Writing your first employee written warning? Here's what it needs to include, what to avoid, and how to deliver it so it holds up if the situation escalates.

Your first difficult performance conversation as a manager doesn't have to go badly.  Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing, delivering, and following up on performance feedback that actually lands.

Two of your employees are in a conflict.  How you handle it as a manager shapes the outcome for both of them and for your team.  Here’s a practical step-by-step guide.

An employee failed a drug test.  What happens next depends on your policy, your industry, your state’s marijuana laws, and whether the ADA applies.  Here’s how to navigate it.

An employee said they’re going to sue you.  Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either.  Here’s the right response when an employee threatens legal action.

Can a former employee sue you for a bad reference? The legal landscape around employment references is nuanced.  Here’s what employers need to know to protect themselves.

When an employee requests a religious accommodation, federal law requires you to engage seriously.  Here's what the obligation means in practice and where the limits are.

Employers generally can monitor company devices and email, but there are important limitations and disclosure requirements.  Here’s what you need to know before setting up monitoring.

When does an employee complaint about a coworker become something you need to formally investigate? Here's how to tell the difference and what to do in each case.

Laying off an employee is different from terminating for cause, and the legal requirements are different too.  Here’s what small business owners need to know before proceeding.

An employee walked out mid-shift without notice.  Is it job abandonment? Do you have to pay them? Can you terminate? Here’s how to handle it step by step.

Remote employee not responding during work hours? Here's how to set expectations, have the conversation, document it, and escalate if needed, without overreacting or under-responding.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.