Confused about whether your team should be classified as employees or independent contractors? You’re not alone — and getting it wrong can cost you big time. In this episode of Female emPOWERED, host Christa Gurka sits down with returning guest Katie Santos, founder of FitnessHR, to unpack everything studio and wellness business owners need to know about HR compliance, classification, and protecting your business.

Together, Christa and Katie break down real-world examples from Pilates, yoga, and physical therapy studios, explain what the IRS and state laws actually look for, and share actionable steps to help you stay compliant and build a more sustainable, professional team.

Whether you’re in Florida’s “Wild West” of HR or strict-law California, this episode will help you understand:
 ✅ The legal difference between an independent contractor and an employee
 ✅ How misclassification can trigger audits, lawsuits, and major financial risk
 ✅ What you can (and can’t) require contractors to do
 ✅ Why switching to employees can actually increase your studio’s value
✅ What to include in your employee handbook and operations manual
✅ End-of-year HR to-dos: reviews, time-off policies, and pay structures
✅ How to set expectations clearly without losing your “cool boss” vibe

If you want to protect your business, lead with confidence, and ensure your HR foundation supports your growth — this episode is a must-listen.

 🔗 Learn more about Katie Santos: fitnesshr.com

🔗 Explore Fit Biz Strategies: christagurka.com