Supporting employees through menopause at work
Insight from an HR consultant in Florida on what business owners need to know about menopause, workplace obligations, and keeping experienced employees on your team. You’ve probably never had a conversation with an employee about menopause. Most small business owners haven’t. It feels like a personal health matter, not a workplace issue. […]
Why retaliation claims catch small businesses off guard
Insight from an HR consultant in Florida on how retaliation charges develop and what you can do to reduce your exposure. As an owner of a small business, you probably feel confident that your team handles employee concerns fairly. But retaliation has been the single most common charge filed with the EEOC for […]
AI hiring tools could be putting your business at risk right now
Advice from an HR consultant in Florida on what new AI hiring regulations mean for employers and the steps you should take to stay compliant. You probably use software to help sort through job applicants. Most business owners do. What you may not realize is that several states have passed laws specifically targeting […]
Why your employees staying silent is costing you money
Guidance from an HR consultant in Florida on why building a speak-up culture is one of the most cost-effective steps a small business can take. As a small business owner, you probably assume that workplace disputes and discrimination claims are a large-company problem. That assumption is costing employers hundreds of millions of dollars […]
Open enrollment is coming. Here’s what you need to have ready.
If you’ve never run open enrollment before, or you’ve been handling it informally, October is the month to get serious. Most employer-sponsored plans run on a calendar year, which means that your enrollment window typically falls somewhere between late October and early December. If you miss it, your employees may be locked out of coverage […]
The cheapest way to avoid an employment lawsuit
An employment claim can cost you $75,000 or more just to defend, even if you win. If it goes to trial, you could be looking at $125,000 to $250,000 in legal fees alone. And those numbers don’t include the settlement itself. The vast majority of claims start as small issues that bubble up over time. […]
Why firing without a reason can cost you more than you think
Guidance from an HR consultant in Florida on why at-will termination without documentation puts your business at risk. As a business owner, you might assume that at-will employment gives you full protection when letting someone go. It doesn’t. The absence of a stated reason can actually work against you if a former employee decides to […]
What the EEOC’s new enforcement plan means for your business
Guidance from an HR consultant in Florida on how the EEOC’s updated priorities affect your hiring, firing, and accommodation decisions. If you employ 15 or more people, the EEOC just changed the rules on how it comes after employers. In June 2026, the agency approved a new National Enforcement Plan that reshapes what it investigates […]
Can you surveil an employee on medical leave?
Guidance from an HR consultant in Florida on what you can and can’t do when you suspect an employee is faking their medical leave. As a small business owner, you might assume that if an employee is abusing their medical leave, you’re within your rights to go out and prove it. That assumption can cost […]
What your harassment prevention program needs to include right now
Under federal law, employers are responsible for preventing and addressing workplace harassment. And the EEOC is enforcing that harder than ever. In FY2025, the agency recovered a record $528 million through pre-litigation settlements alone. Individual employer settlements have ranged from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. If an employee files a harassment claim, your […]