Guide 7:

Basic Human
Resources

Guide 7: Basic Human Resources

for the Entrepreneur
n INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Citibank Small Business information guide series. This is one of ten
guides that have been developed just for you, a person who is thinking about starting a
small business or who has made the commitment to start one. It is targeted to people
who are considering starting a small business as well as small business owners who want
to learn more about successful strategies and skills. Citibank worked with a team of
entrepreneurs like you to develop, write, and produce this series. All of us know how
important it is to have clear and concise information to make smart business decisions.
Our goal is to share experiences about the dynamic, exciting small business community.
n Overview

The moment your

business hires an
employee, you are
involved in human
resources.

Establishing a small business is exciting but certainly has its challenges. Most new
businesses start with no employees; the owners or partners handle everything. However,
depending on the growth rate of your business, you may need to consider hiring
additional employees. The addition of employees and the entire process of finding,
hiring, and keeping the right employees can be one of the more challenging aspects
of operating a small business. Federal and state laws govern every aspect of hiring,
retaining, and firing employees. This guide will highlight those laws and regulations,
but you should consult with the appropriate professional sources your attorney,
CPA, or business counselor, etc. for the most current details and guidelines.
Human Resources involves more than just the hiring, retaining, and firing of
employees; it involves the day-to-day management of the employees who contribute to
producing the goods and services that your business provides. Large companies have a
designated Human Resources department, but as a small business owner, you may be
the Human Resources department.

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This guide will provide practical guidance by focusing on the following topics.
I. Setting the Stage for Additional Employees

Identifying the Need for Additional Employees

Identifying the Needed Skills

Identifying Employee Options

Diversity in Your Workplace

II. Recruiting and Hiring Employees

Where to Find Employees

The Job Application

Employment Law

The Hiring Process

Reviewing the Applications

Conducting the Background Check (Pre-Employment Screening)

The Interview

Interview Follow-Up

Receiving New Employees

Laying the Groundwork The Employee Handbook

As your business
grows, employees
will become vital
to the success of
that business.

Keeping and Motivating Employees

-

Mandated Benefits

Optional Benefits

III. Ending Relationships with Employees

Retirement

Resigning

Layoffs/Downsizing

Termination

I. SETTING THE STAGE FOR ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES

Identifying the Need for Additional Employees

You cant always do everything yourself. As your business grows, the employees that you
identify you need and hire become more and more important to the success of your
business. Adding employees can impact your business at many levels so give careful

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thought to this first step. Be very sure about why you need the additional assistance.
You must be able to clearly articulate your business needs to potential employees so
they can determine if there is a match between your needs and their employment
goals. You might ask yourself the following questions. Each of these categories will be
discussed later in the guide.
What Type of Employee Are You Looking to Hire?
Am I looking for full-time employees who maintain a regular
schedule to handle the responsibilities for certain aspects of
the business?
Am I looking for part-time employees to address seasonal
demands or special project needs?
Am I looking to contract certain day-to-day oversight areas,
such as janitorial, groundskeeping, delivery, etc.?

You should have

a clear picture
of the duties
expected of each
type of employee.

Am I looking to outsource specific expertise, such as

marketing, distribution, fulfillment, etc.?

To help you clarify the reason for additional employees, complete the following activity.

Activity: Why Additional Employees?

Using a sheet of paper, reproduce the following chart. Brainstorm all
the advantages and disadvantages of hiring additional employees. When
finished, you should be able to answer the following questions.
Do I really need to hire additional employees?
Will hiring additional employees be cost effective by making my
business more efficient and therefore, more profitable?
But, what considerations do I need to make when hiring additional
employees? (for example, paying out an additional salary, finding
space in the office, buying additional equipment, etc.)
Additional employees will be a
positive asset for my business
because:

Additional employees will be a

negative asset for my business
because:

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Identifying the Needed Skills

Once you have made the decision that you do need additional employees, focus on
the skills (both broad and specific) that employees should bring to the business. Be
clear about the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that you are looking for - this focus
will help you to match the right applicant with the job position and business needs.
When identifying the needed skills for the position, consider the skill sets that will best
complement the products or services that your business provides. Be sure to include the
need for these and other skills in the job description and any job advertising. Which
skills will your employees need to have?

