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Payroll, Here Are Your Articles for Wednesday, December 12, 2018
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Saved Articles
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In a recent opinion letter, the Department of Labor (DOL) addressed whether employees who take frequent breaks due to a serious health condition should be paid for those breaks. Click through for an examination of this complex issue.
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Employees call in sick from time to time. Can you require a doctor's note to prove that they are really ill? The answer is a little complicated. Click through to find out what various laws have to say.
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Designing a benefits package isn't just about deciding which voluntary perks you'll offer. It's also about knowing which benefits are mandated by law. Click through for a list of benefits that you may need to provide, simply because the government says to.
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Although employee furloughs can be a viable alternative to layoffs, they are also a legal minefield and should be implemented only after obtaining appropriate counsel. Click through for insight into employee furloughs.
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Employee wellness programs have become increasingly popular, as studies show that nearly 75 percent of employees report being interested in such incentives. Click through for five wellness initiatives your employees may appreciate.
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Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. -Babe Ruth
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Even small companies can find themselves with employees who have to commute across state borders to work. This can make payroll difficult. Click through for an introduction to the complex tax rules.
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You'll always know where the fun's going on with our interactive local events calendar featuring social sharing, images, videos and ticket links. Click through to see what's happening or to add your own local events.
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The terms maternity, paternity and parental leave can be somewhat perplexing, because although they're often used interchangeably, there's a technical distinction between them. Click through to discover what each one means.
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Does your group health plan have at least 50 participants? If so, it may be required to comply with HIPAA's privacy and security rules. Click through for insight into HIPAA and its impact on group health plans.
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No one wants unproductive workers. But that's what you'll likely get if your employees refuse to take adequate time off. Click through for tips on getting your staff to take that much-needed vacation.
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New technology has become one of the hallmarks of high-impact benefits administration. Without it, an employer could lose its competitive edge. Click through to know whether your benefits technology needs an upgrade.
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If you have at least 100 employees, you should be filing EEO-1 reports annually with the EEOC. Additionally, a recent court order requires EEO-1 filers to submit wage information to the EEOC by Sept. 30, 2019. Click through to uncover your responsibilities.
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Warren Beatty and Shirley McLaine are brother and sister.
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You've put serious effort into developing your employee benefits program. But is it marketed or branded in a way that speaks to your company's identity? Click through to discover why branding your benefits program is essential.
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As a token of your appreciation to a separated employee, you may decide to pay for the taxes associated with his or her severance package. Click through for tips on this process, known as a "gross-up."
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"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."
~Marie Curie
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When Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Christmas Day or another legal holiday occurs, you likely pay your employees for the time off. Click through to learn whether you are compensating them according to the law and company policy.
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IBM’s motto is 'Think'. Apple later made their motto 'Think different'.
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To measure job satisfaction, many employers ask their workers to fill out employee engagement surveys. But are the surveys producing results that employers can use? Click through for tips on making your surveys work.
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The mere mention of "open enrollment" can be intimidating for business managers. You can alleviate any fears by being aware of the pitfalls that are often associated with open enrollment. Click through for three mistakes to steer clear of.
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It's common practice for managers and supervisors to adjust employees' time sheets to address incorrect or missing information — but is this legal? Click through to find out what the law says about you making this change.
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Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.
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When employees perform below expectations, termination isn't always the answer. Sometimes all they need is a performance improvement plan. Click through to learn about this performance management technique.
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Whether a particular federal labor law affects your business depends on several factors, including the number of employees. Click through for a roundup of employment laws, by business size, to help you decide what's relevant.
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Traditional 401(k) and safe harbor 401(k) plans are two of the most common retirement plans used by employers today. But how do you know which one is right for your business? Click through for a comparison between the two plans.
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A successful voluntary benefits strategy is essential to retaining qualified workers. Have you given serious thought to what your employees want? Click through to discover how you can build such a "winning" system.
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Preparing payroll can be surprisingly complex, and there are a lot of potential pitfalls. All employers should know the basics of payroll processing to keep their businesses running smoothly. Click through for step-by-step assistance.
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Employers have the difficult task of finding workers who fit the needs of their organizations. To fill the talent gap, some employers hire foreign nationals through the H-1B visa program. Click through to see how this is done.
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You have to keep track of your employees' hours, especially when it comes to nonexempt workers. Fortunately, there are a number of different ways to do this. Click through to get started on choosing the right timekeeping system for your business.
