Reduction in Workforce: Strategy, Alternatives, and Best Practices
Highlights Before considering a difficult reduction in the workforce, employers should explore various cost-saving alternatives. Careful planning involves legal counsel and sensitive communication to minimize legal risks and avoid hurting employee morale. Empower HR helps you navigate workforce transitions with confidence, offering expert HR consulting and risk management; contact us today for support. When economic […]
Can an Employer Deny a PTO Request for Vacation Time?
Highlights Yes, employers can deny PTO requests. However, you must have a legitimate, documented business reason and apply company policies consistently to all employees. Insufficient staffing, overlapping requests, and PTO blackout periods are valid reasons for denial. EmPower HR helps companies navigate HR responsibilities with confidence, from developing work policies to managing benefits and maintaining […]
Do You Have to Pay for Internships? An Employer’s Legal Guide
Highlights It’s a win-win. In an internship program, interns gain hands-on work experience, while businesses gain young professionals who are eager to work and bring fresh ideas to the table. But there’s one looming question: the expectation of compensation. As an employer, do you have to pay for internships? If you are a business owner […]
7 Benefits of Outsourcing HR Functions to a Strategic Partner
Highlights From small businesses to large corporations, outsourcing HR is becoming increasingly popular. Imagine you are an online retailer needing a new mobile app for customers. While you might have a website maintenance team on board, you wouldn’t likely ask them to develop it. Instead, you can consider outsourcing the work. After all, app development […]
What is FMLA? 4 FAQs Every Small Business Owner Should Know
Highlights FMLA is a four-letter fire extinguisher: You hope you’ll never need it, but it’s essential to have one on hand in case of emergencies. This federal law protects your employees from losing their jobs due to unforeseen personal circumstances. Since FMLA can have a significant impact on your small business, employers must understand how […]
1099 vs W-2 Employee: Differences, Pros & Cons for Businesses
Highlights Feeling overwhelmed by employee classifications? When it’s time to grow your team, understanding the crucial distinctions between 1099 and W-2 employees is essential to avoid costly tax mistakes and legal headaches. Beyond compliance, it’s important to know that 1099 contractors and W-2 employees function differently within a business. Knowing whether to hire 1099 contractors […]
4 Safety Issues in the Workplace (And How to Address Them)
Highlights It’s easy to associate workplace safety with heavy machinery or hazardous materials. But the truth is that even seemingly innocuous jobs can pose significant risks. Every industry, from offices to construction sites, faces potential safety issues in the workplace. The key to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment lies in a proactive approach: […]
What Are Payroll Services? Types, Benefits and How to Choose
Highlights Handling payroll takes time, great attention to detail, and expertise. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of solutions that can help you streamline this process and reduce the burden. What are payroll services? How can you find the right fit for your business? From simple do-it-yourself platforms to high-end systems and experienced experts, this article […]
What is HR Compliance? Definition, Examples & Best Practices
Highlights HR compliance is one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. Business owners want to do the right thing for their employees, but they often don’t know where to start. Navigating the murky waters of HR compliance, with its ever-changing laws and regulations, is not an easy feat. This guide is packed […]
6 Reasons for Outsourcing Employee Benefits Administration
Highlights As your small business grows, handling HR responsibilities becomes increasingly challenging. Managing employee benefits, for example, entails a series of complex and time-consuming tasks, from overseeing the enrollment process to payroll integration and keeping employees informed. So why not partner with an external HR specialist? Outsourcing employee benefits administration can be a game-changer, freeing […]