Hiring freezes and layoffs are not the only way to cut costs.  Cutting hours of your employees and making them an independent contractor may not only save you money but allow your personnel to retain a stream of income.  WARNING: A common mistake made by employers or any business owners is to consider someone as an independent contractor when in reality they are legally considered an employee.  California, like the IRS, has a nice list

Smart hiring can not only help your business success but also help protect you legally.  If you have employees, you probably already know that paid personnel are more than just worker bees in your office following the queen bee.   They have the power and means to expose your business to significant liability.

Your business is “vicariously” liable for virtually all your employees actions while acting within the scope o