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Whether you already offer group health insurance or would like to do so at some point, you should know the different types of plans on the market. Click through for the various types of group health insurance plans.
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The "work from home" phenomenon has taken the employment world by storm. But that doesn't mean it's right for every business. Click through to see whether it could be a good fit for your company.
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Employee assistance programs can enhance workplace performance and productivity. However, they remain underutilized. To boost participation, some employers make EAP use mandatory. Click through to see what the rules are.
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Employers must report their federal employment taxes to the IRS on the appropriate tax forms. It's important to know which forms apply to your business. Click through for a list of required forms.
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Health insurance is the most recognizable employer-sponsored benefit. But it's just a small fraction of the greater whole called "fringe benefits." Click through for insight into possible offerings -- and their tax situations.
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When employees go MIA without warning or explanation, it puts you in a frustrating position. However, it's important that you practice restraint during this challenging time. Click through for tips on handling no-calls/no-shows.
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Whether you process your own payroll or entrust that task to an external provider, you should know which payroll reports are critical to your business. Click through for insight into six key payroll reports.
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Your current pay schedule isn't cutting it anymore, and you're leaning toward changing it. But the FLSA, state rules and other issues can complicate any decision. Click through for five things to consider before you make the switch.
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The payroll process is always evolving. From this evolution, a groundbreaking system has emerged: paperless payroll. Click through to discover how the paperless payroll system works, and how to avoid pitfalls.
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Human resources and payroll departments lacking strong internal controls are vulnerable to cybercrimes. This is not just a tax-season problem. Click through for IRS warnings on HR and payroll tax scams even as the 2020 tax season is on the horizon.
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Each employee has a life cycle -- a journey with the company. As an employer, your goal is to steer your people throughout this voyage, in a way that supports the bottom line. Click through for a road map to help you navigate the employee life cycle.
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American astronauts must be under 6 feet.
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You've heard the horror stories of substance abuse. Now, reality may be knocking at your work site, as one of your employees is exhibiting classic symptoms. Click through to see what you should do.
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The trick in life is learning how to deal with it. - Helen Mirren
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Wellness programs are designed to improve employees' health and well-being, so it's easy to think all of them are subject to HIPAA. But this isn't always the case. Click through to discover which wellness programs are covered by HIPAA.
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Many employers who permit employees to bring their dogs to work do so as a courtesy. But if the dog is a "service animal," these employers may have no choice in the matter. Click through for insight into service animals as they relate to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Traditionally, employers pay their workers' compensation premiums by making estimated payments. However, a new trend has emerged in the form of "pay as you go." Click through for insight into this nontraditional payment method.
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Nearly 2 million American workers report being victims of workplace violence each year. Though no business is immune from this crisis, you can reduce the chances of it reaching your work site. Click through for four prevention strategies.
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When employees are due retroactive pay, it's often because there was a delay in their wage or salary increase. It's important to get them up to speed correctly. Click through for insight into figuring retroactive pay for both hourly and salaried employees.
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As a group health plan sponsor, you're required to provide participants with certain benefit notices upon their initial enrollment or on an annual basis. Click through for a roundup of notices that you might need to include.
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If you provide group health insurance and have at least 20 employees, you must offer COBRA benefits. The duration depends on several factors. Click through to discover the different maximum coverage periods.
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Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. -Henry David Thoreau
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Figuring employees' net pay may seem obvious, but it can be quite tricky, as there are various rules and regulations that need to be considered. Click through for a primer on calculating your employees' take-home pay.
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Although you may have good reasons for not wanting your employees to discuss their pay with their co-workers, legally you may not be able to stop them. Click through for more on salary discussions at work.
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Lack of down payment is a major home ownership hurdle. But employers might be able to help. Click through to discover how you can attract new employees and retain current ones by offering down payment assistance.
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The Americans with Disabilities Act gives disabled employees the right to request reasonable accommodations that will allow them to do their work. Click through for tips on handling these requests.
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A full moon always rises at sunset.
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Nearly 80% of employees feel stressed at work, according to the American Institute of Stress. Further, nearly half of these workers say they need help dealing with stress. Click through for three things you can do to ease workplace stress.
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To help with costly family burdens, many employers provide reimbursement through a Dependent Care Assistance Program. Click through for an introduction to the complex reimbursement rules.
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Employee performance and organizational success are conjoined. Therefore, it's vital that you keep tabs on your employees' output. Click through for essential metrics to measure employee performance.
