Navigating Employee Termination in Colorado: A Guide for Small Businesses

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...
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Nurturing Success: The Essential Role of HR in Small Businesses

 

In the dynamic world of business, small enterprises often overlook the pivotal role of Human Resources (HR), dismissing it as non-essential until they realize that the success or failure of a business hinges on its people. Your employees are the linchpins that influence financials, operations, processes, and overall success. Let's delve into the key functions of HR that can transform your small business into a thriving venture.

Recruitment & Selection: Building the Foundation

Recruitment is more than posting an ad; it's a strategic effort akin to marketing. Identifying your target market, crafting compelling ads, and conducting focused interviews are crucial. Make the candidate experience inviting and informative, and when making decisions, stay focused on the job requirements. Avoid distractions – it's not about "shiny objects" but finding the right fit for your team.

Payroll & Benefits: Structuring for Success

Payroll and benefits are process-driven functions...

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Strengthening Your Team Through Story Telling

The small business world moves fast with owners and staff wearing multiple hats and bootstrapping as needed so opportunities to bring your staff together for discussions can sometimes be a rare occurrence. When these chances do arise, it's essential to make the most of them. One fantastic way to do this is by sharing challenges and stories of excellent customer service. 


The Power of Sharing Challenges

Discussing challenges openly within your team creates a space for authenticity and vulnerability. It's an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other's experiences, tackle problems collectively, and find innovative solutions. These conversations have the potential to unite your team and enhance their problem-solving skills. 

 
Stories of Exceptional Customer Service 

Sharing stories of exceptional customer service can be equally transformative. These stories serve as inspiration, highlighting the positive impact your team can have on customers. They not only...

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Balancing the Holidays: How to Manage Employee Time Off and Maintain Productivity

 

The holiday season is a time for celebration, reflection, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, for many small business owners, it can also be a season filled with challenges, especially when it comes to managing employee time off and maintaining productivity.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover 8 ways you can navigate the holiday season with ease. We'll discuss the importance of accommodating employees' needs for time off, ensuring a fair and efficient time-off policy, maintaining productivity during the holiday period, and much more. Let's embark on this journey of creating a harmonious and enjoyable holiday season for both employees and employers.

 

The Importance of Holiday Time Off

The significance of granting holiday time off stretches beyond mere tradition. It delves into the very essence of your company's identity and how you care for your workforce.

Embracing the holiday spirit by allowing your employees to recharge and savor quality...

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Understanding Colorado’s Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Classifications

Employee classification is a crucial aspect of ensuring fair labor practices and compliance with state and federal laws. In the state of Colorado, employers must understand the distinctions between exempt and non-exempt employees to properly manage work hours, breaks, overtime, compensation, benefits, and FLSA compliance. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state's exempt vs. non-exempt classifications to help employers navigate these important distinctions.

1. Scheduled Work Time:
Exempt employees are not required to track their work hours and are expected to work as many hours as necessary to complete their job duties efficiently. On the other hand, non-exempt employees typically have set schedules or specific hours they are required to work, usually within a standard workweek of 40 hours.

2. Breaks:
Exempt employees have more flexibility regarding breaks as they are not entitled to mandatory rest or meal breaks under federal law (although some state laws may...

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Colorado Employer Compliance Update

 

We've been anticipating another mid-year compliance update as this seems to be the norm for Colorado legislation now. We aim to keep the small business community informed of changes to the employment law landscape that directly impacts you. It's a long one so join us for the journey and we'll walk you through what you need to know!

 

Mid-Year Compliance Update Summary

Now

  • CO Military Leave Clarification
  • FED Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
  • CO Unemployment Insurance Premiums

Soon

  • CO Protecting Opportunities and Workers Rights (POWR) 8/7/2023 
  • CO Bereavement Leave Through HFWA 8/7/2023
  • CO Workers Comp Updates 8/7/2023

Later

  •  CO FAMLI Benefit Calculation Update 1/1/2024 
  • CO Equal Pay For Equal Work Act 1/1/2024 
  • CO Application Question Restrictions 7/1/2024

 

 

NOW

 

Military Leave Clarification

    HB 23-1045 This is an expansion from the already required USERRA Military Leave. CO...

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The Future of HR: Artificial Intelligence and the Changing Landscape

Exploring the Impact of AI on Recruiting, Learning and Development, Policy Writing, and Decision-making

 

 

In recent years, the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology has skyrocketed and has been extensively used in various sectors. The human resources (HR) industry is no exception. AI can help HR professionals in their roles and responsibilities, from recruiting new employees to developing and training existing ones. However, while AI has the potential to make hiring and managing employees more efficient and accurate, it is important for HR professionals to be aware of the potential pitfalls AI can create – such as discrimination, bias, and copyright infringement. This blog will examine the ways in which AI is impacting HR, focusing on innovations within recruiting, learning and development, policy writing, and decision-making. The following discussion will also include warnings on adverse impact due to AI-produced discrimination and copyright...

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Everyone Welcome! The Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Small Businesses

From Policy Creation to DEI Advocacy Work: A Guide for Small Business Owners

 

 

Small businesses are the heart of our communities and play a significant role for the economy. As a business owner, you always want to make your company succeed in every possible way. One crucial aspect of that is to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

Before diving into why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is crucial, let's first define what these terms mean:

 

Diversity refers to differences in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical ability, age, and more.

Equity means fair treatment, access, and opportunities in one's social, political, and economic life.

Inclusion means a welcoming environment where everyone can participate and contribute fully.

 

So, why is having a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace essential, especially for small businesses? Firstly, it's the moral and ethical thing to do. Every employee,...

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Say Goodbye to WFH Worries 🙌

A few aspects of WFH you may not have thought about... and how to address them.

As we have shifted our way out of the pandemic, the long-term results are becoming clearly identified. Many of us have known for a while that remote work will be one of the lasting impacts of COVID-19... and our newfound love of the QR code (but this new love shall be left for another blog). This has caused employers to implement remote employee policies for both long-term and short-term arrangements.  Now that we are seeing trends and expanded complexities, it is important for employers to understand and update policies and best practices in order to protect their employees and business from any legal or financial repercussions.

 

When creating a remote work policy, it’s important to address state and federal laws that may affect your organization. Employers must determine whether they need to comply with state labor laws such as minimum wage and overtime requirements,...

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Secure Act 2.0 - Congress's updated Retirement Rules

SECURE Act 2.0: An Overview

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to facilitate contribution to retirement plans and access to those funds earmarked for retirement. The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act passed in 2019. The sweeping legislation has dozens of significant provisions; here are the major provisions of the new law.

New Distribution Rules

Required minimum distribution (RMD) age will rise to 73 years in 2023. By far, one of the most critical changes was increasing the age at which owners of retirement accounts must begin taking RMDs. Further, starting in 2033, RMDs may begin at age 75. If you have already turned 72, you must continue taking distributions. However, if you are turning 72 this year and have already scheduled your withdrawal, we may want to revisit your approach.1

Access to funds

Plan participants can use retirement funds in an...

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