On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released an updated Form I-9. However, employers can continue using the previous versions of the form. The Updates The new Form I-9 has the following changes: The term “noncitizen” was replaced with “alien” The term...
Blizzards. Hurricanes. Floods. Wildfires. No matter the season, an extreme weather event or natural disaster could be right around the corner. And when – not if – an emergency happens, you may need to make critical decisions for your business, fast. Scammers know it's the...
Question: If an employee puts in their notice, can we let them go that day instead of keeping them for the full notice period? Answer: Generally, yes, you can let an employee go that same day unless there is a contract or agreement to the contrary....
Question: Are we permitted to ask applicants about their immigration status? Answer: No, you shouldn’t ask applicants about their immigration status—for example, whether they are a citizen, naturalized citizen, lawful permanent resident, or refugee. Asking about applicants’ immigration status (or any protected class) could lead...
As your small business approaches the 50-employee mark, it’s important to prepare for some of the regulatory changes you will need to face. By preparing for these regulations in advance, you can ensure your company is fully compliant. When in doubt, you can reach out...
Question: Do we need to tell employees when employment laws change? Answer: Possibly. As their employer, you need to stay up to date on legal changes that affect your organization. Plus your leadership team, managers, human resources, and payroll departments should be kept aware of any new...
Managing remote employees can be a challenge, but here are some best practices we recommend to make sure they remain critical and productive members of your team: Set measurable goals. Whether employees get their work done to your satisfaction is more important than whether they’re...
Question: A manager asked if they could call and not just email the candidates who were interviewed but not selected. Is this a good idea? Answer: There’s nothing wrong with calling candidates to let them know they weren’t selected, but whether it’s a good idea really...
Question: How do we address performance issues discovered during an employee's leave of absence without it seeming retaliatory for taking leave? Answer: Taking disciplinary or corrective action following a leave of absence comes with additional risk, but there are a few steps you can take to...
Career ladders are a way of thinking about and designing a job not only as a set of duties for the here and now, but also as a pathway along which someone in the role could progress over time. Small businesses and teams often struggle to...