More Human More Resources - HR for Entrepreneurs

In this episode’s we focus on Comp Time and Make Up Time. I often hear these used interchangeably.  But in fact, they are two very different things, with very different rules, and managed by very different parts of the California labor code. Links Comp Time Labor Code Invitation Use the link below to learn more and become an Idomeneo insider. You’ll get info to help you unleash your team’s engagem...

Any position that’s classified as non exempt, is eligible for overtime.  When a job is eligible for overtime, it means that employee will be paid a premium amount (usually 1 and a half times the regular rate) for any extra work.  Now, how and what qualifies as ‘extra’ can be different state to state. In this Classic episode we focus on Overtime - who gets it, when they get it, how it’s calculated;...

You’ve finally made the decision to let that difficult employee go.  Or, maybe someone has just handed in their resignation.  What do you do about their pay? You know handling the final pay for California employers, can be one of the trickiest parts of the termination process.  That’s because there are quite a few rules.  In this episode I’ll tell you what you can and can’t do. Invitation Use the...

There are some extra things to think about as the minimum wage continues it’s steady climb upward. When the minimum wage changes – there a lot of things you should think about.  Such as, is it the state, the county, or maybe it’s even as local as your city’s wage rate that is changing.  This matters, because different governing bodies will impact different rules. In this episode, we break down wha...

In last week’s episode we talked about how to be a resilient leader.  But that’s not enough in today’s market. Working environments are increasingly complex, and things can – and do – come at you from left field.  So, in addition to becoming a resilient leader, you need to surround yourself with a team that’s resilient as well.  People who are flexible and can adapt quickly to changing circumstanc...

“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” ~ Bruce Lee It’s not just ‘toughing it out’ – that’s only one part.  Being able to mentally deal with intangibles or obstacles is a critical part of resilience. In this episode, I’m going to tell you how to grow your leadership resiliency muscle. Invitation Use the link below to learn more and become an Idomeneo insid...

If you’re anything like me, when you hear the word commission, you just move along because you don’t have commissioned salespeople on your team.  Oh sure, sometimes if you want to incentivize the team to help with sales, you offer them a bonus based on the amount of the sale, for bringing in an account – but those are just bonuses, right. Well, not according to California.  Any wages that come fro...

In this episode’s Question of the Day, we focus on How to Set Up Payroll. You know, when it comes to setting up payroll for your company, there are two ways you can go. You can do it yourself – either using software or without software or have someone do it for you like your accountant or an outsourced service. This episode gives you a thorough overview of the top tips you should think about befor...

In this episode we’re focusing on managing remote teams. There are all sorts of advantages of remote teams: less overhead cost a wider pool of talent to choose from happier, less stressed team members employees tend to stay with the company longer, and are generally more satisfied But it’s also important to remember - managing remote workers takes attention, skill and innovation.  In this episode...

Getting notice that an employee is pregnant can open a Pandora’s Box of questions for you.  How much time off will she take, who will do her job, what are you required to do as an employer. In today's episode, I'll cover what the rules are, and which apply. To make it all a bit easier, I created the free Pregnancy Leave Resource Kit , with all the forms and notices you’ll need. Links htt...

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – recruiting is a marketing exercise.  Actually it’s probably the most important marketing exercise you’ll ever have.  Because, if you don’t have the right people on your team – your business will really be hard going. In this week’s episode, we’ll talk about how you can attract the right candidates.  Hint, it’s kind of the same as attracting the right cli...

Has it happened to you yet?  Has someone come to you with a complaint about being harassed, or discriminated against? Oh sure, I know your company culture is one of full respect and equality.  But that doesn’t mean that someone, at some time, won’t accidentally, or with intent, say or do something that’s disrespectful, or designed to make someone feel less than. In this episode, I’ll tell you how...

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” General George Patton. And that’s what you want – that’s why you hired them.  So they could surprise you with their ingenuity and creativity. In this episode, we’ll talk about specific tactics to help you avoid becoming a micromanager. Invitation Use the link below to learn more and become...

