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Payroll, Here Are Your Articles for Wednesday, August 02, 2023
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Saved Articles
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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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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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Severance is often viewed as a voluntary benefit, but it may be mandatory in certain cases. The rules can be complex. Click through to see when severance should be paid and what to include in the package.
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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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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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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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To legally become an employer, you must register your business with the federal and state governments. Click through for five types of registrations employers need to perform and what you have to do to stay compliant.
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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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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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"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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"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."
~Marie Curie
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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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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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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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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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American astronauts must be under 6 feet.
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Nikola Tesla predicted the modern cell phone in 1926.
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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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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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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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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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Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. -Henry David Thoreau
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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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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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A full moon always rises at sunset.
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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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Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. -Babe Ruth
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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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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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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 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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A final rule — which takes effect in 2020 — will let employees without group health insurance use their health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) funds to buy individual-market coverage. Click through for more on this new regulation.
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You know the value of giving employees a paystub. But have you considered going one step further by providing them with a total compensation statement? Click through to learn about this practice and why it might be right for you.
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How is the health of your HR and payroll departments? Staying on top of the right metrics will give you a heads-up. The trick is knowing which metrics to track. Click through for three HR metrics to watch closely.
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For some employers, it's easier to pay employees by the "piece" than by the hour. However, employers should know about special rules for these kinds of arrangements. Click through for answers to frequently asked questions about piecework pay.
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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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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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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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The trick in life is learning how to deal with it. - Helen Mirren
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Benefits are a core driver of employee attraction and retention, but to truly make a difference to your team, they must be deftly administered. Click through to see how benefits administration partners can help.
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How do you determine the best salary ranges to offer new employees? It can be a hard series of calculations. Click through for some thoughts on how to compensate your staff so that turnover is low but you don't break your budget.
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To get employees to participate in your benefits program, you can actively or passively enroll them. Click through to find out which strategy is best for your company.
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The terms "layoff," "furlough" and "reduction in force" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings — with important implications. Click through to make sure you're using the right term for the right situation.
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As businesses reopen their offices, how do your employees feel about your company and its future? Click through to take the pulse of your culture to ensure your employees' experience at work infuses them — and you — with a sense of well-being.
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Electronic delivery is the quickest, most cost-effective way to send retirement plan documents to participants — but there are rules. Click through for insight into DOL guidance on expanding electronic disclosure for retirement plans.
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Employees come and go. When an employee's term of service ends and you decide to leave the position vacant, the occurrence is called "employee attrition." Click through for insight into this type of employee departure.
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More and more employees are working outside their employer's office. Are they entitled to the same workers' compensation coverage if they are injured on the job? Click through for the answer to this complex question.
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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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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 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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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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Most companies try to stay on top of rules regarding exempt versus nonexempt but don't realize that sales staff present a special situation. Click through for insight into classifying your sales staff according to FLSA guidelines.
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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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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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Sports command the biggest television audiences, led by the summer Olympics, World Cup soccer and Formula One racing.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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For scheduling, budgeting or regulatory reasons, you may need to calculate the full-time equivalent of part-time employees. The calculations can be surprisingly complex. Click through for a primer to make sure you get the math right.
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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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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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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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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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Not all those who wander are lost.
- J.R.R. Tolkien
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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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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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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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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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Warren Beatty and Shirley McLaine are brother and sister.
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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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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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February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not have a full moon.
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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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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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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 town of Calama, Chile in the Atacama Desert has never had rain.
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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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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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Employee benefits are a leading strategy for attracting and retaining talent. And to sign up the very best people, you need competitive benefits. Click through for six taxable benefits to beef up attraction and retention.
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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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“Running amok” is a medically recognized mental condition.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Butterflies taste with their feet.
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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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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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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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In leap years, salaried employees might get an extra paycheck, depending on their payroll cycle. And since 2020 is a leap year, you're probably wondering how it could impact your payroll. Click through to find out.
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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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Employees expect to be paid on time, based on the designated pay frequency. But before you choose a pay frequency, you must cover your bases. Click through for four things to keep in mind when selecting a pay frequency.
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Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.
