As 2025 wraps up, many small business owners are already looking ahead to the new year.

 

This month’s newsletter covers the workplace issues that matter right now and the ones you’ll want to prepare for in 2026:

 

๐ŸŽฏ How to stop knowledge from walking out the door when key staff leave

๐ŸŽฏ December’s challenging people issues (and how to handle them)

๐ŸŽฏ News updates: disability inclusion, job hugging and Gen Z money worries

โ“ And answers to your latest questions.

 

Read the full update here.

By Nicole Craveiro March 2, 2026
When someone leaves your business, it’s easy to think the risk ends there. But if their exit isn’t handled properly, you could still face a lawsuit after they’ve gone. Former employees can take legal action for wrongful termination, breach of an employment agreement or unpaid wages if they believe they were treated unfairly during or after their exit. Our latest article looks at a real case where this happened and how proper offboarding can protect your business from the same risk. Read it below.
By Nicole Craveiro February 23, 2026
When CAN you place an employee on administrative leave? When a serious issue comes up at work, it can be hard to know what to do next. You want to protect your team and your business, but you also want to be fair. Putting someone on administrative leave might feel like the right move, but it should only be used when there’s no other way to keep things safe and unbiased. We’ve written an article that explains what to consider before deciding to place an employee on leave. Read it below.
By Nicole Craveiro February 16, 2026
In Denver, three businesses were fined over $8 million combined for getting their Form I-9 process wrong. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) found missing forms, late verifications and documents that didn’t meet requirements. The rules apply to every employer. Even a small business could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines for mistakes on just a few employees. In many cases, it comes down to one simple step that gets missed. I’ve written about what went wrong and how to get it right: ๐Ÿ“‹ The step that’s missed more often than you’d think โœ… What you actually need to do under US law ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ How to set up I-9 checks that protect your business Read it below ๐Ÿ‘‡
By Nicole Craveiro February 9, 2026
What does proactive HR really mean for a small business? It’s about having simple systems in place before problems start. Our latest article shows how a proactive approach frees up your time, protects your business and lets you focus on growth. Read it here ๐Ÿ‘‡
By Nicole Craveiro February 4, 2026
When is the right time to suspend an employee? In our latest guide, we walk you through what suspension really means, when it is appropriate and how to handle it in a way that protects your business. Read it here ๐Ÿ‘‡
By Nicole Craveiro February 2, 2026
What happens when political or social debates spill into your workplace? You can’t control what people believe, but you can set clear expectations for how they act at work. The latest article shares practical steps for managing conflict over political and social views. Read it here ๐Ÿ‘‰
By Nicole Craveiro February 1, 2026
February’s HR update is here with practical guidance to help you to stay on top of people issues this month. โš–๏ธ What every employer needs to know before putting someone on leave ๐Ÿ“Š How to manage and reduce attendance issues in your business ๐Ÿ“… Smart February priorities to strengthen your team and avoid problems later โ“ Plus, your latest HR questions answered Read it below ๐Ÿ‘‡
By Nicole Craveiro January 26, 2026
What do you do if an employee raises a serious concern about wrongdoing in your business? That’s whistleblowing. It isn’t just another workplace complaint. It’s about reporting serious issues, like legal violations, fraud or safety risks, and employees are legally protected when they speak up. The latest article sets out a clear step-by-step process to follow if you receive a whistleblower complaint. Read it here ๐Ÿ‘‰
By Nicole Craveiro January 19, 2026
What do you do when a new hire isn’t working out during their introductory period? Handled well, an introductory period gives you a clear way to assess fit, support your employee and protect your business. Handled badly, you risk losing time, money and facing legal headaches. The latest article sets out a straightforward approach to managing introductory periods fairly and effectively. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Read it here.
By Nicole Craveiro January 12, 2026
What do you do when a client makes a complaint about one of your employees? It can be challenging to find the balance. Get it right and you’ll maintain the client relationship while treating your employee fairly. But, get it wrong, and you could risk losing the client and damaging team morale. The latest article tells you everything you need to know. Read it here ๐Ÿ‘‰