Small business owners, buckle up—there’s a big development in federal labor laws that could directly impact your payroll and compliance strategies. For the second time, the U.S. District Court in Texas has struck down a proposed increase to the minimum salary threshold for exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

This ruling not only halts the implementation of a new higher threshold, but it also voids the increase to $44,000 that was briefly implemented earlier this year. Let’s unpack what this means for you and your business.

A Quick History of the FLSA Minimum Salary Threshold

The FLSA’s salary threshold determines whether employees qualify as exempt from overtime pay under federal law. To qualify for exemption, employees must meet two primary criteria:

1. They must perform specific job duties that fall under one of the recognized exemptions (executive, administrative, or professional roles).
2. They must earn at least the minimum salary set...

As the year wraps up, business owners have plenty on their plates—from closing out financials to planning for the year ahead. But one area that shouldn’t be overlooked is end-of-year HR preparation. Taking a few key steps now can help set up your business and employees for a smooth and successful start to the new year. Here’s your checklist to make sure you’re covering all your HR bases.

1. Update Your Employee Handbook

The end of the year is the perfect time to review and update your employee handbook. Policies may need adjustments to reflect changes in labor laws, benefits, or company standards. Reviewing your handbook annually helps ensure it’s accurate, compliant, and ready for distribution. Once updated, be sure to have a lawyer, who specializes in employment laws, review for legal compliance and then share the handbook with employees and have them acknowledge any new changes.

2. Prepare Payroll for the New Year

Get payroll in order to avoid...

The Benefits of Hiring Individuals with Criminal Records: A Balanced Perspective

The concept of Fair Chance Hiring has gained significant momentum in recent years, particularly as more businesses and lawmakers recognize the economic and social benefits of integrating individuals with criminal records into the workforce. With nearly 80 million people in the U.S. having an arrest or conviction record, this represents a substantial and often untapped labor pool. However, while there are clear advantages, it is important to consider both the benefits and the realistic concerns surrounding this practice.

The Business Case for Fair Chance Hiring

One of the strongest arguments for Fair Chance Hiring is the expansion of the talent pool. According to the Colorado Department of Corrections, about 10,000 individuals are released from prison annually in Colorado alone. Nationally, individuals with criminal records face an unemployment rate of 27%, far higher than the general population. Yet,...

In the world of Human Resources, particularly within small businesses, one of the more common yet often misunderstood tools is the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). NDAs are essential for protecting sensitive business information, but there's a growing conversation about how—and to whom—they should be applied.

Many small business owners, in an effort to protect their companies, may feel compelled to have every employee sign an NDA. However, applying NDAs too broadly can lead to unintended consequences, including legal risks, decreased employee morale, and the potential violation of workers' rights. This blog will explore why NDAs should be executed only by those with access to true confidential information, and how Human Resources professionals can guide small businesses in making informed decisions about the use of these agreements.

Understanding the Purpose of NDAs in Small Business

The primary function of an NDA is to protect confidential information from being...

Why Employee Classification Rocks 

Employee classification isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about ensuring everyone's on the right track and playing by the rules. Think of it as the backbone of our company's operations, keeping us in sync with legal requirements and ensuring fairness across the board. 

Employee classification is a critical aspect of HR management that ensures employees are properly categorized based on their job duties, responsibilities, and employment status. Accurate classification helps protect both the company and its employees by ensuring compliance with labor laws, taxation regulations, and other legal requirements. It's vital that everyone involved in the hiring and management process understands the importance of accurate classification and its implications. 

1099 vs. Employee 

We've all heard about the perks of being a contractor, but do you know the difference between a 1099 contractor and a full-fledged employee?...

In today's competitive job market, offering attractive employee benefits is key to attracting and retaining top talent. While health insurance and retirement plans are standard offerings, savvy employers are thinking outside the box to provide unique and cost-effective perks that enhance employee well-being and satisfaction. In this blog, we'll explore three innovative employee benefits—office massages for health, tax preparation for financial peace of mind, and car wash memberships for sanity—and how they can elevate your company's employee experience without breaking the bank.

Health: Office Massages

In today's fast-paced work environment, employees often experience stress and tension that can impact their physical health. Office massages offer a convenient solution to alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being right in the workplace. By partnering with reputable massage therapists like Sacred Space Integrated Therapeutics through HRB,...

COMING SOON ON MAY 28, 2024!! Our Revised Harassment Prevention Program HERE

In today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape, fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and safety is paramount. Harassment prevention programs play a crucial role in achieving this goal, providing organizations with the tools and resources needed to create a positive work environment for all employees. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of harassment prevention programs, discuss when an on-demand program should be used, and promote the benefits of our revised harassment prevention program.

Benefits of Harassment Prevention Programs:

1. Promotes a Positive Workplace Culture: Harassment prevention programs send a clear message that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated in the workplace. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, organizations can cultivate a culture of respect and professionalism, where all employees feel valued and supported.
2. Reduces Legal Risks:...

 In today's workplace, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity is not just a moral imperative—it's a legal obligation. For small businesses, where tight-knit teams often form the backbone of operations, addressing workplace harassment is paramount to maintaining a positive work environment and mitigating legal risks. In this blog, we'll explore how managers can recognize the signs of harassment, respond effectively to reports of harassment, and conduct fair and unbiased investigations to uphold organizational integrity and employee well-being.

Recognizing Signs of Workplace Harassment:

1. Verbal Harassment: Pay attention to derogatory comments, slurs, or jokes targeted at an individual's race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

2. Non-Verbal Behavior: Be mindful of non-verbal cues such as hostile body language, glaring, or intimidating gestures that may create a hostile work environment.

3. Unwelcome Advances: Recognize...

In the dynamic landscape of today's workforce, flexibility has emerged as a cornerstone for businesses striving to thrive amidst evolving employee needs and market demands. For small businesses in Colorado, where innovation and adaptability are key, implementing flexible work arrangements isn't just a trend—it's a strategic imperative. In this blog, we'll explore the nuances of flexible work arrangements, delve into the benefits they offer both employees and employers, outline essential considerations when building a program, and emphasize the importance of policy consistency in application.

Benefits of Flexible Work Arrangements:

1. Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Flexibility empowers employees to juggle personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities, leading to reduced stress and improved overall well-being.
2. Increased Productivity: By granting autonomy over work schedules, businesses often witness a boost in productivity as employees can align their tasks with their...

In the intricate landscape of small business management, terminating an employee is a delicate process that demands thorough planning, execution, and a genuine consideration for the individual's dignity. Colorado employers, in particular, must adhere to specific legal requirements, making it essential to approach terminations with precision and empathy.

PREP - A Foundation for Successful Termination

Planning and preparation form the bedrock of a well-executed termination. Understanding the reason for termination is paramount. Ensure a consistent history of the issue, engage in communication with the employee for resolution, and meticulously document all actions taken. Guard against discriminatory factors, recognizing the importance of fair and unbiased treatment.

Prep Points:

• Establish the validity of the termination through documented evidence.
• Emphasize the importance of open communication between management and the employee.
• Zero tolerance for discriminatory remarks or...