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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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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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Whether new hires should be paid for orientation and training is determined by federal law and applicable state regulations. Click through for the Fair Labor Standards Act's stance on this issue.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Form W-2 has many boxes, but Box 1 typically gets the most attention because it reflects the employee's total annual taxable wages. It can be surprisingly complicated. Click through for a primer on this box to make sure you're doing it right.
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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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Digital solutions are trending in the workplace. But when it comes to benefits communications, employees also want the human touch. Click through to see why human interactions are vital to employee benefits.
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The Social Security Administration has resumed sending "no-match" letters to employers whose submitted W-2 information does not mirror the agency’s records. Click through to learn what to do if you get one.
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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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Since FMLA leave is unpaid, you may be wondering whether you can require that employees use their paid time off during FMLA leave. The answer is complicated. Click through for the details on how FMLA works.
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Studies show that employees are often confused about their health care benefits, and you need to be ready for this. Click through for four commonly asked questions at open enrollment time — and ideas on how to respond.
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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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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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With more and more U.S. localities charging income taxes, it's in every employer's best interest to understand how these taxes work. It's more complicated than you may think. Click through for an intro to local income taxes.
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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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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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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 rat can last longer without water than a camel.
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How much thought do you give to the salary structure at your company? Successful companies create a compensation philosophy, a set of policies, to ensure consistency and loyalty. Click through to get started on compensation best practices.
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An employer’s SUTA tax rate is susceptible to fluctuation. If yours is escalating, contrary to popular belief, you actually might be able to reduce it! Click through for five strategies to curb your SUTA tax rate.
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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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The implications of employing hourly workers are significant. A worst-case scenario is employees suing you for unpaid wages due to timekeeping mistakes. Click through for insight into why flawless timekeeping records are a must.
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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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It's not unusual for employers to gloss over payroll when improving departmental performance. But there's much more to payroll than meets the eye. Click through for some areas of payroll that might be in dire need of your attention.
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With a mix of state and federal rules, figuring out what to deduct from your employees' wages can get complicated. Click through for an overview of the taxes you have to deduct, and other paycheck issues.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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You're likely familiar with the standard rule mandating overtime pay for work hours over 40 per week. However, that's just the beginning of the rules. Click through for an intro to lesser known, but still important, overtime provisions.
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IBM’s motto is 'Think'. Apple later made their motto 'Think different'.
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Does your 401(k) plan discriminate against rank-and-file employees by favoring managers and owners? Annual 401(k) nondiscrimination testing seeks to answer this question. Click through to learn more about this compliance procedure.
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As a manager, you may not realize that there are several types of leave which, although not well-known, may help you strengthen compliance and retention. Click through for five overlooked forms of employee time off.
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Salary is usually considered the number one factor when hiring – but don't make assumptions. Many of the best candidates value benefits over salary. Click through to learn which benefits will attract the candidates you want.
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Flu season? Summer colds? It doesn't matter what time of year it is — employees get sick. Do you have a sick leave policy? Is it in compliance with a wide range of regulations? Click through for an introduction to the legal landscape.
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The OSH Act of 1970 gives the Occupational Safety and Health Administration the authority to conduct workplace inspections. Click through for insight into OSHA inspections, and how they might apply to you.
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Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.
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Every company is looking for an edge in finding and hiring the best people. One key tool is the Myers-Briggs test. Click through to learn what this test can, and cannot, do, and how you should implement it.
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Switching an employee from hourly to salary is a multilayered process that requires close adherence to federal and state laws. Click through for five steps to take during the transition to make sure the process goes smoothly.
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February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not have a full moon.
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A performance review discussion should emphasize both positive performance and areas that need improvement, and set goals for future assessment. Click through for more tips on how to evaluate your employees' performance.
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Jim Henson first coined the word 'Muppet'. It is a combination of 'marionette' and 'puppet.'
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When it comes to ERISA, things can get complicated quickly. Summary plan documents are essential, and ERISA has detailed requirements regarding them. Click through for an introduction to SPD rules.
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The practice of providing cash in lieu of benefits is quite common among employers looking to reduce their group health insurance costs. But is it legal? Click through for the complicated answer to this important question.
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When two companies join together, whether it's a merger between equals or the purchase of a smaller entity, it's not just about the money. Click through for some insights into the softer side of M&A.
