2026 Minimum Wage Rates by State
More than 20 states will have minimum wage increases that take effect in 2026, most on January 1st. See the comprehensive list here.
HR advice with Stratus
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Do Employers Have to Give Breaks? Employee Break Laws by State
Are you legally required to offer breaks (paid or unpaid) to employees? The answer mostly depends on where you work - and, in some states, how old...
Sam Yoshida, SHRM-CP, MHR, Stratus HR Consultant
Oct 16, 2025
Guidelines for Awarding Merit Pay Increase
Here are some tips as a small business owner on how to award pay increases while factoring in performance to reward top employees.
Laura Lancaster, PHR, SHRM-CP, Stratus HR Consultant
Jan 10, 2025
Have a Piece Rate Worker? Know the Compensation Rules
Jobs with repetitive tasks can quickly seem mundane, so paying employees by piece rate can spark motivation. But it can get a little complicated...
Celeste Houston, Stratus HR Vice President - Payroll
Jun 21, 2024
Timekeeping: What Is The 8-Minute Rounding Clock Rule?
Now that most timekeeping systems can track work time to the second, is the 8-minute rounding clock rule still legal?
Sher Shields, MBA, Stratus HR Marketing Coordinator
Oct 26, 2023
Budget Constraints? 20 Alternative Ideas to Merit Pay Increases
Is your company budget too tight to give merit pay increases this year? Consider offering these 20 alternative ideas.
Sher Shields, MBA, Stratus HR Marketing Coordinator
Mar 21, 2023
What is Strategic HR?
You may have heard the phrase “strategic HR,” but what exactly does it mean? Here's our answer for non-HR professionals to easily understand.
Colin Thompson, Stratus HR Vice President - Human Resources
Feb 7, 2023
Minimum Wage Increases for 2022
If you have employees that work in any of these states, you'll need to adjust your minimum wage rates and update your compliance posters.
Laura Lancaster, PHR, SHRM-CP, Stratus HR Consultant
Nov 29, 2021
Using 360-Degree Reviews for Promotions? Please Don’t
Performance evaluations have evolved enough over the years to discover that 360-degree reviews shouldn't be linked to promotions.
Laura Lancaster, PHR, SHRM-CP, Stratus HR Consultant
Mar 8, 2021