I Well, it’s that time again – it’s the beginning of the year, which means it’s time to review your Employee Handbook. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the three main categories to cover: changes in employment laws; changes in your organization and how you want to run things; and of course the elephant in the room – dealing with health and safety issues. Links https://www.littler.com/covid-1...

In this week’s episode, we’re focusing on company Parental Leave policies. Should you have one, and what should it look like. You know, back in the day it was called Maternity Leave.  But thank goodness we’ve all figured out that biological mothers aren’t the only ones that need time to bond with a new child in their home.  No matter how that child got there – whether through birth, adoption or so...

We’re in an at-will state, so I can fire anyone for any reason – right? Well, not really.  In this episode, I’ll clear up what at-will really means, and when it actually applies.  Here’s a hint – it’s far less often than you think. Links National Conference of State Legislatures (Covenant of Good Faith Exceptions) What Is an “Implied Employment Contract” in California? (Shouse Labor Law Group) Inv...

In this week’s episode we focus on Employee Benefits. One of the great ways to up your retention rate with your team, is to offer benefits. Sure, I know the whole subject can seem massively confusing, and you’re probably afraid of what it might cost for a small business.  Well, consider today’s episode your Employee Benefits 101 primer. Invitation Use the link below to learn more and become an Ido...

As entrepreneurs and business owners, we are constantly trying to figure out how to get more day in your day?   Well, I hate to say it (I’m a night owl), but maybe you should consider getting started earlier. I know, but it’s not as awful an idea as you might think.  In this week’s episode, Do I Need to Get Up Earlier?, I’ll walk you through how you might be able to get started earlier without hav...

In this episode’s Question of the Day, we focus on your beginning of year, to do list.. It’s time to take care of all those beginning-of-the-year duties.  You know, getting ready for tax time, setting goals for the year, and don’t forget all the new human resources laws, employee required notices, and updates.  In this episode I’ll give you an overview of things to update, distribute and schedule...

In this episode’s Question of the Day, we focus on dealing with COVID in your workplace.  It’s complicated, and business owners are often at a complete loss as to what to do and when to do it. Now, with the clear understanding that things are changing seemingly every day, and there are different guidelines for different places, I’m going to take a stab and giving you the most recent guidelines for...

In this week’s episode our question of the day is vacation time or PTO – which is better and what’s the difference. Well, as you might guess – different states have different rules around this.  So in this episode, I’ll focus on the Golden State – California. Invitation Use the link below to learn more and become an Idomeneo insider. You’ll get info to help you unleash your team’s engagement, prot...

In this episode’s Question of the Day, we focus on how to Manage the Unmanageable Employee. Do you have an employee that has morphed from a good employee to an unmanageable employee?  Do you address it? And if so, how? In this episode, we’ll talk about the steps you can take to rehab the unmanageable employee. Invitation Use the link below to learn more and become an Idomeneo insider. You’ll get i...

In this episode’s Question of the Day, we focus on Where Can You Find Good Employees. I bet you struggle because you don’t know how to find good employees for your small business.  Well, never fear – there are loads of tips (most, I bet you never even thought of) to help you pinpoint the right people.  This episode gives loads of options to help you find the right people for your company. Links On...

In this episode’s Question of the Day, we focus on Blame. One of your team members made a mistake.  What’s your next move? So often, when someone on our team makes a mistake – particularly when it’s a big or impactful mistake – we don’t think about our next move at all – we just react. How do you manage your emotions, fix the issue, and still motivate your team? Invitation Use the link below to le...

In this episode’s Question of the Day, we focus on the Great Talent Title Wave  Before we all know it, we’re going to be faced with what I’m calling the Great Talent Title Wave. It’s inevitable. There’s a whole, very large, group of workers that were put out of work because of downsizing or companies temporarily halting business.  And many of them decided to take the time, to up level their skills...