Hiring interns—especially during the summer—can offer tremendous value to both the student and the employer. It provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience while helping businesses bring in fresh perspectives and support on key projects. However, in addition to designing meaningful experiences, organizations must also navigate important legal and practical considerations, particularly around compensation. Should Interns Be Paid? While some internships are unpaid, it’s widely recommended—especially by career services professionals—that students receive at least minimum wage. Interns often contribute significantly to workplace operations and may perform tasks similar to those of regular employees. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not specifically define “intern” or provide a blanket exemption for them. That said, most HR and legal experts agree that, unless specific criteria are met, interns should typically be treated as employees and paid accordingly. There are exceptions, such as individuals volunteering for public sector or nonprofit organizations with no expectation of compensation. The DOL’s “Primary Beneficiary” Test To determine whether an intern must be paid, the Department of Labor (DOL) uses a flexible, seven-part test that assesses who primarily benefits from the arrangement—the employer or the intern. No single factor outweighs the others, but the overall context matters. For instance, if the intern is replacing paid staff or if the company directly benefits from their work, it may trigger employee classification. Here are the factors: Both parties understand there’s no expectation of pay. The experience includes training similar to that found in an educational environment. The internship aligns with formal academic programs or offers academic credit. The internship schedule accommodates academic calendars. The experience offers significant educational value over time. The intern’s tasks complement, rather than displace, paid employees. There’s no expectation of a paid job after the internship ends. When in Doubt—Pay If your organization stands to benefit more than the student, it’s safest to classify the intern as an employee. Doing so reduces risk and aligns with legal expectations at both federal and local levels. Remember: even if a program meets federal guidelines, stricter state laws may apply. Wage Requirements for Interns in New York State New York State’s Minimum Wage Act and Wage Orders contain specific rules for pay and overtime. These rules apply in addition to those required by federal law, including the Fair Labor Standards Act. Here are some important considerations for employers in New York State: Paid Internships: Generally, interns must be paid at least the state minimum wage. However, unpaid internships may be acceptable if they meet specific criteria, such as being part of an educational program overseen by an accredited institution that awards academic credit. Exemption from Minimum Wage: An intern may be exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements if they meet specific criteria set by both the U.S. Department of Labor and the New York State Department of Labor. This includes criteria like the internship being similar to an educational program, benefiting the intern, not displacing regular employees, and having no expectation of a paid job after the internship ends. Paid and Unpaid Internship Clarification: There is no prohibition on an intern receiving academic credit while also being paid, as long as the employer adheres to minimum wage and overtime laws. The training should provide significant educational value, not just be for the employer’s benefit. Nonprofit Organizations and Interns: Not-for-profit organizations may have unpaid interns if they meet all criteria to not be considered in an employment relationship. Compensation and Classification Assuming your interns qualify as employees, they will almost always be classified as nonexempt under the FLSA, meaning they’re entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay. Rates should comply with whichever is highest: federal, state, or local minimum wage. Intern pay often varies by education level and field. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) , the average hourly rate for bachelor’s-level interns has increased annually and is now $23.04 in 2025. High school interns are typically paid minimum wage. Health Benefits for Interns Some employers choose to offer benefits, even though it’s not always required. Larger employers subject to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may need to provide health insurance to interns classified as seasonal workers, depending on hours and duration of employment. If you’re considering extending benefits, it’s important to consult with your broker and review your benefit plan documents to confirm intern eligibility. Offering health benefits can enhance your organization's image among job seekers and college placement offices, but it also comes with administrative responsibilities—such as managing enrollment and COBRA communications. Best Practices for a Successful Internship Program Before the Internship Begins: Create a clear intern policy outlining job duties, compensation, benefits (if any), and at-will employment status. Assign supervisory roles and evaluation responsibilities to ensure guidance and support. When applicable, obtain documentation from schools confirming the educational value of the internship. Confirm whether your business or the educational institution has insurance that covers interns. Once the Intern Is Onboarded: Provide orientation that includes your company’s mission, policies, and workflows. Clearly explain pay schedules and applicable benefits. Review child labor laws if hiring minors. Be mindful of hour and duty restrictions for younger workers. Always check your state’s specific labor laws and requirements, such as work permits for minors. Final Thoughts Whether paid or unpaid, interns should be treated with the same care and oversight as regular employees. This includes timekeeping for pay accuracy, applying company policies uniformly, and ensuring workplace protections are in place. Interns may still have the right to file claims under federal or state law—even if unpaid—if workplace violations occur. A well-planned internship program not only benefits the student’s development but can also provide your business with fresh perspectives and assistance on key projects. Being proactive and compliant helps create a successful experience for all involved.
