Effectively hiring and managing employees is essential for business success. Before you decide to expand your business, be sure to understand your responsibilities as an employer. The resources below will help get you started on what you need to know before you hire your first employee and how to successfully work with them once they’re on board.
Hiring
So you’re ready to hire new employees? Congratulations! First, you’ll need to be sure of the basic legal regulations and practical steps you’ll need to take to ensure effective hiring decisions. The following articles will help you get started:
“Hiring New Employees - Things You Must Do” gives you the basics on what it will take to hire a new employee.
“Using Pre-Employment Background Checks” explains your rights as an employer when tracking down information on potential hires. Remember, employees have a right to privacy in certain areas and unlawful searches can result in legal action against your company.
“Developing Employee Handbooks” helps you put together an important communication tool between you and your employees. A well-written handbook sets expectations for employees and what they can expect from your company, as well as your legal obligations as an employer and your employee’s rights.
Since many small businesses rely on independent contractors for their staffing needs, read the article “Hiring Independent Contractors vs. Employees” to understand the pros and cons of each.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) governs immigration and citizenship in the United States, if you are thinking of hiring an immigrant worker read the “Immigration and Employee Eligibility” article to understand how to comply with the INA.
Pay
Whether you have one employee or 50, a payroll system will help you streamline your ability to stay on top of your legal and regulatory responsibilities as an employer, save you time, and help protect you from costly IRS penalties. Read the following article to learn more about employee pay:
Use the article “10 Steps to Setting Up a Payroll System” to help get your businesses payroll started. This guide includes information on how to obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN), choose the right payroll system, and document your employee compensation terms.
The Employer's Guide to Discrimination: Fair Wages and The Equal Pay Act will help you understand the Equal Pay Act, which prohibits gender-based wage discrimination where men and women perform work of similar skill, effort, and responsibility for the same employer under similar working conditions.
Read the article “Wage Garnishment: Know Your Responsibilities When it Comes to Withholding Employee Earning...” for a better understanding of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA).
Benefits
Employee benefit programs are often the cornerstone of the American work place. If you can’t offer your employees the basics you might want to reconsider your recruitment efforts and whether you’ll be able to retain employees. Read the following articles to keep you informed on employee benefits:
The “Employee Benefit Plans: What’s the Law and What’s Optional” is an article to help you understand the employee benefits you are required by law to provide and those that are viewed as optional compensation.
Finding and Managing the Right Retirement Plan for Your Small Business” will walk you through some of the more popular options available and introduce you to an online tool from the IRS that can help you choose and update your plan as your employee and business needs change.
Employment Laws
To protect your business and your workers, employers must have a solid understanding of federal and state labor laws - read the article “Human Resources 101: A Quick Guide for Employers” to get you started.
Small businesses facing poor financial conditions may need to consider employment cuts like layoffs and benefit reductions. Read the article “Know the Law When Cutting or Reducing Employee Benefits” to understand your legal rights and obligations concerning employment law.
Read the “Updated Labor Law Resources for Employers” article to find out how the Department of Labor (DOL) is making it easier for employers to understand and comply with U.S. labor and employment laws.
Workplace Safety and Health
Since federal and state laws require employers to prominently display certain labor law posters, you should read the article “Workplace Poster Requirements” for an overview and links to the posters you will need to display.
Read the “Free Workplace Safety Handbook for Small Businesses” article to find out about one of the most popular small business resources from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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