When used properly, ICs (Independent Contractors) can be an excellent way to augment business services and operations. Classification continues to be hot button issue with the IRS. Misclassifying a position as an IC (also referred to as a 1099) when the position should be classified as an employee can create significant liability for a business, small or large. One of the more well known cases in recent memory involved a suit that Microsoft settled with a group of Independent Contractors for nearly $100M. At issue in the Microsoft suit was participation in various benefit programs, including employee stock options. But even small companies may find themselves targets of litigation. To help you understand exactly what is at stake, here are some areas of risk to keep in mind:

HR is playing games with you! Believe it or not, in a growing trend, businesses are using gaming in a variety of human resources (HR) functions including hiring, leadership development, and employee recognition. Gamification is a combination of behavioral science and technology that provides companies with great tools for employee development, assessment of candidates, feedback, recognition, and collaboration.

Understanding UFOs and How They Impact Your Business I had the opportunity to attend SHRM's Employment Law and Legislative Conference this past week and learned additional insights about UFOs, or Union Front Organizations. Union penetration into the private sector has fallen from 35% of employment Americans during the 1950s to just below 7% today. In the face of greater regulation and less interest from workers, unions are developing new tactics and going after new segments of the working public. It’s more important for business owners to be knowledgeable about trends in union efforts to help protect your business interests and your rights.

Providing employees the opportunity to update their knowledge, skills and abilities should be one of your organization’s top priorities and a key component of your employee total rewards package.

How many of you are already thinking about your summer vacation? My colleagues are buzzing about where they will go and how they will spend the coveted time away from work. Some will go to the beach, others are going to the mountains, and some are staying local for a "stay-cation." What I have also noticed is the trend as evidenced by the number of my colleagues concerned about internet accessibility while away from the office. This made me curious. I wondered: "Is it possible for an employee to take a vacation?" and "As a manager, what can I do to ensure my employee has the opportunity to decompress and relax?"

At Helios, our mission is to support enlightened leaders in attracting, retaining and engaging their workforce. By engaging employees, organization leaders are creating an environment where everyone is at work because they want to be. Employee engagement is not only beneficial to productivity, but also has a direct correlation to improved morale. So, how do you engage your employees?