Small Workforce Woes

This article was updated on 12/28/2018. Across the nation, laws restricting employers from asking job candidates about criminal histories are on the rise. As of September 2017, more than 150 cities and counties and 29 states have adopted laws that limit what you can ask job applicants. Known as “ban-the-box” legislation, the new rules are... read more

We’ve all heard stories of job interviews gone bad — from awkward, cringe-worthy encounters to sensitive situations where hiring managers overstepped their legal bounds. Yet interviewing isn’t the only hiring activity fraught with danger. If you’re using a “do it yourself” job application you created on the fly (or a generic one you downloaded online),... read more

During the hiring phase, federal, state or local laws can prohibit employers from asking applicants certain questions that may be considered discriminatory. Let’s look at the questions that can land you in hot water — and legal alternatives. If you’re ever in doubt as to whether a question is prohibited, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity... read more

You want to hire the best person for the job. What you don’t want to do is use a non-compliant job application that doesn’t include mandatory language — or asks inappropriate questions. Many businesses simply aren’t aware of which questions can be considered illegal to have on employment applications. In the HRdirect Small Business Hiring... read more

One of your employees has called out “sick” for the second time in two weeks — and you’re concerned he’ll repeat the behavior. In most businesses, it’s not uncommon for employees to call out unexpectedly. But, excessive absences on short notice can create problems for your business — reducing productivity and increasing your stress. What... read more

To be at work or not to be at work? That is the question. While employees across the country face this dilemma daily, business owners should do everything humanly possible to reduce unexcused absences. And for good reason: Unplanned absenteeism significantly impacts morale and profitability. Before we go any further, ask yourself a question: Do... read more