ARE YOU AFRAID OF HIRING EMPLOYEES?

HIRING EMPLOYEES

Over the years of working with and counseling small business owners, the team at SAGE has recognized a somewhat warped mindset toward hiring employees. Many brilliant and successful entrepreneurs view the expenses involved in hiring an employee as just that — expenses for “outsourcing” duties and responsibilities they simply don’t have the time to do. We understand the impulse to preserve capital, but a well-trained employee will bring in high ROI and more than recoup his or her pay. Employees are assets to your company.

To help calibrate your mindset, think of hiring an employee as an investment strategy. The more due diligence you perform up front, the better chance your investment will be successful. Once you identify the position you need, the characteristics needed to perform well in the position, and the process for selecting the right person, you should generally spend at least 30 days training your new hire. The exact time needed depends on the nature of your business and the position you filled, but the costs of not providing your new hire with adequate training will dwarf training expenses. 

Your Employee Has Business Costs, Too

If you managed to hire an intelligent and passionate employee, you can be sure that he or she had other (good) options before accepting your offer. Just as you had to weigh the costs and benefits of hiring an employee, your employee had to determine the costs of doing business with you, also. To that end, you need to have the right legal protections in place. That includes having an employee handbook, a hiring-firing policy, a non-disclosure agreement, and a robust record-keeping system.

HIRING EMPLOYEES

Employee or Independent Contractor?

Employee or Independent Contractor

One area of employment law that has been getting more attention in the past few years is the topic of worker classification. Workers who are classified as employees enjoy certain benefits in exchange for a certain loss of autonomy. To cut costs, some companies treat workers as independent contractors when they should be designated as employees and receive the full range of benefits usually afforded to employees. Additionally, you should make sure that your salaried workers meet the FLSA tests and other criteria. 

Without these legal firewalls in place, you could be opening up your company to costly disputes or lawsuits. The fines alone from an employment infraction could seriously damage your operations. 

Why, Then, Go Through the Trouble of Hiring an Employee?

Because, simply, you can’t afford not to hire someone if you want your business to survive and thrive. Is there a significant amount of up-front work you need to do before making a hire? Yes. Will all that work be worth it? Without a doubt. To reiterate, the right employee is never simply an expense. The right employee is an asset and an investment.

Before you grow your team, talk to SAGE to discuss how we can provide value for your company and be your true advisors. Your hard work deserves someone who works just as hard to protect it. Give our team a call at (678) 825-4525; we look forward to speaking with you about your company’s future!

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SAGE Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the legal aspects of managing a business can be challenging. To make things easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive FAQ section to help you get familiar with our firm and the services we offer.

What is SAGE Business Counsel?

SAGE Business Counsel is a full-service law firm that provides legal services and consulting to small businesses.

What kind of legal services does SAGE Business Counsel offer?

SAGE Business Counsel offers a range of legal services, including Contract Review and Negotiation, Employment Law, Intellectual Property, Compliance and Regulatory Guidance, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Business General Counsel, and more.

Can I get personalized legal advice from SAGE Business Counsel?

Yes, SAGE Business Counsel offers personalized service and support that's tailored to your business needs.

What should I do if the business is facing a legal dispute?

If a business is facing a legal dispute, it's recommended to seek legal advice from an attorney. SAGE Business Counsel can help you understand your options and navigate the legal process.

How can I protect my business from lawsuits?

There are several ways to protect your business from lawsuits, such as having clear policies and procedures, maintaining accurate records, and having liability insurance. It's also important to seek legal advice to ensure that your business is fully protected.

What are the benefits of working with a business attorney?

Working with a business attorney can provide several benefits, including legal advice and guidance, assistance with legal documents, representation in legal disputes, and peace of mind knowing that your business is legally protected.

How does SAGE Business Counsel differ from other law firms?

We take a client-first approach, prioritizing your success and building trust at every step. We believe in proactive legal counsel, providing guidance and risk assessment before issues arise. Our tailored legal plans are designed to address your specific business needs and goals.

How do I know SAGE is right for me?

At SAGE Business Counsel, we understand the challenges you face as a business owner. We simplify legal matters, translate legalese into clear terms, and ensure you stay compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Not all lawyers are created equal. At SAGE, we specialize in business law and have a proven track record of helping businesses like yours succeed. We're not just legal experts; we're trusted advisors who understand your unique business goals.

How can I get started with SAGE Business Counsel?

Take the first step towards legal peace of mind and business growth. Schedule an initial discovery call with our experienced attorneys today. We'll discuss your specific needs and develop a personalized strategy to help you achieve your goals.

We hope that these FAQs have been helpful in understanding more about SAGE Business Counsel. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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Over a Decade Spent Protecting Business from Legal Pitfalls

At SAGE Business Counsel, we're different. Inspired by lean business and agile software development philosophies, we continuously refine our services to stay ahead of the curve. Founded in 2014, our innovative business law firm is dedicated to empowering leadership teams across the globe with strategic legal counsel. Whether you own the business or are on the leadership team, we can help companies succeed at every stage of growth.