BusinessHub

An employee handbook is a critical element of your business, but it can also be overwhelming to develop when you consider all of the information that should be included.

Your employee handbook sets proper expectations for new hires and should be a valuable resource for existing employees to review policies and find pertinent information that they may have forgotten, such as your FMLA policy or disability benefits.

Operating a successful business takes work, dedication, and money—sometimes a lot of money. Giving your business its best chance at success requires funds to purchase equipment and supplies, pay for assistance and labor, and establish a storefront or office location. Operating costs and overhead expenses are necessary for success, but you can use strategies to keep them under control. The payoff is worth it, since growing a business offers outstanding potential returns for your invested dollars.

Laura Paredez, Director of Business Services for Hill Country Pain Associates (HCPA), manages the day-to-day operations and activities, and ensures that the business is run financially sound. In her role, Laura oversees all matters from vendor management to payroll administration. With a practice of 27 full-time employees and one part-time employee, HCPA brings with it its own set of employee considerations, of which by no means falls short of HR-related inquiries.

Do you find it difficult to find the right candidates for your company's open positions? Well, you're not alone. Finding the right talent can seem like you're on the losing end of a never-ending battle because you're competing against comparable businesses looking for the best talent and other larger corporations that have more resources to utilize in the quest to find the perfect employee. But, by evaluating a few hiring tactics within your business, you can increase your chances of finding top-notch job candidates.

In 2002, with just a toolbox in hand, Craig Scott began his quest to create a highly successful residential remodeling firm. He had his sight set on building a business, atypical to your normal run-of-the-mill construction and remodeling company.

Today, with more than 25 full-time employees, Craig Scott continues to expand his business—in both clientele and employees—while focusing on what he’s most passionate about doing—building.

In order to be a successful business owner, you must wear multiple hats – each with distinct responsibilities. You must be the Director of Sales – since you best can oversee the marketing of your company to prospective customers. You must serve as the Chief Operating Officer – since as the owner you must manage all aspects of your company’s operations. Finally, you must serve as the HR Director – since ultimately you are responsible for overseeing the countless administrative functions that owners must ensure are performed on an ongoing basis – especially those related to hiring, paying, and supervising your employees.

In 2012, a popular San Antonio-based restaurant chain with locations throughout Texas was forced to temporarily close its doors after a number of employees quit work when they learned the company was undergoing a routine audit of their Form I-9 conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the company’s prepared statement: “Several vital employees have chosen not to report to work …. [t]his has affected our ability to provide our expected level of service to guests.”

Operating a business comes with great responsibility to not only your customers but also to your employees. It is important to understand key employment laws to make sure you stay in compliance with the law and don’t jeopardize your business or the safety of your employees.

Here are three key employment laws to keep in mind that will help manage your employees.

There are a number of reasons why your company may choose to outsource many of your human resources functions to a licensed Professional Employer Organization (PEO). In today’s market more and more companies are leaning towards outsourcing because simply put, it makes more sense. Outsourcing HR functions to a PEO allows companies to focus more on their core strengths while saving them time and money. As shown below, all types of businesses can benefit from a PEO arrangement.

Business owners deal with many tasks when it comes to running their business and making it successful. Typical days involve handling sales, setting growth plans, hiring new employees, complying with new labor laws, and administering payroll, just to name a few. The constant is that change is inevitable in the business world. As a business owner, it is prudent that you remain up-to-date with the latest labor laws published by the Department of Labor (DOL) and, more importantly, you act swiftly to comply with any changes that may affect your business. Failing to do so can lead to costly financial penalties.