4 Things Small Companies Can Do to Deliver Paid Leave to Their Employees
The United States notoriously lags behind the rest of the world with regard to its paid parental leave policies. Currently the U.S. is the only industrialized country in the world without any kind of national paid maternity leave policy, and one of six of the 38 member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and […]
Unemployment Claims
The Unemployment Compensation Law in Minnesota: An employment separation situation is when an individual’s employment ends for any reason such as lack of work, voluntary quitting or a termination. In order to obtain unemployment insurance you must apply for it on line with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program, www.uimn.org. If you are laid off or […]
Filing a Minnesota Department of Human Rights Act Complaint
The Department of Human Rights investigates charges of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations…
Four Guidelines for Workplace Investigations to Help Small Businesses Avoid Lawsuits
Four Guidelines for Workplace Investigations to Help Small Businesses Avoid Lawsuits Small Businesses should have policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Under the discrimination laws, an employer who becomes aware of certain alleged workplace discrimination and harassment is required to investigate and take prompt, effective remedial action. Small business owners should conduct a […]
5 Considerations Every Employer Should Know to Help Avoid Wrongful Termination Cases
5 Considerations Every Employer Should Know to Help Avoid Wrongful Termination Cases Minnesota is an employment “at will” state. An employee can quit for any reason and an employer can fire employees for any reason – as long as that reason is not illegal. When an employer has good employment policies in place it will […]
Employee or Independent Contractor?
Misclassification of employees as independent contractors is a common issue for business owners in Minnesota and elsewhere. Business owners receive many benefits from classifying working with independent contractors as opposed to hiring an employee. There are no federal taxes to withhold, and no Social Security or Medicare taxes to pay. The employer also doesn’t have […]
How Employees are Classified.
Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Status: How Employees are Classified. Classification of employees is dictated by Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules. The FLSA ensures employees receive compensation for their work, guaranteeing a minimum wage as well as fair overtime pay when applicable. A small portion of workers are “exempt” from a minimum wage or overtime as […]
Independent Contractors
Independent Contractors in Minnesota: Many businesses routinely use independent contractor agreements. Whether those non-employees working for the business are consultants, independent contractors or vendors, business can benefit greatly from using independent contractors rather than hiring employees. Some of the benefits to the employer include: Not having to withhold federal taxes Not having to pay […]
Can You Break a Non-Compete?
In contract law, a non-compete agreement is a contract signed by one party to not enter into professional competition with another party. They are most often used by employers to prevent employees from opening their own business that is in direct competition to the employer. Some employers may require a non-compete agreement, sometimes called a […]
Severance Agreements
A severance agreement is a contract entered into between a departing employee and his or her employer. Severance agreements are a common way for the two parties to end the employment relationship in an amicable manner. The severance agreement is a way that the employer can receive a release from the employee that the employee […]