Did you know that several changes are taking place effective January 1, 2017, that may impact your business? The Massachusetts minimum wage increases to $11.00 per hour, the IRS standard business mileage rate decreases to $.53 per mile. The federal overtime increase (aka, "white collar exemption") is still in limbo, due to an injunction by a federal judge. In addition, by January 22, 2017, employers must use the new I-9 form. Don’t let your hard work building a business go

'Tis the season for traveling! Many of you and your employees have been traveling throughout the year. Do you have travel policies established for consistency and cost-savings? Having a standard set of travel policies will help manage your costs and boost morale. Fair and consistent policies help with both these business issues. Here's to safe, cost-effective travel with minimal delays! Don’t let your hard work building a business go to waste over a costly mistake. We ca

With winter weather approaching, it's a good time to be thinking of emergency preparedness and contingency planning for your business. Severe weather and other emergencies, can happen any time of the year! You don't want to put your business and employees at risk. A few things to consider in preparation: who and when to contact for a disruption; business continuity plans for both short or long term disruptions; policies that support your contingency plans; decision processe

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line...don't let your business get detoured because of a human resource problem. No matter how small, there are a few key things you NEED TO DO, to keep from running afoul of the law and regulators. Setting up your employee files the right way, having and communicating the basics about the employment relationship and complying with federal and state laws through required postings. If you do nothing else, do these. Don’

It’s that time of the year…company holiday parties! Now is a time for giving thanks and many organizations show their appreciation for employees by throwing a holiday bash. We’ve all heard of the horror stories, in fact, a new movie just came out, Office Christmas Party, the ultimate nightmare!! In all seriousness, you should take steps to protect yourself. Things like limiting alcohol, offering rides to anyone who has overdone it and the like. Putting a few guidelines i