Potential Skill Sets Needed by Additional Employees

Communication

the ability to effectively speak, write,

and express themselves; the ability
to explain all or certain areas of the
business

Problem-Solving

the ability to identify and solve businessrelated problems

Human Relations

the ability to use their personal skills

to resolve potential conflicts, provide
support for other employees, and be
sensitive to feelings and situations

Planning/Organization

the ability to supervise, direct, and guide

themselves and other employees to
reach personal and business goals and
objectives; the ability to effectively plan
and make efficient use of time

Day-to-Day Work Skills

the ability to be punctual, to manage his

or her time, to cooperate with others,
and to accept responsibility all those
items that create a successful work
environment

Be sure that
a potential
employees skill
set matches your
business needs.

Although you want someone who is compatible with your business philosophy, it may
not be advantageous to try to hire someone with similar strengths and weaknesses as
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yourself. Employees come with many different personalities, abilities, and skill sets.
Your goal should be to identify your business need and match that need with the
candidate with the right skills and expertise. Remember that most people find work
satisfying when the work fits their own personal work style or personality. However,
your business has needs as well. Make sure potential employees are aware of your needs
and be thorough in your analysis of potential employees and how they will fit into the
culture of your business. What work styles will work best with you and your business?
The previous activity and the one that follows are simple ways for you to capture your
thoughts and provide some direction in your hiring process.

Activity: Identifying Needed Skills

Using a sheet of paper, reproduce the following chart. Think about the areas
of the business where you are looking to add employees. Use the following
activity to clarify not only the work you want accomplished with the new
employee(s) but also the skills needed to accomplish that work.

Business
Area

Work to be
Accomplished

Skills
Needed

Management
Human Resources
Development
Finance
Production
Sales
Marketing
Distribution
Other Areas

Identifying Employee Options

Traditional Options

The traditional way that most businesses add employees is through hiring
full-time employees. This process is discussed in the next section of the guide.
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Taking the step to hire additional employees is a big one as you will now
be responsible for payroll, benefits, unemployment insurance, maintaining
a productive work environment, and a host of additional employee-related
details.

Alternative Options

While the traditional option for adding employees may be through hiring fulltime employees, there are several alternatives you may want to consider for
your business.
Options
Temporary,
Part-Time

Advantages
Convenient
Economical only pay for
the amount of work you
need and when you need
the work.
Solution to the needs
of a special projects or
seasonal demands.
Not responsible for
providing employee
benefits.

Disadvantages
The needed
skills may not
be instantly
available.
Potential hidden
compensationrelated costs

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Options

Advantages

Leasing,
Outsourcing,
Contracting

Time that would have

been spent on business
activities, such as
bookkeeping, payroll,
sales, employee personnel
records, warehousing
and shipping, etc. can be
redirected to other areas
of the business.
You are able to buy just
what you need.
May allow for economies
of scale along with
greater variety in the area
of employee benefits.
Many business needs such
as janitorial, facility and
equipment maintenance,
etc. may be addressed
more efficiently through
this option than through
hiring permanent
employees.

Disadvantages
The leasing or
outsourcing
company may
have different
operational
procedures that
you will need to
adjust to in your
business.
Even though you
retain ultimate
responsibility for
your business,
there may be a
sense of dayto-day loss
of complete
control over your
business.

Diversity in Your Workplace

As mentioned in several areas of this guide, as owner, you want to identify employees
who are compatible with your business philosophy and culture. Employees come
from all walks of life and have many different personalities, abilities, and skill sets.
The competitive strength of your business is tied directly to knowledgeable workers.
Depending on the nature of your business, be willing to explore the many diverse
human capital options as a way to raise the effectiveness of individuals, teams, and
ultimately, the bottom line of your business.

