When your HR department consists of one, you will likely be setting policies and building out the organization from the ground up. These responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, screening, payroll, benefits, employee relationship management and more. Human resources personnel must also stay abreast of compliance regulations that affect hiring processes and change frequently. Outsourcing some tasks may be necessary to increase your resourcefulness.

Here are best practices for background checks when you're an HR department of one.

Since entering the workforce as a teenager, I've made friends, built lifelong relationships, and in many cases, been the only female in the workplace. Most of the time, I felt respected and treated equally. I've also had my fair share of wage gap disputes, gender bias, and managerial comments that I am certain weren't made to my male colleagues. I can also unfortunately say #MeToo.

Employers, you can do something about sexual harassment. You can create a safer and more dignified workplace with just a few changes.

With the new year, many laws that were passed in the previous year become active. For employers, these new laws may require big changes to employment manuals, hiring documents, or important parts of the hiring process. To help make things easier, we've done some research and compiled a list of new state laws that went into effect on January 1 and others to expect this year. This information may not be completely comprehensive, for instance, not all wage laws are covered, so employers must still be aware of integral legislation in their state or local community. 

Here are the hiring and state employment laws going into effect this year...

Background checks are important for employers to avoid claims of negligent hiring, reduce employee turnover, and create an overall safe work environment. Screening best practices will also reduce cost, reduce the risk of non-compliance, and create consistency in hiring processes. Employers who use background checks to their advantage will be ready for any investigations by regulatory agencies such as the EEOC and the FTC enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  

Employers are wise to follow this...

Employers and HR professionals have quite the task to keep up with updated state regulations and background check industry trends. Changes in employment and recruiting provoke changes in laws and protections for those seeking work, currently working, or working independently. Employers must also be mindful of their hiring practices and screening processes to prevent discrimination or negligent hiring. 

Here are 2017 background check and hiring trends and what employers need to know in the new year.

A recent Harvard Business Review article stated that over 40% of adults in America feel lonely.  As the 19th U.S. Surgeon General who served from 2014 - 17, the author also noted that employees and up to half of CEOs report feeling lonely in their roles, even if they love their jobs.  This "loneliness" epidemic affects not only health, but business as well.

What can human resources professionals to do reduce feelings of isolation in the workplace?

With nearly 200 pieces of new U.S. legislation introduced that are related to labor and employment so far in 2017, less than 5% of typically becomes law. Still, employers must stay informed of pending legislation that may affect their hiring, firing and employment of citizens or else face fines or punitive damages for noncompliance. 

Here is the latest HR and Employment Legislation News this week.

The company Glassdoor published its recent study about hiring delays earlier this month.  The research looked at over 80,000 company hiring reviews from the United States and other countries. The study highlights the differences based on industry and location to give job seekers an idea of what to expect during the hiring process.  Glassdoor also noted that companies do have control over the length of the interview/hiring process as "company-specific factors" explained some of the variation in delays.

Want to speed up your company's slow hiring process? First, determine what's causing the slow down.

Small businesses may regard the necessity of back office operations as a part time job. While accounting or human resources may not be the bulk of the company needs, hiring professionals for these duties greatly reduces stress for those who are not experts and increases the growth potential of the business. Want to hire the right people for your business, reduce turnover, and mitigate litigation risk?

Toxic co-workers can infect a workplace, especially if your co-worker becomes abusive, belittling or violent. Perhaps the behavior started with snarky comments or gossip and has slowly escalated to a level of discomfort or avoidance of the person altogether. Even if the behavior is only affecting you or someone you know, it should be reported to the human resources department. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and comfortable working environment for employees. 

Employers take note: Here's how to spot and prevent a workplace bully.