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The AB&P journal

Useful answers for the decisions owners make every week.

Clear guidance on the financial, payroll, and people questions that tend to become urgent when no one explains them early.

When an Employee Vents: Should You Take Action as a Leader?

Business · 3 min read ·

When an Employee Vents: Should You Take Action as a Leader?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Table of contents Why Employees Vent in the First Place How to Respond in the Moment When Listening Isn’t Enough Balancing Empathy with Accountability 1. Listen Like a Coach, Act Like…

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Business · 5 min read ·

Travel Pay: What Every Employer Needs to Know to Stay Compliant

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Table of contents What Counts as Travel Time? Why a Travel Pay Policy Is Essential The Added Complexity of Overnight Travel Training, Conferences, and Professional Development Exempt…

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Hiring an Employee? Don’t Overlook This One Critical Form

Business · 4 min read ·

Hiring an Employee? Don’t Overlook This One Critical Form

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents What Form W-4 Actually Does When an Employee Claims “Exempt” Understanding IRS Lock-In Letters Why This Matters for Your Business Final Thoughts You can do everythin…

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Can You Hold a Final Paycheck Until Company Equipment Is Returned? What Employers Need to Know

Business · 4 min read ·

Can You Hold a Final Paycheck Until Company Equipment Is Returned? What Employers Need to Know

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes When an employee leaves a company, the separation does not always go smoothly. Sometimes, company property such as laptops, keys, tools, or uniforms is still in the employee’s possess…

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The ABC Test: Is Your Worker Really an Employee?

Business · 4 min read ·

The ABC Test: Is Your Worker Really an Employee?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents Why Worker Classification Matters What Is the ABC Test? Part A: Freedom From Control Part B: Work Outside the Usual Course of Business Part C: Independent Business O…

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How to Conduct Employee Reviews the Right Way for Stronger Performance, Clear Documentation, and a Healthier Workplace

Business · 4 min read ·

How to Conduct Employee Reviews the Right Way for Stronger Performance, Clear Documentation, and a Healthier Workplace

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents What Is an Employee Review? Why Employee Reviews Are Essential 1. They Create Accountability 2. They Establish a Feedback Loop 3. They Support Fair Decision-Making 4…

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Are You Required to Allow Remote Work for Employees with Disabled Family Members? What Business Owners Need to Know

Business · 3 min read ·

Are You Required to Allow Remote Work for Employees with Disabled Family Members? What Business Owners Need to Know

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Table of contents Start with the Legal Framework What About Discrimination Concerns? Leave May Be an Option Do Not Overlook State Laws The Business Decision Beyond Compliance Final Ta…

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Business · 4 min read ·

Who Should Have Access to Employee Records? Legal Rules, Privacy, and Best Practices for Employers

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents What Are “Employee Records”? The “Need-to-Know” Principle Legal Frameworks You Must Consider Employee Access Rights Five Best Practices to Reduce Risk External Acces…

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What to Do When an Employee Refuses to Sign the Employee Handbook: Essential Steps to Protect Your Business

Business · 4 min read ·

What to Do When an Employee Refuses to Sign the Employee Handbook: Essential Steps to Protect Your Business

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents Understanding the Legal Perspective Start by Asking Why Document the Refusal Use Multiple Methods of Delivery Should Refusal Lead to Discipline? Evaluate Your Onboar…

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Stop Sending Emails No One Reads: How to Make Your Newsletter Worth Opening

Business · 2 min read ·

Stop Sending Emails No One Reads: How to Make Your Newsletter Worth Opening

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes Most business newsletters go unread. Inboxes are crowded with sales pitches, updates, and generic messages, so if your emails are ignored, you’re missing an opportunity to connect and…

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Small Business Accounting Setup: A Beginner’s Guide to Managing Your Finances

Business · 3 min read ·

Small Business Accounting Setup: A Beginner’s Guide to Managing Your Finances

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Starting a business is exciting, but if you don’t get your finances in order from day one, the excitement can quickly turn into stress. Accounting is one of the most important aspects…

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How to Build a Legally Compliant and Professional Onboarding System for Your Small Business

Business · 2 min read ·

How to Build a Legally Compliant and Professional Onboarding System for Your Small Business

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes When you bring a new employee into your company, the onboarding process plays a critical role in establishing a clear, compliant, and professional working relationship. Many business…

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