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Disability insurance is one of the most overlooked employee benefits. But it's worth your attention, as it can help you attract and retain qualified people. Click through to learn about short- and long-term disability insurance.
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Breaks at work come in many forms, and they're covered by many rules, both federal and state. Employers have to be fair and consistent. Click through for insight into the laws surrounding the various types of breaks.
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Since 2005, the number of employees who work remotely has escalated 115 percent, according to a 2017 report by FlexJobs. Click through to see how this rapidly growing trend affects employers from an HR and payroll perspective.
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If you offer a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA), you must adhere to special reporting rules under IRS guidelines. Click through to see how this benefit should be handled for your employees.
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For many employers, there's a huge gulf between the number of regulations they must abide by and the resources available for achieving compliance. Click through for a list of programs that can help you strengthen your compliance efforts.
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Comprising those born in 1995 or after, Generation Z is predicted to encompass one-fourth of the U.S. workforce by 2020. Click through to see which benefits will appeal to this distinct group's core needs and help you attract and retain them.
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If your benefits don't stack up to your competitors', you could lose out on qualified candidates and risk your most talented workers jumping ship. Click through to see whether your benefits are truly making an impression.
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Your 401(k) plan provider plays a major role in managing your fiduciary responsibilities. If your provider fails to meet your expectations, it may be time to seek a replacement. Click through for three considerations when making the switch.
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In bowling, three strikes in a row was called a turkey. The term originated in the 1800s when at holiday time, the first member of a team to score three strikes in a row won a free turkey.
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A departing employee took more paid time off than they had available, leading to a negative balance. Click through to see what the rules are for deducting the outstanding amount from the employee's final paycheck.
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A rat can last longer without water than a camel.
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Docking an employee's wages for violating a workplace rule is often frowned upon by industry experts. But, some employers do it and, under the FLSA, they probably have that right. Click through to see when this practice is permitted.
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As the battle for top talent rages on, employers are being closely measured against their competitors -- and only the best will emerge victorious. Click through to see how employee benefits can help catapult you to the No. 1 slot.
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You may have a valid reason for wanting to demote an employee. But you should know that demotions often come with legal risks. Click through for the three things to consider when handling demotions.
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The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave every 12 months. How is this 12-month period figured? Click through to find out.
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Butterflies taste with their feet.
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Americans typically rely on employers for savings plans, but companies find that there are still issues with participation. Click through for insight into getting more employees to participate in your 401(k) plan.
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Did you know that you can pay your salaried-exempt employees extra without jeopardizing their exempt status? It's true. But for those paid on an hourly, daily or shift basis, you'll need to exercise caution. Click through for the DOL's opinion on this topic.
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Your employees want you to provide health insurance. In fact, they demand it. But when it comes to truly understanding the benefit, employees tend to fall short. Click through to see how you can help them deepen their knowledge.
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With tuition costs rising 6 percent annually, tuition reimbursement programs are a massive relief for employees furthering their education. Click through to find out if the program is truly worth your investment.
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Most employees are subject to tax withholding. Those exempt from withholding are in the minority -- but you should still know who they are. Click through for a list of employees who are excluded from tax withholding -- and why.
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Your lookback period dictates your federal payroll tax deposit schedule, so "lookback period" is terminology that you should know. Click through to learn more about how lookback periods work, and how they affect payroll tax deposits.
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During the normal course of business, an employee may get sick or hurt -- at which point, you may need to complete OSHA Form 300. Click through for frequently asked questions about this form.
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Few things are more disconcerting to an employer than when good employees leave. But in order to fix the problem, you have to know why it's happening. Click through for a few of the most common reasons why employees jump ship.
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Even if you're not required to give your employees a pay stub, it's widely recommended that you do so to help with record-keeping and keep employees in the picture. Click through to see which items should go on this document.
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FSAs and HSAs are fundamentally cut from the same cloth. However, there are some key differences, and it's important that you and your employees know how each one works. Click through for a comparison of these two health plans.
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Thousands of pastors and churches across America just scored a major victory in the latest court challenge to the ministers’ housing allowance. Read more about this landmark victory for ministers and churches.
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A salary range is the minimum to maximum base rate of pay for employees who do the same or similar work. The range allows you to pay employees in a consistent manner. Click through for insight into the essential task of building salary ranges.
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A multistate payroll is like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's often a sign that the business is growing. On the other hand, it comes with an army of legal implications. Click through for tips on navigating cross-border payroll.
