When it comes to building a human resources department, small businesses have three basic choices: 1) hire HR staff, 2) outsource or 3) some combination of the two.

As the vast body of labor regulations continues to grow and ratchet ever tighter, companies must keep abreast of and comply with hundreds of new workplace requirements each year. This means hiring bigger HR departments, contracting with more outside experts, or both.

You love setting goals -- too much, perhaps?

Yes, goals can be great. Used the right way they bring teams together, drive effort and announce to the world your intentions to achieve.

Tobacco use is the scourge of workplaces everywhere, just ask any smoker who works in an office setting. Businesses ban lighting up in buildings, penalize users through their wellness programs, and relegate smokers to taking their breaks in out-of-sight crannies near alleyway dumpsters.

The decision to screen job candidates for criminal backgrounds and drug use is often a hard one for businesses to make. Finding the right balance between protecting themselves from liability while still attracting the best job applicants can be tough. But with the right policies and application process, screenings can help a business without hurting its hiring prospects.

Only a fool would walk away from free money, especially if that money adds up to tens of thousands of dollars over a career.

More than stacks of money, more than lines of customers -- even more than the knowledge contained in a thousand books on small business -- an entrepreneur’s ultimate success depends on the people he has at his side.

California businesses take notice: New state laws will soon affect minimum wage, leave, wage equality, reasonable accommodation and motor carrier requirements. Affected businesses need to stay ahead of the changes or face the consequences.

They’ve been called cocky, tech-obsessed, entitled and impatient, although the same traits have also been described as confidence, tech-savviness and openness to change. These are the qualities of youth -- regardless of generation -- yet we’re told Millennials are a different breed.

Just how different is a matter of perspective. And to motivate them the right way, perspectives first must change.

Businesses have many options when it comes to choosing a company retirement plan. Many opt for employer-sponsored defined contributions plans like a 401(k) or profit sharing scheme, any of which can bring big benefits to employees and business owners alike. Ensuring a good return, however, involves more than stashing money and waiting for it to grow.