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II. RECRUITING AND HIRING EMPLOYEES

As discussed earlier, securing employees with the skills and personality that match your
business needs is crucial to the success of your business.
Where to Find Employees

There are many ways to identify potential new employees. If you really know what
you want, go out and find them - dont wait for them to come to you. Also, keep in
mind that each state has a state employment service and part of their mission is to help
businesses find the employees they need. There are also private employment agencies
(often with associated fees). You can also post Help Wanted signs, newspaper ads, etc.
Use the following activity to help you identify places to find potential employees.
Yes
or No

As a source for additional employees, I would consider using

the following methods:

Where there are

time-sensitive
needs to fill, there
is a business
opportunity.

I would contract with an employment agency.

I would hire a headhunter, depending on the type of
employee I needed.
I would promote from within, if I had existing employees.
I would allow existing employees who are familiar with the
needed position and skills, to recommend candidates, perhaps
with an attached bonus if the candidate is hired.
I would advertise in newspapers, trade association
magazines, etc.

The Job Application

Although it might sound easier to hire employees through an informal, verbal process,
it is recommended that the application be in writing. A job application provides you
with critical information on the potential employee to help you make the decision
to hire or not. Keep all applications on file, as you never know when you might have
additional employment needs and can save yourself time, energy, and resources by
considering previous candidates.

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Check out your local library for business publications on job applications and interview
tips and many other employment/hiring forms. Also, do a web search using the term
job applications to view sample forms that various companies have used with success.
There are many job application examples. Review them and use the areas that are
appropriate; however, make sure your application targets the needed position. A good
employment application includes prior work experience, special skills, educational
background, and consent to check references. Included in the application should be a
Background Check Release Form giving you permission to not only check references
but also to conduct a credit check.
Tips on Managing Job Applications
Have applicants complete the application before you talk
with them.
Ask questions that allow the applicant to talk about
themselves, their work habits, their experience, and their
skills.

Check the
backgrounds of
applicants - they
may check your
business out too!

Be careful about asking for personal information that is not

job-related.
Remember that it is your responsibility to know and
adhere to appropriate employment laws such as the
Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, and others. See brief summaries of these
laws and others in the next section.

Employment Law

As a small business owner, you are responsible for knowing the laws that apply to your
business. It is worthwhile to sit with your attorney, or other appropriate professionals,
to explain your employment plan of action, and have that person review with you the
current laws and guidelines that have implications for you. It is your responsibility
to be aware of these laws and their meaning and to be cautious when you interview
potential employees. Some of the major employee-related legal requirements that you
need to be aware of in your business include the following.

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Key Employment Laws

Equal Employment
Opportunity Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment

practices because of race, religion, sex,
or national origin.

Age Discrimination
in Employment Act

Prohibits unfair hiring and treatment of

employees based on age.

Fair Credit
Reporting Act

Assures a consumers right to access his

or her credit file and dispute incorrect
information.

Americans with
Disabilities Act
(ADA)

Prohibits discrimination against

individuals with physical handicaps. This
includes not only the hiring practices but
also the design of the facility.

The Hiring Process

Reviewing the Applications

Because you probably will have multiple applicants, you need to establish a
review process that will be consistent with all applicants. If you have other
employees on the management team, you may want to have those individuals
review and provide feedback.
Conducting the Background Check (Pre-Employment Screening)
Once the interview applicants are selected, conduct a background and reference
check. The applicant should sign a Background Check Release Form allowing
you to check references with former employers and conduct a credit check of
various consumer reports. For samples of Background Check Release forms,
check your local library or bookstore for business publications providing
samples of these forms that you can use in your hiring process. You might
also do a web search, using the term background check release form for available
forms. Be careful of any associated costs associated with such. Also, visit
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http://www.privacyrights.org, a non-profit consumer information and

advocacy organization, for a Fact Sheet on Background Checks & Workplace.
Regardless of the size of your business, pre-employment screening is a necessary
hiring practice to avoid lawsuits and costly hiring mistakes. You and your
business can be held liable for the actions of a new employee, especially if you
did not conduct a background check.
Laws vary from state to state as to what information can be used in any preemployment screening so be sure to check with the appropriate legal authority
for current regulations. Before doing any background check, it is important
that your small business compiles with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA),
potential employees must sign a release form giving you authorization before
you can perform a background credit check. The FCRA covers not only credit