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Despite the FLSA being very clear that employers must pay employees for their "work," it's not as transparent about the payment of travel time for nonexempt hourly employees. Click through to see the DOL's stance on this issue.
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One of the most formidable challenges facing HR professionals today is devising a retention strategy that addresses employees' individual needs. Click through to learn how personalized employee benefits can aid in this effort.
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In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act defined the term "disability" for HR purposes. Less well-known, but just as important, is a 2008 amendment that broadened that definition. Click through to make sure you know all the details.
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Each time you hire someone, you're supposed to verify that person's eligibility to work in the United States. The Social Security card can be key. But, can you require that they show it? Click through for the full story.
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To control turnover, you must first know the rate at which your employees are leaving your company. Once you know that rate, you can then determine whether it's higher or lower than your industry's average. Click through to see how this is done.
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An employee has asked to see the contents of his or her personnel file. There's confidential information in there, so you're not sure whether you're required to oblige. Click through for an overview of the rules.
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Employees' W-4 forms show what they want withheld from their paychecks. It's their responsibility to complete the forms, but do you have to accept each form no matter what? Click through for some insights into your responsibilities.
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Each year, the cost of employer-sponsored health plans surges higher by approximately 5 percent. Consequently, employers are increasingly turning to on-site and near-site health care facilities as a way of controlling costs. Click through for insight into these clinics.
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Our professional and personal lives are interwoven. Consequently, most of us are in a perennial pursuit of work-life balance. Click through to see how your rewards program contributes to this quest.
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You've overpaid an employee, causing the company a financial loss. Now you need to recoup the money. But there are important tax implications and some rules you have to follow. Click through to make sure you do it right.
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We live in an era when employees treasure quick access to information and are practically obsessed with empowerment, so employee self-service is fast becoming a must-have feature. Click through for insight into this groundbreaking solution.
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Supplemental wages do not qualify as regular income and are subject to special withholding rules. Click through for an introduction to what items fit into this group, and how they should be taxed.
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When the weather is truly bad, your business may be forced to shut its doors. However, you're still expected to pay your employees for work performed. Click through for insight into paying employees during this turbulent time.
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One of the main requirements of the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate is that health coverage must be affordable, based on annual standards set by the IRS. Click through for the details on the 2019 increase for one of those standards.
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The Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act contains extensive requirements for employers. Consequently, it's easy to fumble when administering COBRA benefits. Click through for five COBRA errors employers tend to make.
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At all times, U.S. employers need to be aware of whether their employees are authorized to work in the country. This can be determined by conducting an internal I-9 audit. Click through for tips on this process.
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Job interviews are crucial to finding the right fit, and asking the right questions can get you a top employee. But, asking the wrong questions could land you in hot water. Click through for five interview questions to avoid.
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There's a wide swath of information available on what it takes for employees to qualify as exempt. Click through for some details on the flip side: Are you required to classify an employee as exempt if he or she meets all the qualifications?
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The town of Calama, Chile in the Atacama Desert has never had rain.
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Direct deposit makes payroll processing so much easier, and the vast majority of employees find it convenient -- which is why you may wish to require it. Click through to see whether you’re allowed to mandate direct deposit.
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In folklore, myths are fascinating -- the stuff that legends are made of. But in payroll, myths can be dangerous to your business's survival. Click through for four common payroll myths, which have been effectively busted.
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If you've paid an employee less than what he or she is due, it could come back to haunt you in the form of back wages. Click through to learn more about this type of pay, including its impact on Form W-2.
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Compensation remains the top factor for most people when considering whether to accept a job, stay with an employer or seek employment elsewhere. Click through to see why a compensation philosophy is essential to attracting, retaining and motivating employees.
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Employers must pay employees for the time they put in at work -- which makes the relationship between time-labor and payroll mutually inclusive and calls for a united solution. Click through to see why these functions should be integrated.
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To receive FMLA-protected leave, eligible employees must provide adequate notice to their employers. If they don't, the leave could be delayed or denied. Click through for details on FMLA notice requirements.
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Employees on FMLA leave may want to keep funding their flexible spending accounts while away from work. But since the leave is unpaid, can they make contributions during that time? Click through to find out.
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Companies may allow workers to take a draw against commissions or give them some other form of salary advance. It's perfectly legal, but employers need to know the rules. Click through for the tax implications of employee loans.
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To attract the best employees to your company, you need to provide them with the right incentives beyond their salary. Click through to learn more about choosing employee benefits packages that work.
