06/18/2026
This week, Mike Kalanz of Paychex walked our chapter through the HR landmines most business owners don’t realize they’re standing on.
A few gut-checks for every owner, whether you have 1 employee or 100:
• Handbook: Every business needs a current one. An inherited or copied handbook is the same as having none.
• Performance management: Clear expectations and reviews at least once a year, so people know how to earn that raise.
• Training: Consistent, documented onboarding for new hires and managers, not one week and “good luck.”
• Safety: From exit-sign placement to full safety plans, small oversights turn into big fines.
• Harassment prevention: NY requires annual sexual harassment training for every employer, even solo shops.
• Wage compliance: NY minimum wage rose to $17/hr (NYC/LI/Westchester) and $16/hr upstate on Jan 1, 2026. Stay current every year.
Thanks Mike for the reality check. If any of these gave you pause, that’s the conversation worth having.
