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 »
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 »
In certain types of small businesses, it’s common for employees to fill more than one role and be paid different wages for each. But what does this mean for overtime pay? Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay non-exempt employees who work over 40 hours in a week an overtime rate of… Read More »
Do you need workers’ compensation insurance as a New Hampshire employer? The answer is likely yes! Most states have similar workers’ compensation laws, but in this article, we’ll look specifically at the Granite State’s laws. It’s vital that you know when you need it and the risk of not getting it when you are supposed… Read More »
So, your workforce is in the process of forming a labor union or has already unionized…now what? There is much to understand about collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and labor law compliance regarding unions. This is a delicate area where HR and leadership must make an effort to build positive relations with unionized employees, negotiate a… Read More »
If you’re an employer in Massachusetts, you may have heard about the Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) form. This form is essential for complying with state regulations, and understanding it can help you navigate your responsibilities effectively. In this article, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to help you grasp the basics of the HIRD… Read More »
BlueLion is an HR Consulting company servicing New England.
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