Use the interview

to gauge how
employees might
fit in and fulfil
business needs.

reports but all consumer-type reports. Under the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), employers are restricted in using medical and disability data in the
hiring process.
You may want to consider outsourcing this task. Hiring professionals to
complete this task can provide you with the information you need while
maintaining all legal requirements. Even though you may decide to outsource
this task, you need to be familiar with the process. Resources such as the Small
Business Administration (SBA) can provide valuable guidance.
The Interview

The objective of any interview is to find out as much as you can about the
applicant. In order to keep the interview focused, prepare questions that you
want to ask the applicant and document the answers. Ask questions that will
allow applicants to talk about themselves, their work habits, their experience,
and their skills. Be careful to focus all interview questions on the skills,
experience, and qualifications of the candidate as it relates to the job. As you
conduct your interview, be sure that you keep all applicable laws in mind and

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be aware of information that you are and are not allowed to ask for. Steer clear
of any personal references. A Fact Sheet gives interviewees a chance to review
the job description, job expectations, hiring, and other processes and to ask any
questions. When conducting multiple interviews, establish a checklist to treat
all interviewees fairly and avoid any possible bias. As you collect information
necessary for your decision-making process, never commit yourself until all
interviews are conducted. You want to attract highly skilled and motivated
people who fit in well with the mission of your company so be sure to market
the job to the applicant and highlight the positives of the job as well as the
considerations the applicant should make.
Interview Follow-Up
Once you identify the right employee, you should make a job offer. Be careful
not to promise something you cannot deliver. Also, be sure to follow-up with

Make a checklist
to make sure
you cover all
the necessary
information.

those applicants not selected. Even though an applicant doesnt fit a present
need, you may have future needs that might suit previous applicants.
Tips for Success in Hiring
Dont overlook any requirements for special training or licensing. If the
job requires it, be sure to include in the job description. Will the special
training need to already be in place or are you willing to pay for new
employee training?
Dont overlook the need for people (soft) skills, especially if the
position requires the employee to represent your company in public.
Dont overlook an awareness of work styles in the job description.
Potential employees will need to know what is expected of them and
under what conditions they will need to deliver what is expected of
them.

Receiving New Employees

What happens on the first day of a job can impact every day afterward.

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Employment Paperwork

Included in any initial employment orientation should be a discussion

about the rules, policies, and operational procedures of the business, and
an Employment Agreement Form indicating the employee has read and
understood these rules, policies, and procedures for the business. There is
also the standard employment paperwork, such as: IRS Form W4, Form I9, and an Emergency Notification form. Check the Glossary at the back of
this guide for an explanation of each of these items. There may even be the
need to sign a Confidentiality Agreement, depending on the nature of your
business.

As a small business owner with many tasks and responsibilities, an Employee

Handbook may not be a priority for you to develop at this time, and it
may not be in place when you start your business. However, it may be a

Its important
to outline rules,
policies, and
procedures for
your business.

good idea to consider creating a series of fact sheets that outline the rules,
policies, and operational procedures for your business. Create each fact
sheet so that it has a single focus. This format would allow you to make
necessary revisions at appropriate times without having to reprint an entire
handbook, when and if you do create one. For topic suggestions for the fact
sheets (and the Employee Handbook), see the list in the next section.
Orientation Process

Do everything possible to start new employees off on the right track. Once
all of the official paperwork has been completed and appropriately filed,
designate a period of time for proper training of the employee for his or her
new role. Taking this step can eliminate much frustration, provide feedback
to the new employee, and prevent misunderstandings from all involved.

