How Small Business Owners Can Avoid Expensive Employment Litigation

For a small business owner, these are truly trying times. Not only is competition cutthroat, but a small business owner also needs to worry about human resources, and reducing the risks of litigation against the company. Employment litigation can be expensive, and for a small business owner, it can be crippling.

If you are a small business, be very cautious when you recruit new hires. The more cautious you are during the recruitment and hiring process, the easier it will be for you to maintain a harmonious work environment.

Make sure that employees know what is expected of them at all times. Very often, Los Angeles employment lawyer see that misunderstandings arise and because an employee doesn’t understand his role in the organization. For example, employees must know how you define success, and how they will be expected to contribute to the success of the company. That will help improve employee performance. It also means that a termination letter will not come as a complete surprise, because the employee knows that he was not able to meet the standards that you set.

If you are terminating an employee, take as much care as you would during the hiring process. Rehearse the conversation beforehand, and offer some kind of severance amount that would make the termination less painful.

Make sure that you’re up-to-date with all employment laws. California’s labor laws can be complex – seek the help of a Los Angeles employment lawyer to understand whether you or your company are up-to-date with all employment rules and regulations.

Also, take professional help from a Los Angeles employment lawyer, when it comes to drafting employee handbooks, manuals and other employee communications. Make sure that these handbooks and materials are accessible to all employees.

Invest heavily in training employees. When it comes to training, you cannot think small, even if you are a small-business owner. Training should be conducted at least twice a year, and must be a few hours in duration.