposit), health insurance and other benefits
• Work hours, including lunch/break times, as well as clock-in, clock-out procedures for non-exempt employees
• Code of conduct, including your company values, customer interaction, dress code and other expectations
• Technology policies and procedures, including how to access email, your social media policy and consequences for abusing company technology
• Harassment and discrimination, including the different types of harassment, specific examples of inappropriate behavior and how to report a claim

(more…)

From TSheets, by Quickbooks –

Survey asks employers and employees to weigh in on remote workers’ performance and productivity.

When it comes to answering the question “Are remote workers actually working?” it’s easy to hear some skepticism behind the text. “Working from home” often comes with its own set of air quotes, like it’s code for “hanging out” or “watching Netflix.” But is that skepticism deserved? Or are remote workers getting a bad rap?

To get a clearer picture of remote workers and their habits, TSheets conducted two surveys: One for remote employees and one for employers who have remote workers on their team.* In addition to asking how remote employees spend their time on the clock, we asked about productivity, performance, and perceptions. (more…)

By ComplyRight –

Did you know you must distribute certain handouts to employees? This may be news to many small business employers, but it shouldn’t be because ignoring this responsibility carries some pretty hefty fines.

Along with year-long labor law posting compliance, you’re also required by federal, state and local laws to provide written notices under specific circumstances. It’s an additional compliance requirement that is more easily managed with the right resources.

What You Need to Know About Handouts

If this is the first time you’re hearing about employee handouts, here are some quick facts to get you up to speed: (more…)

By ComplyRight –

If you work with independent contractors, you have to file a Form 1099-MISC with the IRS at tax time. Essentially, the 1099-MISC is to contractors what the W-2 is to employees. It covers income amounts, while also indicating you haven’t deducted any federal, state or other taxes.

Here are answers to common questions about filing requirements:

Q: What is the purpose of the Form 1099-MISC?
A: The form is used to report payments of at least $600 to any service provider (i.e., contractor, freelancer, consultant) who isn’t an employee. If the service provided was less than $600, you don’t need to file a 1099-MISC. One monthly payment of $300 wouldn’t require you to file the form, for example. But two separate $300 monthly payments within the same calendar year would. (more…)

By ComplyRight –

Determining whether or not to fire an employee can be complicated. There are numerous personnel factors to consider, as well as critically important legal considerations. A single misstep can complicate the process and expose you to a potential lawsuit.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! With an eye toward proper progressive discipline in the workplace – and by following some important precautions — you can make the best choices for your business.

How to Document Performance Issues

Lack of solid documentation is the single most common mistake employers make when handling disciplinary situations or terminating an employee. Good records, on the other hand, can mean the difference between winning and losing a legal dispute.  (more…)