The COVID-19 pandemic is sending shockwaves through the economy. As of late March, a Bain/Dynata weekly survey reported that nearly 60% of Americans had experienced cuts in pay or hours, layoffs, or closed their businesses because of the virus. The fallout of these losses creates an unprecedented situation for HR crisis management. Many businesses have transitioned their…

In years past, companies looked at contract work as a way to fill temporary voids. They used it for seasonal work, during leaves of absence, or as administrative support. For generations, contract workers have helped companies remain profitable and competitive, and their ranks are only set to increase in the coming years. Research from TrueBlue and Emsi suggests that hiring contract…

The world is changing, and businesses need to change with it if they expect to thrive. These changes are wide-ranging, but perhaps the two most relevant ones are technology and the workforce — and they’re inextricably linked. Workers, especially Millennials in the workforce, expect a lot from their employers. Their lengthy lists of employer expectations include the ability…

The rise of the #MeToo movement has spurred long-overdue discussions about sexual harassment in boardrooms and statehouses across the country. Although many companies have been providing sexual harassment training for years, a number of states have recently enacted laws that require companies to provide sexual harassment training for employees. Even if your state doesn't currently…

As an independent contractor, it's important to protect yourself and your business, and that includes carrying insurance coverage. Protection is crucial, especially in today's marketplace. But what insurance do independent contractors need and how much? Common practice dictates that a contractor should have about $1 million in general liability insurance at least. But it is often best to…

Contingent workers have played a key role in the success of tech companies for years, but reports of poor treatment have been highlighted in the news lately. Because of the need for skilled labor in the tech industry, contingent workers can be selective in their job choices. So companies need to look more closely at…

Lemons are great in lemonade, but they might not be your first choice in a gin and tonic. If professional employer organizations (PEOs) and employers of record (EORs) were both garnishes, like lemons and limes, they'd belong in different drinks. Although they seem similar, PEOs and EORs provide different services. An EOR puts a portion…