Practical HR guidance for the situations small businesses actually face
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My Employee Got a DUI: Do I Have to Fire Them?
An employee was arrested for a DUI off the clock. Are you required to fire them? The answer depends on the role, your policy, and your state. Here's what to consider.
Employee Claimed They Weren’t Paid Correctly: What Do I Do?
When an employee says their paycheck is wrong, how you respond matters legally. Here's the step-by-step process for investigating and resolving a pay discrepancy claim.
New Hire Isn't Working Out in the First 90 Days: What Are My Options?
When a new employee isn’t working out in their first 90 days, you have options, but how you handle it matters. Here’s what to consider before making a decision.
An Employee Shared a Coworker's Salary: Can I Discipline Them?
An employee told a coworker what someone else makes. Before you discipline them, you need to know about NLRA protections for wage discussions. This could backfire badly.
Can I Require Employees to Use PTO During a Business Shutdown or Holiday Closure?
Can you force employees to use their PTO during a holiday closure or business shutdown? The answer depends on your state and your written policy. Here's what you need to know.
My Employee Just Told Me She is Pregnant: What Do I Need to Know?
When an employee tells you they’re pregnant, you have legal obligations and some important things to avoid. Here’s what small business employers need to know.
Employee Is Always Late But Great at Their Job: How Do I Handle It?
When a high performer has a chronic attendance problem, many managers look the other way. Here's why that's a mistake and how to address it professionally.
I Think an Employee Is Stealing: What Do I Do?
Suspecting an employee of theft is one of the most stressful situations a small business owner faces. Here's a step-by-step guide to investigating and responding legally.
Employee Gave Two Weeks Notice: Can I Let Them Go Early?
An employee gave notice and you want them gone sooner. You can, but there are implications for pay, unemployment, and how it looks. Here's what to consider.
My Employees Are Dating: How Do I Handle It?
When two employees start dating, it creates real HR risks, especially in a direct reporting relationship. Here's how small businesses should handle workplace relationships.
Employee on FMLA Is Missing Deadlines: What Can I Do?
Can you discipline an employee who is on FMLA leave for missing deadlines or performance issues? The answer requires careful navigation. Here's what employers need to know.
Employee Called In Sick Near a Company Holiday: What Do I Do?
When an employee calls in sick on a holiday, how you respond depends on your PTO policy, your holiday policy, and your state's sick leave laws. Here's how to handle it.
Can I Fire Someone for What They Posted on Social Media?
The answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no, and getting it wrong is expensive. Here's what employers need to know before terminating someone over a social media post.
Employee Quit Without Notice: Do I Have to Pay Out Their PTO?
When an employee quits without notice, are you required to pay out their unused PTO? The answer depends on your state and your written policy. Here's what you need to know.
How to Conduct a Termination Meeting: A Manager’s Guide
Termination meetings are one of the hardest things a manager does. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting one professionally, legally, and with dignity for everyone involved.
What Is At-Will Employment and What Does It Mean for Your Business?
At-will employment gives employers significant flexibility, but it’s not absolute. Here’s what at-will employment actually means, what limits it, and how to protect it.
How to Handle a No Call / No Show Employee
When an employee doesn’t show up and doesn’t call, you need a clear process. Here’s how to handle a no call / no show professionally, legally, and consistently.
Free vs. Paid HR Templates: What’s the Difference and Does It Matter?
Free HR templates are everywhere. But are they good enough for your business? Here’s an honest look at what you get and what you miss with free vs. professionally written HR templates.
How to Onboard a New Employee: A Complete Checklist
A strong onboarding process reduces early turnover and gets new employees productive faster. Here’s a complete checklist covering pre-arrival through the 90-day mark.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an Employee Handbook?
Skipping the employee handbook is one of the most common (and most costly) HR mistakes small businesses make. Here’s what you’re actually risking without one.