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Payroll, Here Are Your Articles for Wednesday, October 31, 2018
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Saved Articles
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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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Every business is finding new ways to keep in touch with their customers. Each successful solution can keep the company going now and — just as important — into the post-pandemic world. Click through for a fresh look at customer care.
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The fluctuating workweek method can be a great money-saving strategy, as it enables you to pay overtime at a lower rate. But before you hop on board, make sure you know the rules. Click through for insight into fluctuating workweeks.
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More companies are finding there are a lot of advantages to giving employees time off for volunteer activities, including aiding recruiting efforts and adding luster to the company. Click through to learn how to add volunteer PTO to your business.
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Empathy is arguably the most critical leadership skill today, due to its immense influence on organizational performance. Click through to discover the connection between empathy and leadership in the workplace.
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COVID-19 has brought both telecommuting and reasonable accommodation to the fore, raising issues that likely will continue long after the pandemic has passed. Click through for insight into policy and regulation.
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While stringent closing rules are still in place, the CDC has started to give guidance for reopening certain businesses under certain situations. Click through to get started thinking about how your business may be able to reopen.
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The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds.
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The world of employee benefits is always changing, with new options popping up to keep current staff happy and give an edge in recruiting. Click through for a quick look at what benefits are on the horizon.
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The U.S. has a retirement savings crisis, which is only getting worse. As a result, states are implementing their own retirement savings program for private-sector workers. Click through for more on this state-sponsored solution.
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"Flexibility" has been the word of the season, as companies and employees invent new ways of working. Click through for an introduction to a range of flexible work arrangements — which may continue even after the pandemic is over.
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Butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86 degrees.
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You need a salary system to effectively run your company: Managers shouldn't be deciding salaries in a vacuum. Click through for an introduction to salary ranges, and how they can help you and your staff.
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Both businesses and workers have been ambivalent about telecommuting, but the pandemic may have forced everyone's hands. Click through for some insights into why, for many businesses, working from home may be the new normal.
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OSHA has been around for a while, but the pandemic put it front and center, as all kinds of businesses faced serious issues regarding workplace safety. Click through to make sure you and your staff are up to date.
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A group of finches is called a Charm.
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We may find that COVID-19 has accelerated the trend toward new ways to communicate and new styles of communication. Click through for insights into getting the most out of the many choices we are using now — and will continue to use going forward.
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Although you are in business to provide a product or service, managing payroll is an essential task. Click through to learn about outsourcing this important but complex task.
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When you hire a new employee, there's a lot more to do than give a handshake and say, "Welcome aboard." You have to collect a lot of information and report it. Click through to make sure you're in compliance.
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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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Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. -Babe Ruth
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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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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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"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."
~Marie Curie
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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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Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. -Henry David Thoreau
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A full moon always rises at sunset.
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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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 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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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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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 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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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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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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The town of Calama, Chile in the Atacama Desert has never had rain.
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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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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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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 trick in life is learning how to deal with it. - Helen Mirren
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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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American astronauts must be under 6 feet.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Sports command the biggest television audiences, led by the summer Olympics, World Cup soccer and Formula One racing.
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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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Butterflies taste with their feet.
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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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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 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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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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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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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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A rat can last longer without water than a camel.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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'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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"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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Not all those who wander are lost.
- J.R.R. Tolkien
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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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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'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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Nikola Tesla predicted the modern cell phone in 1926.
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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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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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| robert@payrollpartners.com
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| 3001 Medlin Drive Suite 125
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| Arlington, TX 76015
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