New month, fresh start! But let’s be real—how many times have you set a goal, only to watch it fizzle out? Maybe it was too vague, too ambitious, or just got buried under the daily chaos. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, it’s time to take a smarter approach—literally. Enter SMART goals —your secret weapon for turning ideas into reality. Whether you’re looking to improve employee retention, streamline operations, or boost revenue, this framework ensures your goals don’t just sound good but actually get done . The SMART Formula for Success Specific – Get laser-focused. A goal like “improve employee morale” is too broad. Instead, ask yourself: What does success look like? Are you reducing turnover? Increasing engagement scores? Define it. Measurable – Numbers don’t lie. How will you know if you’ve succeeded? Instead of saying, “increase engagement,” set a target: “Boost employee engagement scores by 5%.” Tracking progress keeps you accountable. Achievable – Dream big, but stay realistic. Sure, we’d all love zero employee turnover, but is it feasible? Probably not. However, reducing turnover by 15%? Now that’s a goal within reach. Relevant – Align with the bigger picture. Every goal should move your business forward. If your focus is employee retention, then prioritizing revenue growth over culture initiatives might not be the best move. Keep your goals aligned. Time-Bound – Set the clock. “Improve retention” is a nice thought, but without a deadline, it’s just wishful thinking. Instead, say, “Increase retention by 5% by the end of the year.” A firm timeline drives action. Track It or Lose It A goal without tracking is just a wish. You wouldn’t set out on a road trip without checking the map, so why leave your goals to chance? Regular progress check-ins—whether through weekly reports, monthly reviews, or real-time dashboards—help keep you on course. Tracking not only highlights wins but also flags roadblocks early, giving you the chance to pivot before it’s too late. And here’s the key: don’t just track for the sake of tracking—use the data to refine your approach. For example, imagine you're aiming to improve employee engagement scores by 5% by the end of the year. After tracking progress for a few months, you notice that engagement is lagging in one department. Instead of waiting until the year-end review, you dig deeper. Perhaps it’s due to lack of recognition or unclear communication—adjustments are made, and suddenly, the department starts seeing improvement. Tracking allows you to course-correct in real-time, ensuring that you hit your target rather than missing the mark. The most successful businesses aren’t the ones that never face setbacks—they’re the ones that track, adapt, and push forward. How We Use SMART Goals to Stay Ahead At Simco, we don’t just talk about SMART goals—we live by them. Our team follows the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) , which helps us stay focused, aligned, and results-driven. A big part of EOS is setting Rocks —key priorities for the next 90 days. And guess what? Every Rock follows the SMART framework: Clearly defined objectives Measurable success markers Challenging yet attainable goals Aligned with our company vision Locked in with a firm 90-day deadline This system keeps us accountable, making sure we’re always moving the needle in the right direction. Your Turn: Take Action Today No more “someday” goals— today is the day to take control. Whether you’re aiming to increase revenue, refine your processes, or boost employee satisfaction, the SMART approach ensures you’re not just busy—you’re making real progress. Need help aligning your HR, payroll, or benefits strategy with your business goals? Simco is here to help . Let’s make this your most productive quarter yet!
