Helpful Articles
New Benefit Offerings 2022
There were no doubt big changes in 2020 and 2021 with the way we work. Many employees are still dealing with remote work, managing children’s school schedules, or returning to the workplace. With these changing times, employers should consider new benefit offerings to attract and retain employees.
Employee Payroll Tax Deferral
On September 1 President Trump’s Executive Memorandum dated August 8 went into effect. On August 28 the Department of Treasury issued preliminary guidance on the Memorandum which allows certain employees to delay the payment of payroll taxes from September 1 through December 31.
Employee Engagement in Challenging Times
Highly engaged employees are the driving force behind any successful organization. When your employees truly believe in your company values, they’ll go above and beyond to help achieve mutual business goals.
Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act
On June 5, 2020 the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which will implement substantial changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was signed by President Trump into law. Among other changes, the bill extends the time that businesses have to spend PPP loan funds and alters the forgiveness rules.
Developing a Plan to Reopen
Establishments are beginning to reopen, and people are returning to the workplace. Employers need to establish plans to help keep employees healthy and the workplace safe from infectious disease.
Paycheck Protection Program – Loan Forgiveness
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan from your bank backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis.The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll and other specific expenses.
New Benefit Offerings 2022
There were no doubt big changes in 2020 and 2021 with the way we work. Many employees are still dealing with remote work, managing children’s school schedules, or returning to the workplace. With these changing times, employers should consider new benefit offerings to attract and retain employees.
Non-Insured Benefits Breakdown
Non-insured benefits are an inexpensive way to have access to additional health and wellness resources that could save you money.
Can I Change My Benefits Coverage?
When families have changes in their lives, it’s important to consider how these changes may impact your employer-sponsored benefits. Some of these life-changes may allow you to add benefits and some life-changes may allow you to cancel benefits.
401(k) FAQs
Let’s face it. Relying on Social Security to be there by the time we retire is not a safe bet. Investing in a 401(k) plan to help support you in your retirement may be the best way for you to meet your retirement goals.
Long and Short Term Disability Insurance
Have you thought about what would happen if you incurred an injury or illness and didn’t have an income for a few weeks? For some, this would be a hard event to endure.
Spotlight on Vendors – Delta Dental
Dental insurance is one of the employee benefits many employers offer, and Delta Dental is a well-known and frequently-used vendor.
Service You Deserve
No one likes calling a call center - endless hold times and explaining who you are and what you need multiple times. Introducing Spirit HR. Spirit HR is an HR outsourcing company passionate about personal service.
Case Study: Applicant Tracking
This Case Study highlights a Bio Tech company with over 100 employees that uses Applicant Tracking for their hiring.
New Benefit Offerings 2022
There were no doubt big changes in 2020 and 2021 with the way we work. Many employees are still dealing with remote work, managing children’s school schedules, or returning to the workplace. With these changing times, employers should consider new benefit offerings to attract and retain employees.
Employee Engagement in Challenging Times
Highly engaged employees are the driving force behind any successful organization. When your employees truly believe in your company values, they’ll go above and beyond to help achieve mutual business goals.
Developing a Plan to Reopen
Establishments are beginning to reopen, and people are returning to the workplace. Employers need to establish plans to help keep employees healthy and the workplace safe from infectious disease.
CARES Act: Employer Tax Deferral
As we continue to wade through the COVID-19 regulations we want to update you on the deferral of employment tax deposits and payments portion of the CARES Act.
The CARES Act
The CARES Act was signed by President Trump on Friday, March 27, 2020. It is important to understand the provisions of this Act as well as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) before making decisions related to payroll costs and staffing.
Families First Coronovirus Response Act
Many of you have been anxiously awaiting the final version H.R.6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. On Wednesday (March 18) the U.S. Senate passed the bill and the President signed it. The legislation will extend assistance to individuals affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The bill will become effective on April 2, 2020.
Developing a Plan to Reopen
Establishments are beginning to reopen, and people are returning to the workplace. Employers need to establish plans to help keep employees healthy and the workplace safe from infectious disease.
The Daily Huddle
Today our guest blogger, Mike Bosley, gives us his insights on the value of sharing key performance measurements with his team on a daily basis. This “open book” method of management has worked well for him over the years and creates an environment of employee buy-in and pride in company achievements.
The KonMari Method in the Workplace
Can the main principles of the KonMari Method be used at work? How can you tidy up your policies and procedures? We take Marie’s six main principles and apply them to Human Resources.
Beware of Phishing!
Beware of Phishing! Email phishing scams are becoming more prevalent, especially this time of year.
Outsource or Hire Information Technology Personnel
Information Technology (IT) has become a critical component for businesses in performing their day-to-day tasks. The biggest challenge becomes whether a business should hire or outsource personnel to accomplish their IT needs. When making this decision, there are several considerations that should be evaluated.
6 Great Interview Questions to Ask
The job interview is designed to gain insight into a job candidate’s skills, abilities, knowledge, and fit with the company. Candidates are accustomed to many of the standard interview questions.
Employee Payroll Tax Deferral
On September 1 President Trump’s Executive Memorandum dated August 8 went into effect. On August 28 the Department of Treasury issued preliminary guidance on the Memorandum which allows certain employees to delay the payment of payroll taxes from September 1 through December 31.
Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act
On June 5, 2020 the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which will implement substantial changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was signed by President Trump into law. Among other changes, the bill extends the time that businesses have to spend PPP loan funds and alters the forgiveness rules.
Paycheck Protection Program – Loan Forgiveness
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan from your bank backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis.The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll and other specific expenses.
CARES Act: Employer Tax Deferral
As we continue to wade through the COVID-19 regulations we want to update you on the deferral of employment tax deposits and payments portion of the CARES Act.
Will Your Payroll System be Ready for Form W-4 Overhaul?
The IRS recently released a draft of its new Form W-4. While the new form is not expected to be made available until 2020 employers should be aware of how the new format will affect payroll systems.
Tax Day Results
Was your tax refund what you expected it to be? Or did you end up owing more than you anticipated? If your taxes this year resulted in a big swing in either direction, it might be time to adjust your W-4.
Service You Deserve
No one likes calling a call center - endless hold times and explaining who you are and what you need multiple times. Introducing Spirit HR. Spirit HR is an HR outsourcing company passionate about personal service.
5 Reasons to Outsource
There are many reasons why a company would outsource certain business functions. Outsourcing is a great way to improve your competitive advantage while controlling costs.
The PEO industry is growing
If you are a small to medium-sized business and you are not using a PEO, you are missing the efficiencies of outsourcing. PEOs provide payroll, employee benefits, HR, workers’ compensation and risk management services to businesses across the country.
Selecting an Accredited PEO is Smart Business
PEOs assume responsibility for payroll, payroll tax administration, benefits administration and HR matters. How do you assure you are selecting a credible and reliable PEO to execute these crucial duties? Look for an accredited PEO.
The Challenges of Being a Multi-state Employer
Growth is a good thing. But if your business has expanded to where you have employees in more than one state, you’re probably discovering the challenges of being a multi-state employer.
PEOs Are Good for Your Employees
As a small business owner, you may be considering a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) for your HR services. You may wonder, “Is partnering with a PEO good for employees?”
Developing a Plan to Reopen
Establishments are beginning to reopen, and people are returning to the workplace. Employers need to establish plans to help keep employees healthy and the workplace safe from infectious disease.
OSHA Reporting Guidance – COVID-19
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued guidance for reporting occupational illnesses related to COVID-19. The provisions will take effect immediately and are intended to be time-limited to the current public health crisis.
Distracted Driving Awareness
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making this the perfect time to engage with employees and take advantage of training resources that are widely available. But more importantly it’s the perfect reminder that as an employer you can affect change not only in your company’s safety record but in the safety of your community.
PPE Prevents Injuries
Personal protective equipment (PPE) prevents injuries in the workplace. PPE is vital to employee safety. It should be considered as a line of defense between the worker and the hazard, and, it is required under OSHA regulations.
Flu-Fighting in the Workplace
With the illness currently widespread in over half the United States, the flu is no doubt wreaking havoc in workplaces all over. What can you do to help fight the flu in your workplace?
Workplace Safety Resolutions
Each new year brings about resolutions that range from easily attainable those that are impossible. Most resolutions seem to center around personal well-being and health. Why not help your employees with those things and make a safety resolution? After all, health and safety in the workplace should come first.
Week In Review
Need a little weekend reading? Each Friday we will be posting a round up of posts from the week. September 1 - September 6, 2019
Do Odd Interview Questions Work?
Do odd interview questions work? Today we take a look at some that will make you wonder the method behind the madness.
Week In Review
Need a little weekend reading? Each Friday we will be posting a round up of posts from the week. July 20 - July 26, 2019
Week In Review
Need a little weekend reading? Each Friday we will be posting a round up of posts from the week. June 15 - June 21, 2019
Week In Review
Need a little weekend reading? Each Friday we will be posting a round up of posts from the week. June 8 - June 14, 2019
Week In Review
Need a little weekend reading? Each Friday we will be posting a round up of posts from the week. May 25 - May 31, 2019
More than Direct Cost to Work Comp Claims
If you think your insurance carrier is paying all costs associated with a workers’ compensation claim, think again. The insurance company is responsible for the direct costs of a claim but what about indirect costs?
Deciphering Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation laws are complicated, we get it! Do you sometimes wonder what mythical cipher was used to create the secret code used in claims communications? Acronyms and terminology for workers’ compensation claims vary depending on the nature of injury and the progression of the claim.
PPE Prevents Injuries
Personal protective equipment (PPE) prevents injuries in the workplace. PPE is vital to employee safety. It should be considered as a line of defense between the worker and the hazard, and, it is required under OSHA regulations.
OSHA 300A Posting Deadline
The OSHA record keeping rule requires certain employers to keep a log of serious injuries and illnesses throughout the year and then post a summary for three months beginning on February 1st each year.
Top 3 Preventable Workplace Accidents
The backbone of a good safety program is prevention. As an employer, it’s important to assess potential hazards in your workplace and act to address them. It’s equally important for employees to take ownership of their own safety.
Five Benefits of Prompt Workers’ Comp Claim Reporting
Does prompt reporting of a workers’ compensation claim make a difference? The answer is yes. Reporting an injury to your workers’ comp carrier as soon as possible is as important for you as it is to your employee.