FreshBooks, a cloud-based accounting software company that targets small- and medium-size businesses, polled more than 1,000 small-business owners across North America to see what they thought the usefulness of generative AI could be and how it could impact their operations. • Two-thirds plan to test the technology in the next year.• Twenty-five percent said they’re […]
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Bullying behavior remains rampant online and in the workplace. U.S. surveys show that about 48.6 million workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, are bullied at their jobs. State and federal laws only guard against physical abuse or come into play if the victim represents a protected class (race, age, color, disability, etc.). Whether in
So, what’s the big deal? Misclassification is considered wage theft, whether you knowingly or accidentally misclassify employees. It could put your business at risk of an IRS audit for back taxes, severance and health care coverage for misclassified workers, in addition to legal fees, reputation damage, and even criminal and civil penalties. Let’s enumerate some
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The way businesses operate has changed in many ways since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these changes are dramatic, and others are fairly straightforward. Now we are entering what can arguably be called the start of a new normal. Although we have a long way to go, and certainly there are no shortages of disruptions
Is It Time To Review Your Business’s Organizational Structure? Read More »
Compensation comprises such elements as wages or salaries, benefits, union perks, employer-provided vendor discounts, work flexibility and paid time off. A company’s compensation plan can promote employee engagement, performance and career development; thus, a thoughtful compensation plan boosts recruitment and retention efforts. Compensation is tied to critical business elements, including:• Business goals and budget• Industry
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Everyone is talking about digital transformation — the integration of digital technology into a company, resulting in fundamental changes to how it operates. But it’s not clear how to undertake digital transformation in the most effective and efficient way. Here are some tips for successfully evaluating the first steps in the process: Understand that there
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Performance reviews often feel like a one-way, top-down process in which you, the boss, are judge and jury. But if reviews are instead a two-way street, employees feel significantly less defensive. How do you create this two-way process? Let’s look at some ideas. First, you might ask the employee to write a self-evaluation prior to
Are You a Strategic Leader? Read More »
Freelancers provide a valuable adjunct in many diverse areas. Their services range from copywriting and graphic design to computer programming, bookkeeping and secretarial work. Whether you are hiring them for a specific project or an ongoing task, knowing how to interact with them is a crucial management skill. Challenges and advantagesFreelancers can be a godsend
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Performance reviews often feel like a one-way, top-down process in which you, the boss, are judge and jury. But if reviews are instead a two-way street, employees feel significantly less defensive. How do you create this two-way process? Let’s look at some ideas. First, you might ask the employee to write a self-evaluation prior to
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Late on February 20, 2025, the Michigan Legislature approved amendments to both the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the state’s minimum wage law. While the original versions of these laws posed significant challenges for employers, the updated versions—which will take effect on February 21, 2025 (with delayed paid sick leave requirements for small and
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