April Fools' Day is often the perfect opportunity for some lighthearted fun at the office. Whether it's a harmless prank, a funny email, or a playful desk setup, these moments of levity can help break up the monotony of the workday and bring smiles to your team. However, as many HR professionals know, it’s essential to strike a balance between fun and professionalism. While the intention behind pranks is typically harmless, they can sometimes cross boundaries and lead to uncomfortable situations, or worse, legal risks. Recently, an example came to light where one employee thought it would be funny to place a suggestive image on a coworker's desk. The issue arose when another employee saw the image and was offended, leading to a formal complaint. This scenario highlights the importance of knowing where to draw the line between lighthearted fun and inappropriate behavior. A Fine Line: When Fun Turns into Harassment Even if a prank isn't directly targeted at the offended person, it can still create a hostile work environment, especially if it makes someone uncomfortable. As an employer, it's crucial to ensure that your workplace remains respectful and free from harassment. If a prank results in a complaint, it's essential to follow your company's policies to investigate and address the situation. Proper documentation of your investigation and the actions taken is vital to demonstrate that you've fulfilled your obligations as an employer and to protect the organization in case of any future disputes. Setting Clear Expectations To avoid similar issues in the future, it's a good idea to review and clarify your company's stance on pranks and personal conduct in the workplace. Setting expectations starts with having a clear written policy that outlines what is and isn’t acceptable behavior, especially regarding pranks. Consider creating a set of guidelines that all employees can refer to, and be sure these expectations are communicated effectively to everyone. Here are a few tips to guide you: Establish a Formal Policy: Clearly define the boundaries of acceptable humor in your workplace. The policy should cover both pranks and jokes, specifying that while fun is encouraged, it should not come at the expense of respect, inclusion, or professionalism. Communicate Expectations Clearly: Include these guidelines in your employee handbooks or conduct policies, and ensure they’re reviewed during onboarding. Hold periodic team meetings to remind everyone about the importance of maintaining a respectful environment and reinforcing your stance on pranks. Set the Tone from Leadership: Managers and leaders should set an example when it comes to humor in the workplace. They should demonstrate the type of jokes or pranks that are acceptable and ensure their actions align with company policy. Employees are more likely to follow suit when they see their leaders taking these matters seriously. Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up if they feel a joke or prank crosses the line. Providing a safe outlet to discuss concerns without fear of retribution will help create an open, transparent environment where everyone feels heard. Categories of Pranks and Jokes That Cross the Line While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, there are certain categories of pranks and jokes that should generally be off limits in the workplace . These pranks have the potential to cause harm, create discomfort, or violate company policies. By categorizing these behaviors, you can help employees better understand where to draw the line. Sexual or Gender-Based Humor : Avoid pranks with suggestive content, gestures, or language that can create a hostile work environment or be considered harassment. Discriminatory Jokes : Refrain from jokes targeting someone's race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics, as they can be harmful and illegal.  Invasive Pranks : Don’t tamper with personal belongings or invade others' personal space, as this undermines comfort and respect. Work Disruptions : Pranks that interfere with productivity or damage equipment should be avoided, as they can hurt overall efficiency. Aggressive or Harmful Pranks : Any prank that causes physical harm or emotional distress, including pranks involving physical touch or intimidation, is off-limits. Creating a Culture of Respect and Fun The key to managing pranks and other fun activities is to cultivate a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable, respected, and empowered. Rather than banning all pranks, focus on fostering a professional environment where employees understand the line between harmless fun and actions that could potentially harm or offend others. Encourage employees to engage in team-building activities and moments of levity that unite them in a positive and inclusive way, without crossing into territory that could lead to complaints or workplace tensions. As April Fools' Day passes, it’s important to remember that while pranks can provide a bit of comic relief, they should never come at the expense of respect or professionalism. By setting clear boundaries, encouraging open communication, and ensuring all employees understand your policies, you can create a workplace where everyone feels comfortable—whether they're laughing at a harmless joke or focusing on their next big project. Have fun in the workplace—but always ensure that a good laugh never comes at the expense of respect or professionalism!