Laying the Groundwork

When you treat your employees professionally and legally, your business is more likely
to be successful. To ensure that your employees understand all operational procedures
and policies, you may choose to have these guidelines in writing. An Employee

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Handbook is a central spot to explain the company policies and employee benefits and
rights. This document should be easy to follow and updated on an annual basis. Once
established, employees should sign an acknowledgement indicating they have read and
they understand the Handbook. This signed acknowledgement should be maintained
in the employees personnel file. Again, an extensive Employee Handbook may not be a
priority for you to develop at this time.
There are many samples for you to review when developing your own Employee
Handbook. Check your local library or bookstore or the Internet for how-to
publications that would help you write your Employee Handbook. However, be sure
that the Handbook or guidelines that you develop reflect your business philosophy,
image, culture, goals, and objectives. Consider using the following checklist of areas to
determine what to include in your Employee Handbook.

Employee Handbook or Fact Sheet Areas to Consider

Overtime Conditions

Sexual Harassment

Hours (working and overtime)

Dress Code; Required uniforms, etc

Use of illegal drugs or alcohol;

substance abuse

Employment issues such as promotions,

grievances, etc.

Leave (Sick, Vacation, Religious,

Emergency, Jury Duty, etc.)

Probation Period for new employees

Disciplinary Action

Employee Benefits

Non-Discrimination Policy

Retirement Plans

Compensation (hourly, wages,

commission, etc. along with process
for promotion, etc.)

Personal use of company equipment

such as e-mail. Internet, telephone,
copy machine, etc.

Keeping and Motivating Employees

With an increasingly mobile workforce and demand for talented people, employees
may be willing to pick up and leave for various reasons (i.e. higher salary, better
benefits, etc.) How you manage your employees has a lot to do with retaining them.
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Yes, benefits are important and critical, but if you are going to have employees,
you must strive to establish an environment where employees can grow, thrive, and
be challenged.
You can keep employees happy and content in their jobs in many ways; many of
which do not cost a lot of money. Recognition can range from a simple pat on the
back to a more elaborate Employee of the Month recognition program, staff meeting
announcements, special parking spots, etc. This motivational process can also apply
to Team of the Month recognition if your business operates in a team environment.
Do not think you will have all the answers. Establish an open workplace environment
where employees feel welcome to provide feedback on the employment process, the
workplace environment, and the production process. After all, they are closest to the
process and know it best.

Retaining valuable
employees is vital
to the success of
your business.

As your business grows, you may want to consider additional but broader motivational
options. These might include bonus plans, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing, and stock
options to name a few. Although these may not be typical benefits for most small
business owners to provide for their employees initially, they are certainly worth
considering as your business grows.
Most employees in the United States work under a merit increase pay system involving
periodic review and job performance evaluation. This process includes a periodic review
and evaluation of how well the employee is performing in his or her job. Employees
want and expect security in their jobs; they have come to expect a comprehensive
pay and benefits program. Employees want to know they will be rewarded for their
contributions to the business.
Employee Benefits
By law, you must provide certain, mandated benefits, but you have many options when
providing optional benefits for your employees. Benefits can be costly what is the
advantage of offering them? The main reasons are to not only attract but also to retain
valuable employees and foster good morale. What is your competition doing in terms

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of the benefits they provide for their employees? Be sure to clearly communicate the
benefits plan to all employees.
In deciding on an employee benefits package, carefully consider all aspects before
you make the final decisions. Consider the following questions. Are there additional
questions you would want to ask?
Questions to Ask When Considering
an Employee Benefits Package
What kinds of benefits might interest my employees?
How much am I willing to pay for such coverage?
Is there a priority order of importance is a medical plan more important
than a retirement plan?
For me, what is the purpose of having a benefits plan, both from a costeffective perspective as well as an employee morale perspective?

