How do you go about implementing workplace flexibility? Where do you go to learn about creating a flexible workplace culture, or developing policies and procedures? The Flex-Options Guide, a popular tool developed by the Flex-Options project, U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau, has just been updated. The updated guide includes the latest information about workplace flexibility, and new model practices to help business leaders, managers and employees develop and implement flexible workplace solutions.  The Flex-Options Guide spells out flexibility definitions, benefits and common approaches; shares tools to "get started"; and includes helpful templates.

To read or download the Flex-Options Guide in its entirety, please click here.

President Barack Obama announced that he wants to increase taxes on international businesses. Should consumers, employees, and small businesses care? Absolutely.

by Leonard Steinberg

On December 12, 2008, SBE Council member Leonard Steinberg attended the semi-annual gathering of the Financial Accounting Standard Board's (FASB's) Small Business Advisory Committee. As Leonard outlines in his post-committee report, several critical issues were discussed, including: the credit crises and financial reporting implications for small firms; disclosures on certain loss contingencies; and, the adoption of International Reporting Standards and its affect on small or private companies. Committee members also received an update from the SEC and PCAOB. SBE Council thanks Leonard for serving in this appointed capacity, representing the interests of small business and our organization.