Should My Business Use Arbitration Clauses?

Arbitration provisions, which allow legal disputes to be settled outside of the court system, are increasingly found in contracts of all kinds, including employment contracts. A series of court rulings over the years has spurred the increased use of arbitration clauses. Around one-half of American workers are now subject to mandatory arbitration, although a recently […]

Develop a Vacation Policy for Your Business

Desk calendar with the word vacation circled on the 15th

What do workers want most? Beyond a pay raise, one of the best ways to keep workers happy is to give them more paid time off (PTO). Contrary to what business owners and managers might think, vacation time has actually been shown to boost productivity. Vacation is an issue that can turn into a power […]

What Employers Should Know about Giving Gifts to Employees

medium sized box wrapped with a small bow

In today’s competitive job market, giving gifts and other fringe benefits to employees can be an effective way for employers to show appreciation. But generous employers should understand that most gifts and bonuses—even small ones—have tax implications. Employee gifts must be taxed and included on year-end tax forms unless they qualify as de minimis benefits, […]

Firing with Grace

paper with termination of employment written at top with a pen laying on the desk

Small business owners are accustomed to having grace under fire when it comes to running their business. But it is just as necessary that they demonstrate grace when firing an employee. Due to harsh economic conditions, some sectors of the American economy had to resort to layoffs in the first half of 2022, and there […]

Legal Considerations in the Hiring Process

2 people wearing business attire shaking hands

You are probably aware of employment laws that could create liabilities if your company fails to comply with them. However, even before a person becomes an employee, certain antidiscrimination laws protect them during the application process. Most employers must comply with employment laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Your state, county, […]

Can I Provide Services Instead of Capital to a New LLC?

Small business owners put their blood, sweat, and tears into ensuring the success of their company, which, though difficult to measure, are no less valuable than capital contributions. At the same time, if you are investing your time and energy into a limited liability company (LLC), you should establish a method of valuation for your […]

How to Talk to Your Family About Business Succession

Benjamin Franklin famously quipped, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” From the very beginning, you had a plan for your business to succeed. You set goals and developed methods to achieve those goals. Your business has stood the test of time because you anticipated problems and solved them. But if your […]

What Is a Business Succession Plan?

If you own a small business, developing your succession plan is a critical element of business planning. Many business owners fail to appreciate the complexities and time involved in successfully transitioning a business. Entangled in the day-to-day management of their companies, they neglect this essential element of business planning to their detriment. Transitions in business […]