Expired Documents Not Valid for Form I-9

Employers should have redone their training on the new Form I-9s that they provided earlier this year to be sure they are in compliance with the new Form I-9 that took effect on April 3.  Click here for the new Form I-9.

Work Is More Than A Paycheck in America

Workers might daydream about winning the big lottery and spending the rest of their lives on a tropical island or fishing in a mountain stream, but most Americans have a strong work ethic and derive satisfaction from what they do.

Nearly two-thirds of 742 full-time U.S. workers “live to work,” and 21 percent of them would continue working even if they won the lottery, according to findings from the latest of CIGNA’s “Health and Well-Being in America” survey series.

But the overall mood in the workplace has changed for the worse in the past six months, 60 percent of workers said. Thirty-four percent are afraid they might lose their job, and 30 percent are feeling more job pressure or stress.

Read on to discover the differences between male and female perspectives on work.

Practical Advice From Your Servants!

How to Say Goodbye To An Employee

On the list of "business responsibilities that we enjoy," letting an employee go ranks right down there with doing your taxes and appearing for a deposition. Employers have difficulty terminating employees for several reasons. There's the discomfort that accompanies having to deal face-on with conflict. There's the guilt that comes from "rejection" of the employee, especially if the employee had extenuating circumstances for poor performance. There's the uneasiness that comes from lack of experience in firing employees and the concern about doing it properly to avoid legal landmines. All of it makes small business owners want to reach for the 3 Ts: Tylenol, Tums, and tequila.

Whether you're firing for bad deeds (substance abuse on the job, theft, harassment) or just unfortunate situations (can't do the job, doesn't get along with co-workers, downsizing) you need to have the details in place before you have the "termination conversation." The key to success: document, document, document. Here are 5 steps you can follow to ensure you navigate employee firings successfully.