FAQs

Learn More About How The Big Picture Consulting Can Help Your Business

Here are some frequently asked questions about The Big Picture Consulting and our services.

  • Q: Why would I need to work with an HR consultant?

    A: The truth is, it’s only a matter of time before one of your employees does something unexpected and you’re going to want some advice. Even great employees have bad days, which can turn into bad habits. And your next hire might bring a new set of problems you didn’t anticipate. When you work with The Big Picture Consulting, you have a third-party HR expert on-call to help with the unexpected. Plus, you get peace of mind, knowing you have a professionally prepared employee handbook and safety manual that cover your bases and take into account your unique industry, as well as state and federal legislation. You get objective and experienced HR advice, at a fraction of the cost of hiring a qualified HR employee on your staff.  

  • Q: What makes you different from other HR consulting companies?

    A: We specialize in working with residential service providers (such as HVAC, plumbing, construction, and electrical companies). Because we work with companies like yours every day, we know and understand the laws that impact your industry. We give advice that’s easy to understand and specific to your situation. This is highly unique in the field of HR consulting! Quite frankly, other consulting companies (and even lawyers) just don’t have the time or experience with residential service providers, so their advice isn’t always relevant. The problems you address on a daily basis – from common pay structures to consistent use of company-owned tools and vehicles – are topics that a standard HR firm just doesn’t understand. Beyond this, at The Big Picture Consulting we get to know you personally and truly join you and your team, offering honest and useful feedback that’s specific to your needs. Your industry is not one-size-fits all, and we don’t treat you like it is. 

  • Q: I live in in a state where we have a lot of unique regulations. Are you up on the details of every single state?

    A: We sure are! We have experience in the most unique states in the Union, from California, Oregon, and Washington to Colorado, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey. Every state is a little different, and we keep current on all state and federal legislation – no matter where you work.

  • Q: I’ve already got an employee handbook that I created using a template. Why would I need a new one?

    A: Any template you find probably won’t take into account your industry, company size, or state-specific legislation. These details matter when it comes to putting these policies into your daily practices and keeping your company legally protected. We understand both the science AND the art behind effective employee handbooks, and we take the time to personalize them for your business. The documents you create with The Big Picture Consulting won’t need add-on policies for topics like company-owned vehicles, because we include these automatically when they are needed. We can help ensure your benefits are competitive in this rapidly changing workforce climate and that you’re compliant with both federal and state legislation. Our approach in wording policies will help you confidently use your handbook with your employees… and it will also act as a valid defense for unemployment claims or legal challenges. If you’re not confident that your current handbook can do all this, it’s time for us to talk. 

  • Q: Why do you keep saying that companies often aren't compliant with their overtime pay?

    Overtime calculations for residential contractors can be tough... and it can cost you dearly if the government comes to investigate and you're not doing it right. Unless you're paying pure hourly wages—or your employees never work overtime—you may be doing it wrong.


    Why? Because overtime pay is tied to the average an employee earns over the pay period, not their base hourly rate. So if an employee gets performance pay on top of their hourly rate, you need to add BOTH when calculating overtime. Most payroll software doesn't make this easy on you, so if you're not taking extra steps to be compliant, chances are you aren't!


    But you don't have to figure this all out yourself. One of the key ways The Big Picture Consulting can help your business is ensuring your payroll is compliant, easy to manage, and pays your employees fairly. Let us do the hard work for you!

Need more information? Call us at 612.474.9797 to speak with one of our experts.

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