| Your business is a success, and you cannot keep | | | | insurance carrier. |
| up with the work unless you hire at least two | | | | Set up a procedure for each new employee and |
| more employees. You have probably been very | | | | the date on which all elements of the procedure |
| busy and focused on starting up and growing the | | | | should be completed. For the most part, new |
| business. You may not be ready to be your | | | | employees should complete all of the following |
| company's human resource manager. The | | | | paperwork on the first day: |
| following are a few suggestions that can help you | | | | >> Have employees read and sign a receipt |
| be prepared: | | | | indicating that they have read the handbook. |
| All prospective employees must fill out an | | | | >> Each employee must complete the IRS W-4 |
| Employment Application that includes basic | | | | Form used to determine tax withholding. |
| information such as name, address, phone | | | | >> Employees should sign up for any benefit |
| number, social security number, citizenship, past | | | | programs and provide all necessary information in |
| job history, job titles, key responsibilities, salary | | | | order to participate in insurance, retirement, or |
| history, reasons for leaving the previous positions, | | | | pension plans. |
| and education through high school, college, post | | | | >> Each new employee should sign an agreement |
| graduate work, and any special schooling. The | | | | stipulating that all proprietary information will |
| application must include a paragraph that states | | | | remain confidential and that the company owns all |
| that all statements made by the applicant are | | | | inventions or new processes created by the |
| true and that the application does not constitute a | | | | employee while employed by the company. |
| contract between the applicant and the company. | | | | >> Employees should complete a personal |
| Lastly, the applicant should sign and date the | | | | information form that includes their address, |
| application. | | | | phone numbers, names of immediate family, social |
| Each applicant should sign a release form that | | | | security number, and emergency contacts' name, |
| allows you to contact his or her references and | | | | phone numbers, and address. |
| former employers, and the release should state | | | | There are also certain posters that must be |
| that the applicant will not start any legal action | | | | displayed in a central, prominent location: |
| concerning any information you obtain while | | | | >> The poster describing the terms of the |
| checking references. checks. Mail or fax a copy of | | | | minimum wages required by the Fair Labor |
| the release to any references or former | | | | Standards Act. |
| employers, and they will be more likely to give | | | | >> The poster describing the provisions of the |
| you complete and correct information. | | | | Family and Medical Leave Act. |
| Before you hire any new employees, write an | | | | >> The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health |
| employee handbook that includes information on | | | | Administration poster that explains how workers |
| retirement or pension accounts, insurance | | | | may file a complaint, report an emergency, or |
| benefits, vacation and sick leave days, holiday | | | | seek OSHA advice. |
| schedule, performance reviews and pay increases, | | | | >> The Equal Employment Opportunity Act |
| office conduct and dress code, personal use of | | | | poster that provides information concerning the |
| email, fax, or other office equipment, and | | | | laws and procedures for filing complaints of |
| termination procedures. Place a copy of the | | | | violations of the laws with the Office of Federal |
| handbook in a central location and give someone | | | | Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). |
| the responsibility of making sure it stays there | | | | >> The Uniformed Services Employment and |
| and is updated whenever necessary. | | | | Reemployment Rights Act poster that |
| Your state probably requires you to carry | | | | strengthens veterans' reemployment rights. |
| Worker's Compensation Insurance for employees | | | | This list will give you a start, but it is not intended |
| that are injured on the job. Most states have an | | | | to be all inclusive. It is strongly recommended that |
| agency that regulates Worker's Compensation, | | | | you review employment laws with your attorney. |
| and in my state it is called the Industrial | | | | You can also find good advice on the internet and |
| Commission. Check with you state to find out the | | | | in libraries. |
| requirements and ask for suggestions for an | | | | |