Mandated Benefits
As an employer, you must pay in full or in part for certain legally mandated
benefits and insurance coverage, such as Social Security, Unemployment
Insurance, and Workers Compensation.
Social Security an insurance program sponsored by the federal
government paying benefits to qualified individuals.
Unemployment Insurance a joint federal and state insurance
program providing income to workers who have lost their jobs through
no fault of their own.
Workers Compensation state-regulated programs that insure workers
against injuries that occur on the job or job-related illnesses or death.
Optional Benefits
Although the basic package of employment benefits may include insurance
(health, disability, and life), retirement plans, compensation, and paid leave

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(maternity leave), it can also be expanded to include a variety of leave options,

bonuses, service awards, and even financial support for additional education
and training, etc. Additional benefits like these can be costly but in the long
run, may be better for your business because they can help to keep employees
with you.
A retirement plan (for example, a 401K) is a popular benefit offered to and
expected by most of todays workforce. Contributions to a qualified plan that
meets IRS specifications are tax deductible. A retirement specialist can propose
options to meet your business needs. One currently popular benefit plan is
flexible compensation where employees can select coverage to meet their needs
in the areas of health coverage, retirement income, etc. Be sure to check with
your local financial institutions for professional assistance in making these
important decisions. Specialists and investment representatives are available

When choosing
benefits for your
employees, you
may find their
input helpful.

at your local Citibank Financial Center. Visit http://www.citibank.com/us/

citibusiness/retirement.htm and http://www.citibank.com/us/citibusiness/
401k.htm for more information on these services.
Aside from the basic optional benefits, some employees have come to expect
additional benefits based on their increased level of responsibility. Such benefits
might include a company vehicle, expense accounts, gym memberships,
parking privileges, child day care, extra vacation, and others. What types of
benefits do you think your employees may appreciate or expect? What might
you be willing to provide in order to retain employees?
Based on individual needs, some employees may want or may require flexibility
in their work arrangements. If you can provide some flexibility in employee
work schedules, it may help in building morale and loyalty in your workforce.
Be sure to outline the options in the Employee Handbook and include any
special arrangements in the employee contract and personnel file. This process
might involve flex time, part-time, job share, or telecommuting. The availability

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of these options depends on your business plan. Lets review several popular
work arrangements.
Popular Work Arrangements
Flex Time

Employee has a variety of start and stop

times for a workday.

Compressed Work
Week

Employee works 40 hours in fewer than five

days, usually a 10-hour, four-day schedule.

Telecommuting

Employee works from a remote location,

usually home.

Part-time Work or
Job Sharing

Employee works less than a regular 40-hour

week or splits the job responsibility with
another person.

III. ENDING EMPLOYMENT

Retirement Hopefully, this is on a positive note, after many years of
productive employment, allowing individuals to relax and enjoy the fruits of
their labor.
Resigning Employees may decide to leave a current job for various reasons.
They may have found other employment; they may be moving to a new
geographic location; or they may be unhappy and feel unproductive in their
current job.
Layoffs/Downsizing Reducing your workforce is an unpleasant but
sometimes necessary part of owning and operating a business. Keeping your
business running is your main goal, and there may be times when the best
decision is to reduce your workforce to maintain the financial health of
your business. Downsizing may be a permanent or temporary reduction in
employees and is usually a difficult process for the business owner. The key to

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a successful reduction in workforce is to provide adequate compensation, if

possible, based on skill and experience.
Termination Situations may arise where an employee performs poorly in his or
her role or violates the policies and guidelines of the business. In this situation,
termination of the employee may be necessary. Again, this is an unpleasant but
necessary part of owning and operating your own business. Be sure that you are
familiar with the laws and regulations associated with termination of employees,
as wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, etc. can be cause for
potential employer liability. Ultimately, the safest approach to terminating an
employee is to make sure you have a reasonable and legitimate business reason
one that is well documented. Having an established, professional hiring process
can insure that your business follows legal guidelines, while providing you with
the right employees for your business.

