Running a small business means watching every dollar. Maybe you already plan for rent, supplies, equipment, marketing, and the occasional unexpected expense. But what about the costs of managing your people? Even without an HR department, you still have HR expenses. From payroll and recruiting to employee benefits, training, and compliance, these costs can add… Read More »
Originally published May 28, 2024. Updated October 20, 2026, to reflect current information and guidance. As a small business owner, you might be looking for ways to manage your team’s paid time off (PTO) effectively, especially when it comes to unused days. One option that may come to mind is a PTO cash out policy. … Read More »
Something happened at work. Maybe an employee reported misconduct. A manager noticed a policy violation. Someone raised a concern about discrimination, retaliation, theft, or inappropriate behavior. Now what? Not every workplace problem requires a formal investigation. But when an allegation could affect an employee, the workplace, or the company’s legal or business interests, employers need… Read More »
Performance review. Performance appraisal. Employee evaluation. No matter what you call it, the thought of managing employee performance reviews is often daunting to both managers and employees. Often considered the yearly “report cards,” performance reviews are viewed by many as a time-consuming and unpleasant experience. Despite its negative implications, the employee performance review is in… Read More »
While bereavement leave is not federally required in the United States, many employers voluntarily offer this benefit through a bereavement policy or paid time off (PTO) policy. Despite this, fertility-related loss—including miscarriage, stillbirth, and failed fertility treatments—is often excluded from traditional bereavement policies. But it’s time to acknowledge the emotional, physical, and psychological toll of… Read More »
In today’s competitive job market, offering flexible work schedules can make your business stand out. One option gaining popularity is the 9/80 work schedule, which combines flexibility with a compressed workweek. Employers can boost employee morale, increase productivity, and support work-life balance with this arrangement. However, like any change, it comes with challenges, especially when… Read More »
If you’re familiar with Gino Wickman or have even read his book, Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, you might’ve heard of the concept of “36 hours of pain.” The founder of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) primarily uses this concept regarding employee terminations. In his book, Wickman shares a story from a friend… Read More »
There’s been a lot of talk around noncompete agreements since the FTC announced its final rule to ban them nationwide on April 23, 2024. Although it’s not yet effective, this ruling could affect employers, workers, and the U.S. economy. The commission noted that noncompetes negatively impact the economy and workers by keeping wages low and… Read More »
Regardless of what kind of shop your business is, knowing what you can and can’t include in your collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is critical when a union is involved. And yes, that includes requiring employees to join the union fully—which depends on the type of union security agreement and state labor laws. Unfortunately, we’ve seen… Read More »
On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced its new overtime rule, which will update Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements. The minimum salary threshold will increase first on July 1, 2024, and again on January 1, 2025. What are the increases, and what do they mean for both employees and employers?… Read More »
BlueLion is an HR Consulting company servicing New England.
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