Avoiding Overtime Errors: Best Practices for Small Businesses

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their "regular rate of pay" for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states, such as California, require overtime pay in additional circumstances and at different rates. Here are some best practices to help you manage your responsibilities for calculating overtime under federal law. [01:42] Determining Hours Worked in a Workweek [02:20] Examining Workweeks and Daily Overtime [04:20] Calculating the Regular Rate of Pay [04:49] Understanding Non-Discretionary Bonuses [05:55] Overtime Rules for Employees with Multiple Pay Rates [06:27] Can Employers Average Hours Across Workweeks? [06:58] Do Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time Count as Hours Worked? [07:55] Travel Time, Training, and Other Compensable Time This episode is powered by ADP RUN & Done®. Automate recurring payroll, save time, and reduce administrative work. Available in every RUN Powered by ADP® package. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4hlZ2fp. This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP

How you respond to an employee's major life event, such as a marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, a divorce, or a death matters. A thoughtful, consistent approach can help you to support your employee and their family, comply with applicable laws, and keep benefits and employment records up to date. [01:32] Steps for Managing Employee Life Events [02:21] Important Deadlines Employers Should Know [03:13] Supporting Employees Through Marriage [03:36] Supporting Employees Through the Birth or Adoption of a Child [04:46] Responding to Employee Divorce [05:36] Managing the Death of an Employee [06:38] Understanding Final Wage Requirements After an Employee's Death Today’s episode is powered by ADP Timekeeping. Manage time, schedules, and labor costs in one place while staying connected to payroll. Smarter time management, made simple. Visit https://bit.ly/4ddKfRA to learn more. This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP

In this episode of ADP HR{preneur}'s Grit & Wisdom series, Dr. Kristen Cooper shares how prioritizing relationships over transactions helped her grow her business through referrals and word-of-mouth. She discusses the power of human connection, lessons from building her practice, and simple ways business owners can create lasting client loyalty. [00:58] Make Your Clients Matter [02:06] Building a Business from an Unmet Need [03:33] From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business [04:37] 100% Organic Growth Through Word-of-Mouth [05:48] The Power of Human Connection in an AI World [07:52] What Keeps a Successful Business Owner Up at Night [10:01] Practical Ways to Build Stronger Client Relationships This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP

What are your numbers telling you? In this episode of HR{preneur}, Deepti Mendiratta, Vice President of Clover Restaurant, shares how small business owners can use data to make smarter decisions about hiring, staffing, inventory, and growth. Learn which metrics matter most, how to spot meaningful trends, and how reporting insights can help you make more confident, data-driven decisions. [01:40] Why Data Matters for Small Business Success [02:42] The Metrics That Matter Most [03:30] Hiring and Staffing Smarter [05:00] Improving Hours, Scheduling, and Labor Costs [05:34] Inventory, Products, and Revenue Insights [06:30] Planning for Seasonal Growth [07:15] Making Growth Decisions with Confidence Today's episode is brought to you by Clover. Integrated with the RUN Powered by ADP® system, Clover helps you manage payments, payroll, and operations from one connected system. Learn more at adp.com/clover. This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP

In this episode of HR{preneur}, we explore how small employers can get started with AI, identify meaningful uses for it, evaluate vendors, involve employees in the process, and maintain the human connection that drives business success. Learn practical steps for adopting AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and with confidence. [01:27] Why Small Businesses Aren't Behind on AI [01:50] Taking an Intentional Approach to AI [02:34] Risks of Waiting Too Long to Adopt AI [03:08] Examples of AI Use by Small Employers [04:30] What to Look for When Evaluating AI Solutions and Vendors [06:15] Why and How Employees Can Help Shape AI Use [07:34] Maintaining Culture, Trust, and Human Connection [09:25] How to Get Started with AI This episode is presented by ADP Assist. Catch common payroll errors before they become problems and gain more confidence in your payroll workflow. Simplify payroll and HR tasks while helping protect your business. Available in every RUN Powered by ADP® package. Visit adp.com/smallbusiness to get started. This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP

What if the biggest threat to your business isn't losing customers, but overlooking the responsibilities behind the scenes? In this episode of HR{preneur}'s Grit & Wisdom series, Tina Brenn, founder of Tina Brenn Bookkeeping, shares why understanding compliance, payroll, tax, and administrative requirements is critical to long-term success. Tina discusses common mistakes small business owners make, the costly consequences of missing key obligations, and practical steps to help protect and grow a business with confidence. [01:46] From Corporate Accounting to Entrepreneurship [02:54] The Tax-Time Scramble: Why Small Businesses Fall Behind [03:28] LLCs, S Corps, Annual Reports, and Other Critical Requirements [04:35 ] How Missed Filings Lead to Fines, Penalties, and Lost Financing Opportunities [05:40] Where Business Owners Should Start When Compliance Feels Overwhelming [06:12] Simple First Steps to Stay Compliant and Avoid Future Problems This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP  

For some employers, HR may sound like something only larger companies need. But the reality is, once you hire employees, you’re managing responsibilities around compliance, payroll, workplace policies, employee relations, hiring, retention, and more. And if those responsibilities aren’t handled carefully, they can create real risk for the business. [01:35] What HR Really Means for Small Employers [03:42] Compliance and Reducing Business Risk [04:28] Hiring and Onboarding Best Practices [05:34] Employee Handbooks and Workplace Policies [07:36] Employee Relations, Retention, and Management Support [08:52] Preparing for Growth with HR [11:58] HR First Steps and Key Takeaways This episode is brought to you by ADP’s Employee Handbook Wizard. Build a customized employee handbook without starting from scratch. A simple, guided way to create a resource for your team. Available in the ADP HR Pro Payroll & HR package. Visit adp.com/smallbusiness to get started. This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP

Introducing Grit & Wisdom, a new mini-series from HR{preneur} by ADP®, where small businesses are invited to share their experiences of the grit it takes to succeed and the wisdom gained along the way. In this episode, hear from Tamara Fisher, founder of Right Way Permit Services, Inc., about how resilience is often less about having all the answers and more about refusing to give in when obstacles arise. [02:00] Meet Tamara Fisher & Her Winning Advice [03:10] The Journey Behind Right Way Permit Services [05:20] Why We Never Quit [07:05] Making Decisions Without Overthinking [08:05] Taking Action Before Having All the Answers [09:05] Gratitude, Resilience & Problem-Solving [12:47] Final Advice for Business Owners This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP

In this episode of HR{preneur}, we break down state-mandated retirement plans, including who they impact, what’s required, and how to choose between state programs and your own plan. We’ll also cover key compliance risks, and how to turn retirement benefits into a strategic advantage. Whether you’re navigating new rules or refining your benefits strategy, this episode can help you move forward with confidence. [01:28] What are state-mandated retirement plans? [02:10] Who is impacted—and where [02:52] What compliance actually looks like [03:38] The risks of non-compliance [04:03] State plan vs. employer-sponsored plan [04:57] Why this matters beyond compliance Today's episode is brought to you by ADP Retirement Services. Looking for ways to support your employees' financial future? ADP offers retirement plan options designed for businesses of all sizes, along with tools and support that can help simplify plan administration. With payroll integration, retirement planning resources, and flexible plan options, ADP can help you create a retirement benefits experience that works for your business and your team. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/44uBcHc This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP

Maintaining personnel files may seem straightforward, but a misstep can create compliance gaps and risk for small businesses. Join us as we cover some best practices for managing employee records and review common pitfalls to avoid. [00:43] Personnel file maintenance: An essential HR practice [02:18] What should and should not be stored in personnel files [04:41] Employee access and state‑specific considerations [05:26] Retention practices and common areas of risk This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. ADP does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content. Employers are encouraged to consult with legal counsel for advice regarding their organization's compliance with applicable laws. This content is current as of the published date.  ADP, the ADP logo, HR{preneur}, RUN Powered by ADP and Always Designing for People are registered trademarks of ADP, Inc and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2026 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy at ADP