In the midst of the US version of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government is offering loans to small businesses so they can pay their employees whether the business is in operation or closed down due to virus exposure concerns. The terms are extremely simple, requiring only the basic information about the business, number of employees, and average monthly payroll expense for 2019. View the information sheet below and follow the link if you want to apply. Applications for businesses open on Friday April 3 while contractors and freelancers can apply begining Friday April 10, 2020. The first paragraph is headed "Fully Forgiven" and seems like it may be the most interesting part of the offering.

Standard operating procedure for the company handbook usually requires new hires to attest with a signature that they have read and understood the information within the handbook. We deliver the handbook, request their signature, and then retain the documents for our records. However, you have an opportunity to do more with this important business practice.

The first thing that everyone asks when they are ready to engage an independent contractor is whether the latter has all the necessary documents. Although the papers needed to hire independent contractors are not as many as those needed for the employees, they are still important for both the contractors and companies wanting to hire them. As such, getting them ready before the beginning of any contract is invaluable as it leads to the establishment of a steady working relationship and trust.

Finding the right person for a role may be the hardest part about having direct reports. Interviews give you a very short amount of time to assess and determine a person’s capability and fit, and much rides on these hour-long discussions, for both you and the candidate. So, make the most of your time by following best practices and avoiding a few fatal flaws of interviewing.