Human Resources

Hiring Employees FAQ

Find out how to gather the information you need and choose the right employee -- without violating the law.

Running Background Checks on Job Applicants

You must respect a job applicant's privacy rights when conducting a background check.

Hiring Your First Employee: 13 Things You Must Do

If you are hiring your first employee, you must file documents with and pay taxes to various government agencies.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Independent Contractors

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of using independent contractors rather than employees.

Hiring Independent Contractors FAQ

Plain-English answers to questions about hiring independent contractors -- and the differences between contractors and employees.

Working With Independent Contractors: Avoiding Classification Problems

Make sure independent contractors aren't classified as employees by following these strategies.

Wage and Hour Laws FAQ

Answers to some common questions about paying workers, from the minimum wage to overtime requirements.

When Must Employers Pay Overtime?

Are your employees entitled to overtime pay? Learn the rules here.

When Must Employers Pay the Minimum Wage?

Most employers must pay their workers at least the federal minimum wage.

Personnel Policies and Practices FAQ

Answers to common questions about personnel policies, including maintaining personnel files and evaluating employees.

How to Conduct Employee Evaluations

Give meaningful feedback on employee performance -- without creating legal problems.

What to Keep in Employee Personnel Files

Learn how to maintain your personnel files so they don't become evidence in a lawsuit.

Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Learn what sexual harassment is -- and how to prevent it.

How to Handle Discrimination and Harassment Complaints

Reduce your legal risks by dealing with discrimination and harassment complaints quickly and carefully.

Avoiding Age Discrimination

A number of state and federal laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees and applicants on the basis of age.

Leave Policies in the Workplace FAQ

Learn the basics about what paid and unpaid leave you must provide to your employees.

Providing Vacation and Sick Leave

If you offer paid time off for vacation and illness, create a sensible policy.

Family and Medical Leave: An Overview

You may be required to give employees time off for illness, childbirth, adoption, or caregiving responsibilities.

Privacy in the Workplace FAQ

Can you run a background check, use an employment test, or check up on employees' activities on or off the job?

Keeping Personnel Files and Medical Records Confidential

Take steps to protect the confidentiality of employee files and medical records.

Workplace Cameras and Surveillance: Rules for Employers

Filming employees at work may violate their right to privacy.

Firing Employees FAQ

Answers to some commonly asked questions about firing employees, from limits on when you can fire to severance packages.

Illegal Reasons for Firing Employees

There are certain reasons that you can never use to fire an employee.

When Does an Employer Need an Employment Lawyer?

Sometimes it makes sense to hire an attorney to handle employment disputes.

HR Health & Safety FAQ

Frequently asked questions about HR health and safety.

OSHA: Complying With Workplace Health and Safety Laws

Learn about OSHA, the federal law that requires employers to provide safe working conditions.

Workers' Compensation Basics for Employers

What employers and HR managers need to know about their legal obligations under the workers' comp system.