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Form 941 is a crucial tool for ensuring your payroll data is accurately reported to the government and for balancing payroll in general. Click through for insight into reconciling Form 941 with your payroll on a quarterly and a year-end basis.
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A paycheck can be more complicated than it seems at first. And whether you have one employee or 1,000, you need to know how payroll taxes work. Click through for a brief review, so you can grasp the basics.
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Paper was invented early in the second century by Chinese eunuch.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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It may be a better way to think about workers' comp: making adjustments every payroll cycle instead of once a year. Click through for details on how this works, and how it may eliminate surprise insurance bills at year-end.
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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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Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
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Paying workers is about more than regular pay vs. overtime. Many companies offer different rates for working outside normal business hours. Click through to learn where this is likely to happen, and how to calculate pay.
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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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For many employees, the range and quality of benefits can be even more important that salary when deciding on a new job. Click through for some thoughts on unusual benefits that may make your company more competitive.
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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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The unemployment benefits system, a partnership between state and federal governments, contains some subtle rules employers need to know. Click through to make sure you're in compliance, and learn when to contest a claim.
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Employee promotion is one of the top drivers of employee engagement. Equally important is having a promotion policy that employees perceive as impartial and consistent. Click through for insight into developing the policy.
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To determine whether you're spending too much or too little on benefits for your employees, you first need to know what your competitors are paying. Click through for insight into employee benefits costs.
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If you've ever furrowed your brow in bewilderment at a benefit acronym, your employees have probably done the same. But there's a handy solution. Click through for a roundup of popular benefit terms and their meanings.
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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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Kleenex tissues were originally intended for gas masks
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If your state or locality mandates paid sick leave, you must follow the law regarding unused sick time. Otherwise, you're generally free to develop your own policy on the issue. Click through for insight into handling unused paid sick leave.
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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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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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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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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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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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A typical banana travels 4,000 miles before being eaten.
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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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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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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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Over time, employees will resign, retire or be laid off—and you will need to give them their final paychecks and you will need to do that right. Click through for an introduction to state and federal laws on final paychecks.
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The Social Security Administration has released new numbers for those paying Social Security and those collecting it. Click through for the new maximum taxable earnings amount as well as COLA and other key adjustments.
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You want to give deserving employees raises, to help ensure they stay with the company and to keep morale high. But how do you approach the task? Click through for insights into the process of deciding how much of a raise to give.
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John Lennon’s first girlfriend was named Thelma Pickles.
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Cost-of-living adjustments are affecting dollar limits for 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans. These changes affect both individuals and the businesses that manage company-sponsored plans. Click through to learn how the changes may affect you.
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The conditions surrounding on-call pay can be confusing, and employers often misunderstand them. It comes down to whether employees should be paid if they're required to be available while not working. Click through for an intro to the complex rules.
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If you do not have an organized system for paying your employees, you might want to establish a salary structure to help ensure fairness and consistency. Click through for insight into this compensation approach.
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Many individuals and businesses that owe the IRS money will be able to delay both filing and payments for 90 days — without interest or penalties. Click through to uncover the details of this due-date postponement to July 15.
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You can't look at benefits individually anymore. Progressive companies are taking a holistic look at how they reward their employees. Click through for an introduction to the 6-part system for attracting and retaining employees.
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The many employers that have shut down office operations during the pandemic may be concerned about Form I-9 requirements. Click through to read about the temporary regularly waivers the DHS is granting.
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Remote working comes with a whole new set of management challenges. However, you can rise to the occasion with the right information. Click through for some tips on avoiding the major remote management pitfalls.
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Compensation is a fundamental aspect of any employment relationship. Whether the partnership will succeed or fail often depends on how compensation is managed. Click through for insights into how compensation management can work at your company.
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As the U.S. workforce evolves at an unprecedented rate, human resources professionals are expected to keep up with their organizations' shifting human capital needs. Click through for four of the most pressing concerns facing HR professionals.
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You know your business needs an employee handbook, which is why you created one. But it shouldn't be a static document—you need to revise it periodically. Click through for tips on updating your employee handbook.
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The president has signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) into law. It's the first of what are expected to be other federal actions. Click through for a quick look at the major provisions.
