Understanding who is protected--and how--is critical to your hiring and management policies. Before you make another hire, be sure to review the Managers Guide for Protected Groups.

In an effort to trim labor expenses, many businesses have cut costs by replacing employees with independent contractors. Some savings are certain--employers don't pay employment taxes to the IRS or benefits to these workers. But with independent contractors, the risks, and the hidden costs, may reduce or even wipe out the savings!