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The employee benefits landscape is ever-changing. What are forward-looking companies offering today? And should you jump on the bandwagon? Click through for an annotated list of what's new.
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As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that went into effect in January 2018, there is a new “parking tax” that applies to nonprofit organizations, including churches. The new regulation creates unrelated business income tax on qualified transportation fringe benefits, including employer-provided parking.
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If you have employees who work outside normal business hours, they may be entitled to shift differential and overtime pay. The arithmetic can get a little tricky. Click through for insight into this calculation.
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The idea of unlimited vacation/PTO — and whether employers should give it — has been widely discussed and debated among benefits experts. Click through for insight into this popular but controversial perk.
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The battle cry for sexual harassment prevention has never been fiercer than it is today. But in order to prevent sexual harassment, you must first be able to spot it. Click through for insight into the different kinds of sexual harassment in the workplace.
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To qualify for an exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees must often meet specific job duties and salary basis requirements. However, certain employees can be exempt without having to satisfy the salary basis test. Click through to discover these exclusions.
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The DOL has clarified the types of lump-sum payments that are protected by federal garnishment laws versus those that are not. Click through for details to make sure you don't mishandle these for your employees.
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A new brand of paid time off has moved into the employee benefits scene: volunteer time off, which rewards employees for giving back to their communities. Click through to see if you should offer this altruistic benefit.
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"Diversity" and "inclusion" are often used interchangeably. However, they are separate processes, despite being closely related. Click through to discover the difference between them and why you need both.
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You're likely no stranger to the phrase "group health insurance," as it is commonly used in the sphere of employment. But do you know what constitutes a "group"? Click through to delve into the complexities of the definition.
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A special wage payment is compensation earned in a given year but paid in a subsequent year. Obviously, this presents some challenges from a payroll standpoint. Click through for insight into this special type of payment.
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For one reason or another, you may want to provide health insurance to only certain employees, leaving the rest without coverage. Click through to find out whether this is legal and, if so, under what circumstances.
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Not all those who wander are lost.
- J.R.R. Tolkien
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If your payroll process doesn't include payroll accounting, then your system isn't complete. You're missing an essential link in the chain. Click through to learn about payroll accounting, and why it should not be skipped.
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While you can administer benefits and payroll separately, there are plenty of reasons to integrate the two, with increased efficiency being the overarching goal. Click through to see why it's best to merge both processes.
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Multiple studies have come to the same conclusion: Most Americans are worried about money -- hence the rise of financial wellness programs. Click through to discover why these programs are gaining steam in the employment landscape.
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Whether you're seeking group health insurance for the first time or rethinking your current health plan, it's important to know your funding options. Click through to discover the two most common options: fully insured and self-funded.
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Some employers offer financial help in the form of loans to employees who are short on cash. Click through for insight into the different types of employee loans companies can offer and their tax implications.
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The IRS has developed multiple methods that employers may use to withhold federal income tax from employees' wages. One of those methods is done on a percentage basis. Click through for insights into the percentage-withholding formula.
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Halloween night is coming! Light your lanterns and roam around to scoop up as many candies as can be found. Click through for a special spooky greeting.
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How will you implement new or update existing policies and procedures about medical marijuana to align with new regulations? Click through to get the inside information on how to navigate this legal minefield.
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Bonuses are a form of variable pay that are used to inspire employee loyalty or reward performance, and it's essential to know about the different kinds. Click through for a primer on both types of bonuses, including their effect on overtime.
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College and university costs are surging at a tremendous rate, making 529 savings plans a desirable benefit among job seekers and employees. Click through to see whether this educational perk is ideal for your business.
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You've added a new member to the team or rehired an employee. You've done the onboarding and made sure the employee will receive all the necessary training. But have you performed new hire reporting? Click through for details on this essential step.
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Nikola Tesla predicted the modern cell phone in 1926.
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Also called "data analytics," examining big data can be applied to virtually any area of business, including employee benefits. Click through to see how you can use big data to enhance your company's benefits program.
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The federal Family and Medical Leave Act is often regarded as the Holy Grail of employee leave. But depending on your state, the federal FMLA might not be the only game in town. Click through for insights into state rules.
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Sports command the biggest television audiences, led by the summer Olympics, World Cup soccer and Formula One racing.
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| Payroll Partners
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| 817- 226-8111
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| gary@payrollpartners.com
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| 3001 Medlin Drive Suite 125
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| Arlington, TX 76015
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