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Though defining full-time and part-time hours may seem simple, there are no universally accepted definitions. Click through for some tips in navigating the complexities that can crop up at your company when you try to make distinctions among your employees.
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If you told someone that they were one in a million, you'd be saying there were 1,800 of them in China.
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Now that we're all stuck in our homes for the duration of the pandemic, we may find ourselves missing human company. Click through for some suggestions about various apps that can be the next best thing.
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If one of your employees has been summoned for jury duty, you must allow them to attend, since jury duty is mandatory. Click through to discover your payroll responsibilities when an employee goes on jury duty.
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The new year has brought with it a long-promised — and heavily revised — Form W-4. It's very different from previous versions. Click through for a review of the changes and how they affect both businesses and employees.
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As the DOL continues to vigorously audit group health plans, it's critical that you avoid getting caught in the crosshairs. Click through for three ways to protect yourself and minimize the risk of a DOL audit.
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Workplace harassment can cause substantial losses to companies stemming from litigation expenses, employee turnover and more. Therefore, every effort should be made to avert workplace harassment. Click through for three prevention strategies.
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Bonuses can be a great way to reward top employees. However, businesses need to know that there are different kinds, with key distinctions managers should be well-versed in. Click through to make sure you don't violate FLSA rules.
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Fraud can affect any aspect of a company, and payroll is no exception. You need strong internal controls. Click through for a primer on creating strong internal controls for payroll, no matter what size your company is.
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About 8 million U.S. workers telecommute full time, performing all their work out of their homes. The current pandemic is swelling those ranks, as companies and employees scramble to make work-from-home a reality. Click through to learn how to hit the ground running.
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Maybe you're up to speed on getting your team set up with a remote working system on short notice. But beyond technology, how is everyone doing? Click through for some insights and advice on everyone's mental health.
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Arabic numerals are not really Arabic; they were created in India.
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The Treasury Department and the IRS have launched the Employee Retention Credit to keep employees on the payroll. Click through to get 50% of up to $10,000 if your business has been impacted by COVID-19.
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The word 'lethologica' describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want.
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Labor law posters inform employees of their rights in the workplace, so it's essential that your posters are current. It seems obvious, but poster decisions can get complicated. Click through for insight into updating labor law posters.
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It makes sense that companies don't want their employees discussing salaries with each other. But it's not a simple task to ban these discussions. Click through for an introduction to federal rules in this area.
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There has long been confusion about the distinction between employees and independent contractors, even though it's essential for businesses to get it right. Click through for some tips from the IRS.
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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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Managing payroll, especially as your company grows, doesn’t have to be a headache. Click through for a brief intro into payroll management.
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You may be able to claim a tax credit of up to $5,000 when you set up a SEP IRA, a SIMPLE IRA or a 401(k) plan. Click through to see how the tax credit reduces the amount of taxes you owe.
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The Fair Labor Standards Act has two categories of employees: exempt and nonexempt. But can an employee have two jobs at a company, one in each category? Click through to see how the rules would work in this situation.
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The pandemic forced companies to turn to videos for so much — including benefits communications. There's a good chance that will become permanent. Click through for tips on creating employee benefits videos.
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Preventing on-the-job injuries and controlling workers' compensation costs are two ongoing challenges that employers face. Click through for the most common work-related injuries and ways to avoid them.
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Most Disney characters wear gloves to keep animation simple
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To pay your employees correctly, you must track their work time. And to help ensure accurate financial records, you must do payroll accounting. Click through to see why it makes sense to integrate all of these processes into a single unit.
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It's never pleasant when layoffs become a necessity, and now the pandemic has turned the process virtual. Conducting layoffs through online meetings is the new norm. Click through for six ways to navigate layoffs in the virtual sphere.
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It's important to follow best practices when trying to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace. Click through for a handy list of recommendations to make sure you and your employees stay safe.
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Octopuses lay 56,000 eggs at a time
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Remote work is here to stay, but the details of your company's remote workforce will depend on many factors, including how your workforce is managed. Click through for some thoughts on how to manage remote work so you aren't taken by surprise.