An important step
in terminating
an employee is
to document
everything.

For whatever reason you end your working relationship with employees, make
sure that the situation is handled professionally. You may want to use an exit
interview as a way to bring closure to the relationship.

n Summary
The role of human resources in a company is a valuable one. While you, as a new
small business owner, may not have an established HR department, the principles and
guidelines covered in this chapter are still applicable to you as you acquire additional
employees. Finding, hiring, and retaining the right employees for your business is the
key to your companys growth and development. However, it takes careful oversight and
constant management of your employees to ensure that your business is producing its
goods and services in a quality and cost-effective manner. Be aware of the morale of your
employees and the job that they are doing for you. As a business owner, the health of
your business depends on making tough and correct employee decisions. It is up to you
to provide clear leadership for your employees, manage their expectations, and make the
best decisions possible for the business.

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IV. So, Whats Next?

We hope this guide has been helpful. Next, in Guide 8, you will explore the process
of Creating a New Business Plan That Works for You. You will pull together the
information you have developed or collected about your new business and create a
blueprint for your business. Be sure to review and use the other guides in this series as
you continue your exploration of entrepreneurship.

You now have the

tools you need to
further develop
and refine your
business idea.

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V. Glossary
Age Discrimination Act
prohibits discrimination of the hiring and the
treatment of employees based on age. Prohibits
the discrimination of anyone over 40 in hiring or
while on the job.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
federal law that prohibits discrimination against
individuals, with physical handicaps, including
hiring practices and facility design
Background Check
process of examining a job applicants past to
determine how well the skills and experience
match those of the required job
Background Check Release Form
a form signed by a potential employee giving the
prospective employers permission to conduct a
back ground check of previous employment and
consumer-related reports
Contract Employees
employees hired for a specific period of time to
complete a specific project either at an hourly
rate or at a total project rate
Economies of Scale
when more units of a good or a service can
be produced on a larger scale, yet with (on
average) less input costs
Employee
person who works for compensation in return
for designated work and/or services
Employer
person who hires and pays wages for designated
work and/or services

Employment Application
form potential employees complete providing
background on themselves and their educational
and work experience
Employment Contract
formal agreement between employer and
employee, stating the terms of employment in a
company
Employment Interview
a formal meeting used by employers to evaluate
prospective employees
Entrepreneur
person who sets up a new business
Equal Employment Opportunity Act
prohibits discrimination by employers on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national
origin
Experience
the skill or knowledge gained by actually doing
something
Fair Credit Reporting Act
assures a consumers right to access his or her
credit file and dispute incorrect information
Form I-9 Customs & Immigration
issued by the U. S. Customs & Immigration
Services, it verifies that a person is eligible to
work in the United States
Form W-4 IRS
employees Withholding Allowance Certificate.
Employees complete their filing status and
withholding allowance to determine the amount
of taxes to be withheld from their wages with
each paycheck.

Employee Handbook
document that provides the company policies
and employee benefits and rights

Guide 7: Basic Human Resources

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Full-time Employees
employees who hold wage or salary jobs
of at least 35 hours per week. They usually
participate in the various benefit plans provided
by the employer.
Human Resources
business oversight for not only the hiring
and firing of employees but also looking
management of employee relationship on a daily
basis

Strength
being strong in certain areas; having certain
capacities
Wages
employee earnings that are paid by the hour,
day, or work item

Part-Time or Temporary Employees

employees who are hired to fill a temporary
vacancy or to help with an additional work load
on a short-term basis. The employers usually
do not pay any benefits; however, if the person
works through an employment agency, they may
receive basic benefits, such as health care.
Outsourcing
having a service or product supplied or
manufactured by another
OSHA
Occupational Safety & Health Administration of
the U.S. Department of Labor. Has the mission
to assure the safety and health of workers by
setting and enforcing standards and encouraging
continual improvement in workplace safety and
health.
Salary
a set amount of money earned by an employee
per year or some other defined fixed length
Skills
ability that comes from training or practice
Skill Set
broad-based categories of skills, such as
communication, planning, human relations,
organization, and day-to-day work skills each of
which contain specific job skills

