There’s no law — federal or state — that caps the number of hours a person can work (other than for minors). But if you are an employer, be sure to understand that working past 40 hours triggers overtime rules for certain employees. Some of these rules have been around for years, while others are new. Here’s what you need to know for 2020 and beyond. What does overtime pay…
In part one of this series, we learned that some conflict is our own fault due to our own conflicting thoughts and desires. In part two, we examined how what we say, intentionally or unintentionally, can stir the workplace conflict waters. This installment will focus on your non-verbal skills. What you say with your body and facial expressions can speak volumes in and of itself. Sadly, what it says is…
Today’s businesses need to store more data than ever before. In fact, data storage requirements are growing by about 40 percent each year. However, you need to make sure that the storage solutions you choose are going to keep your data secure. In fact, there were an average of 62 cyberattacks each day in 2018, with many of those affecting businesses and their sensitive data. In order to keep all of the data you…
Being an entrepreneur and starting your own business is a rewarding venture, but like anything there are some risks involved. As a fledgling entrepreneur, chances are you’ve heard the oft repeated statistic: more than half of new businesses fail in their first year. While you shouldn’t let these numbers intimidate you and scare you away from pursuing your dream, it is worth reviewing some of the common mistakes new entrepreneurs…
In part one of this series, we learned that workplace conflict starts with you. Some conflict is our own fault due to our own conflicting thoughts and desires. Yet, giving people the benefit of the doubt can help greatly reduce stress in the workplace. In this installment, continue to focus on you. I know you think it is someone else who is causing the toxic work environment. But you must…
When you think about adding a new employee to your payroll, determine what the actual financial cost of doing so means to your business. This includes the dollars and cents over and above the basic wage or salary you agree to pay. There’s a rule of thumb that the cost is typically 1.25 to 1.4 times the salary, depending on certain variables. So, if you pay someone a salary of…
Your small business’s hardware includes your desktop and laptop computers, servers, printers, portable storage devices, video cards and telephone systems. Basically, any type of physical tech product falls into this category. Since these items can take up a significant portion of your IT budget, it’s important to consider new purchases carefully. Each item will have its own specific set of features and options. But there are some considerations that apply…
In teams of any size, workplace conflict will most assuredly happen. This conflict, if not handled well, will lead to a toxic work environment, low production and employee turnover. We spend a lot of time where we work, so we should make it the best possible experience for ourselves and others. Disarming workplace conflict starts with you No amount of lectures or workshops on workplace conflict will benefit a department…
Starting a business is one of the most rewarding, but perhaps difficult things you can do. Part of the reason is that there’s an infinite number of ways you can go about it. I always tell would-be entrepreneurs that opportunities are only limited by our imagination. This is great and inspirational, but is usually followed by puzzled looks and questions on how to get started. The answer depends on where…
If you’re going to start investigating franchise opportunities, there are a few questions that will undoubtedly come up. They are: “What franchises are ‘hot’ right now?” “What are the ‘up and comers?’” “Are there certain segments in franchising I should be looking into?” Here, you can get the answers so you can search for franchises that are in line with some of the current trends taking place in the U.S. How…