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Internships provide real-life training to recent college graduates and workers transitioning to new careers. But there are rules: You can't simply use interns as underpaid workers. Click through for best practices and labor law requirements.
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Are you changing your employees' work schedules at the last minute? If so, take care not to violate predictive scheduling laws — especially relevant in these unsettled times. Click through for insights into the rules you may need to follow.
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Can you lay a strong foundation for a flourishing, long-lasting small business in the post-pandemic world? Click through to learn how to seek out and seize opportunities and integrate resilience into your business plan.
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How can you appeal to your diverse customer base and implement inclusion so that your whole company strengthens its position in the future? Click through to learn how inclusive policies benefit your customers and employees.
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When an employee hands in their two-week notice of resignation, it triggers payroll questions, including whether the employee should be paid at all. What are the rules and best practices for this situation? Click through for information to help you create a policy.
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Don't be casual about how you compensate your employees — you need a formal compensation plan that includes wages and benefits. Click through for some tips on how such a plan might look at your business.
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New-hire turnover cuts into organizational profits and disrupts business performance. You can avoid these pitfalls by helping your new hires achieve their goals at work. Click through to learn how to keep staff for the long term.
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Many employers have a strong case for requiring employee vaccinations, say legal experts, but it's a complex landscape. Click through to see what your vaccination policies should include — and exclude.
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Bonuses are one of the best ways to motivate employees. But to actually work, a bonus program must be thoughtfully designed. Click through to learn about characteristics of an effective program.
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Health care benefits are confusing, and what employees had in one job can be very different from what they find in a new one. There will be a lot of questions! Click through for a review of the most common ones.
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More and more jurisdictions are mandating paid sick and family leave, and many companies offer it even if it's not required. But the tax rules can be complex. Click through to make sure you're in compliance when offering this popular benefit.
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It's been a complicated year, and you'll have to pay particular attention to Form W-2, especially Box 1--total annual taxable wages. Click through for a summary of what belongs in this box—and what does not.
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Everyone takes the information on a paycheck for granted, but whether by custom or law, it contains specific information useful to your employees. Click through for both the rules and best practices of pay stub information.
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As employees shift to hybrid work, employers may need to consider the implications of commuter benefits. What makes the most sense for your business? Click through for more on this employer-sponsored program.
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Did you know there are ways to reward employees and recognize achievements that won’t break the bank? To discover these and more information on employee rewards, Click through.
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Do you rely on seasonal employees to fill staffing shortages during holidays or busy periods? Click through for insights into navigating seasonal employment.
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Blue whales eat half a million calories in one mouthful
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To ensure fairness and organization during your hiring process, you may want to keep your interviews structured. What exactly does that mean for both HR and the candidate? Click through for insight into this interview method.
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When you have fewer employees than you need, it can impede business growth. To staff up, you may have to think outside the box. Click through for some imaginative suggestions for overcoming staffing shortages and improving your bottom line.
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Form 941 is the quarterly tax return for reporting income taxes as well as withholdings of employee payroll taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Click through for the basics on this important business form to ensure that you stay compliant.
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To make informed hiring decisions, employers need to request certain information from job applicants. But does this include their criminal histories? It's a complicated answer. Click through for the details on what to check.
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Armadillo shells are bulletproof
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If you're conducting your payroll processes manually, it's almost guaranteed that you'll make mistakes. Likewise, your payroll audits may not go as smoothly as possible because they’ll be prone to human errors as well. Click through to see how payroll automation can help.
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Thanks to 3D printing, NASA can basically “email” tools to astronauts
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Trying to increase your endowment? You want to set endowment goals that not only are reasonable but also game-changing. Click through to discover how successful ideas can be more widely adopted.
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When recruiting candidates, one of the worst things you can do is string them along — also called "breadcrumbing." If you do so, you will only damage your recruiting efforts in the long run. Click through to read more about this ill-advised practice.
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Workplace style during the pandemic took a dramatic shift to casual attire. Was this a one-time change or was it permanent? Click through to see whether office dress codes will return to pre-pandemic button-downs and slacks.
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The pandemic forced companies to turn to videos for so much — including benefits communications. There's a good chance that will become permanent. Click through for tips on creating employee benefits videos.
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Dogs sniff good smells with their left nostril.
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