Guide 7: Basic Human Resources

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VI. Additional Resources

Every day, there are new business opportunities
and events that affect the business climate
or business strategies. These print and online
resources can keep you well-informed.
Websites
American Marketing Association
Industry reports, detailed dictionary of
marketing terms, and educational resources
http://www.marketingpower.com
Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)
The national association of organizations
committed to microenterprise development
http://www.microenterpriseworks.org
Business Week magazine
http://www.businessweek.com
Citibank
Experienced small business advisors and custom
financial resources for cash management, credit
card processing, investment, and more; locate
offices and learn about business strategies and
programs
http://www.citibank.com/us/citibusiness
Dun & Bradstreet credit reporting company
http://www.dnb.com or 1-800-234-3867
eBay
Information about how to set up an online
business
http://www.ebay.com
Entrepreneur magazine
Online resources, plus small-business blog
http://www.entrepreneur.com

Export-Import Bank of the United States

Provides information and training to promote
international trade by small business
http://www.exim.gov/products/special/smallbus.
html
Fast Company magazine and its Small
Business Intelligence Center
Offers a variety of articles, resources, and tools
http://www.fastcompany.com
FORBES magazine
http://www.forbes.com
FORTUNE Small Business
http://www.fortune.com/fsb
INC Magazine
The daily resource for entrepreneurs
http://www.inc.com
Kauffman Foundation
Encourages entrepreneurship across America
and improves the education of children
and youth by focusing its operations and
grantmaking on entrepreneurship and education
http://www.kauffman.org
The trusted guide for entrepreneurs on the path
to high growth
http://www.eventuring.org/
National Association for the Self-Employed
(NASE)
Supporting the needs of micro-business and the
self-employed
http://www.nase.org
National Association of Women Business
Owners (NAWBO)
Networking and support, education programs,
and more
http://www.nawbo.org

Guide 7: Basic Human Resources

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National Business Association

A not-for-profit association, specifically
designed and actively managed to assist the
Self-Employed and Small Business Community in
achieving their professional goals
http://www.nationalbusiness.org

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Promotes the progress of science and the
useful arts by securing for limited times to
inventors the exclusive right to their respective
discoveries
http://www.uspto.gov/

Online Womens Business Center

Helps women to achieve their dreams and
improve their communities by helping them
start and run successful businesses
http://www.onlinewbc.gov

Young Presidents Club

An educational organization aimed at providing
better leadership through education and
friendship
http://www.ypo.org/learning.html

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

An organization of volunteers who provide
free online and in-person education for small
businesses
http://www.score.org

The Wall Street Journal Center for

Entrepreneurs
Contains current stories and extensive
resources on trends that affect you and your
business
http://www.startupjournal.com/

Small Business Administration

Strives to maintain and strengthen the nations
economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and
protecting the interests of small businesses and
by helping families and businesses recover from
national disasters.
http://www.sba.gov and
http://www.sba.gov/sbdc/
Society for Hispanic Professionals
A unique source of opportunity in professional
development, educational services, and
personal fulfillment for Hispanics
http://www.nshp.org

Publications
Minniti, Maria and William D. Bygrave. 2004.
National Entrepreneurship Assessment
United States of America, 2003 Executive
Report. Babson College and the Kauffman
Foundation.
Mandel, Stan, August 2004. Educating the
Successful Entrepreneur, ViewPoint.

U.S. Department of Labor

The Department of Labor fosters and promotes
the welfare of the job seekers, wage earners,
and retirees of the United States.
http://www.dol.gov

Guide 7: Basic Human Resources

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