Tobacco use is the scourge of workplaces everywhere, just ask any smoker who works in an office setting. Businesses ban lighting up in buildings, penalize users through their wellness programs, and relegate smokers to taking their breaks in out-of-sight crannies near alleyway dumpsters. As the vilification movement continues to swell, an unlikely hero — orContinue Reading
The decision to screen job candidates for criminal backgrounds and drug use is often a hard one for businesses to make. Finding the right balance between protecting themselves from liability while still attracting the best job applicants can be tough. But with the right policies and application process, screenings can help a business without hurtingContinue Reading
Only a fool would walk away from free money, especially if that money adds up to tens of thousands of dollars over a career. But the reality is that most employees don’t invest enough in their retirement plans to reach their goals. One-third of employees fail to participate in company-sponsored 401k plans when offered. AndContinue Reading
More than stacks of money, more than lines of customers — even more than the knowledge contained in a thousand books on small business — an entrepreneur’s ultimate success depends on the people he has at his side. That’s the opinion of Garry Bradford, founder and president of UniqueHR, who started his life as anContinue Reading
California businesses take notice: New state laws will soon affect minimum wage, leave, wage equality, reasonable accommodation and motor carrier requirements. Affected businesses need to stay ahead of the changes or face the consequences. Labor Law Changes Minimum Wage Legislation passed in 2013 raised California’s minimum wage would be increased to $10 per hour, effective January 1, 2016.Continue Reading
They’ve been called cocky, tech-obsessed, entitled and impatient, although the same traits have also been described as confidence, tech-savviness and openness to change. These are the qualities of youth — regardless of generation — yet we’re told Millennials are a different breed. Just how different is a matter of perspective. And to motivate them theContinue Reading
Businesses have many options when it comes to choosing a company retirement plan. Many opt for employer-sponsored defined contributions plans like a 401(k) or profit sharing scheme, any of which can bring big benefits to employees and business owners alike. Ensuring a good return, however, involves more than stashing money and waiting for it toContinue Reading
Social media use is so ingrained in our behavior that employers need policies to manage employees’ online behavior—both on the clock and off. Although businesses that prohibit social media risk more than irking affected tweeters, allowing employees unfettered access can lead to reduced efficiency and heightened risk of liability exposure. In crafting a social mediaContinue Reading
Health care is expensive for businesses. Those who go through insurance companies must deal with rising premiums and growing uncertainty. And the ones that self-fund health benefits are only so insulated from increasing costs. In the search to buttress the bottom line, corporate wellness programs are doing a good job of improving worker health soContinue Reading
Companies with defined contribution or insurance benefit plans have many compliance issues, including the need to report the details of their benefits programs to government agencies. To satisfy the requirements of the IRS and Department of Labor (DOL), businesses must complete and submit Form 5500 during each plan year. Form 5500 FAQ Companies with definedContinue Reading
In accordance with the ACA, businesses converging on (or near to) the 50 employee mark may have difficulty determining if they are subject to new annual ACA reporting beginning in 2016. Use this infographic to see if your business qualifies as an ‘Applicable Large Employer’ and determine the steps to take for accurate ACA reporting. Click here to download asContinue Reading
One part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that has business owners shifting toward offering more voluntary benefits is the Cadillac Tax. Due to go into effect in 2018, this 40 percent levy on “high cost” health care plans was created to offset the costs of the ACA. Exposure to the tax is based onContinue Reading
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