Sometimes an employer’s seemingly harmless questions can be problematic because they may violate certain laws or get in the way of a productive and engaged workforce. Here are eight questions to avoid and why.

While there are a host of federal laws and regulations with which employers must comply, many state and local jurisdictions also have laws and regulations that govern the employment relationship. Understanding which laws apply to your business when these laws conflict can be a significant challenge. To help, we've identified 10 areas in which your state and/or local law may be more generous to the employee. In general, when laws conflict, the law most generous to the employee applies.  

Background checks can provide employers with a variety of job-related information to use when evaluating prospective employees' qualifications, such as work history and education, criminal records, and driving records.

However, federal, state and local laws set limits on obtaining and using background check information to make employment decisions. Employers must ensure compliance with these laws. Here’s a checklist to help employers when conducting background checks.

Effective communication is the foundation of a good employment relationship. Regular conversations with your employees can help build trust and loyalty, and drive performance. Here are eight critical conversations you should consider having with your employees.

On March 31, 2025, a federal court issued a nationwide order blocking the decision to terminate the 2023 TPS designation for Venezuela. The net effect of the order is to reinstate the Jan. 17, 2025 notice that extended the 2023 TPS designation for Venezuela to Oct. 2, 2026. The order will remain in effect while a decision from the court on the merits of the underlying legal action remains pending. The government could choose to appeal the order.

ADP® will continue to monitor and communicate any future related developments.

Many employers refer to independent contractors as "1099" workers and employees as "W-2" workers after the IRS forms used for federal reporting purposes. However, simply providing a worker a 1099 Form doesn't make them an independent contractor. The classification must always be made on the basis of whether the worker meets federal and state tests for independent contractor status. Different tests are used to determine whether a worker is covered by a particular law or benefit. The following is an overview of some of these tests.

On Jan. 15, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance via Revenue Ruling 2025-4 (RR 2025-4) on the federal income and employment tax treatment of contributions and benefits paid in certain situations under a state paid family and medical leave program (SPFML), as well as the related reporting requirements. RR 2025-4 provides guidance to the District of Columbia and states that have mandatory paid family and medical leave programs, and for employees working in and employers operating in those states.