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Don't You Dare Enter Any Data for Your Employees
February 19, 2019
For everything we do as consumers, we do it all on smartphones, whether it be buying things on Amazon or bypassing the line at Starbucks because you used their app to order and pay. The digital transformation isn't on the way – it's already here. Technology connecting us directly to the database has enriched our […]
New, Proposed Overtime Rule: 5 Important Questions You Should Be Asking
February 14, 2019
In March, the Department of Labor is expected to publish a proposed rule that increases the salary level for exempt employees, making some previously salaried U.S. workers eligible for overtime pay. While the agency hasn't yet released the proposed annual salary threshold number, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta has provided estimates close to $33,000 annually […]
On the Money: Making the Case for Financial Wellness Programs at Your Business
February 5, 2019
Demand for financial wellness programs in the workplace is unlikely to drop to a zero balance soon, given that 64% of today's employees are paying off student loans; with 54% of them stressed about finances in general, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Furthermore, research by Prudential found the number of employers offering such programs jumped 63% in […]
Inefficient HR Processes Come With a Hefty Price Tag, and We'll Calculate Yours
January 30, 2019
More than a quarter of a million dollars – $261,792.68, to be exact. That's what it costs an employer of 500 people, per year, to not equip employees with HR technology. How do we know? Because Ernst & Young recently conducted comprehensive research to determine that cost, and we built an online calculator based on […]
4 Things Millennials Should Do to Enhance Their Leadership Skills
January 9, 2019
Guess what, millennials? We now make up the largest generation in the workforce. In other words, rolled ice cream is here to stay! As baby boomers transition out of the workplace, the leadership opportunities trend upward as well, leaving millennials in prime positioning to take on more responsibilities. But because of this generation's tendency to […]
How to Hire and Onboard Great Employees for Your Restaurant
January 3, 2019
You found a list of potential employees who fit your restaurant's needs. Great! But in the middle of your celebratory cartwheel, you think, "What's next?" To create a cohesive team that fulfills your restaurant's vision, an effective hiring and onboarding process is key. The right process can affect employee turnover and commitment to your business. […]
How to Get Organized and Create More Bandwidth as an HR Business Partner
December 21, 2018
If you're like most HR leaders, you're constantly asking how can you spend more time on the strategic and relational parts of your role rather than the dreaded paper pushing. But while the typical HR department still spends nearly 60% of their time on transactional and operational HR, the best spend less than 40% of […]
Your Solution for Employee Holiday Stress: EAP
December 14, 2018
The holiday season can be full of highs and lows: Finding and buying the perfect gift for those you love – but also, added financial anxiety. Finding ways to relax during time off – but despite our best efforts, thoughts of the looming backlog of work. Parties to throw and attend – and the continual […]
Commitment Issues: How EAPs Can Benefit Employees' New Year's Resolutions
December 6, 2018
Lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthier, save money: Any of those ring a bell? According to Statista, over 30% of Americans had one or more of these aspirations on their New Year's resolution list. Unfortunately, even the most well-thought-out New Year's resolutions usually don't come to fruition. In fact, almost half are broken by the […]
Who's Next? – Vote for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Winner!
November 20, 2018
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football and is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The winner will be announced live at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 6th, airing on […]
5 Tips to Help Millennials Set Goals for the New Year
November 14, 2018
Business leaders today not only have to juggle project management, annual quotas and personal development, but manage entire teams. The most efficient way to set everyone up for success is to help these young professionals set goals. Can your employees effectively describe what your company does and why it matters? Do they know how their […]
What HR Needs to Know About the New Joint Employer Rule
November 8, 2018
A new joint-employer rule, proposed by the National Labor Relations Board in September, will affect both franchises and businesses that use third-party contract labor – in other words, a large swath of American businesses. Chances are good that it will affect your organization as well. So what do you need to know, from an HR […]
No Doubt: 4 Things You Must Know to Keep Self-Doubt From Winning
November 5, 2018
You can't do it. It's no use. You're just not good enough. Now ignore those first three sentences, because there's no legitimate reason to doubt yourself. On the clock or off, we often become our own worst enemy, allowing self-doubt to creep in and consume our thoughts when we least need them. In today's world, […]
3 Tips for Effectively Communicating Open Enrollment
October 25, 2018
It's that season again! Pumpkin spice, football, sweaters, open enrollment, falling leaves … While most non-HR people don't add open enrollment to this particular list, the fall season brings just that to many organizations. Employees are gearing up to make big decisions regarding health insurance and other benefit options, which can be stressful not only […]
How to Create a Substance Abuse Policy for Your Workplace
October 19, 2018
Creating a substance abuse policy does not have to be an overwhelming task to be outsourced. While it's always wise to consult legal counsel before implementing company policies, including a short provision in the employee handbook often will suffice, such as: Employees are prohibited from unlawfully consuming, possessing or using controlled substances while on duty. […]
3 Ways Executives Can Combat Decision Fatigue
October 10, 2018
Business leaders of today not only have to contend with a new generation of employees and an ever-evolving technology landscape, they're also coming up against a vague, yet powerful foe to productivity: decision fatigue. A Cornell University study estimated that the average person makes 221 decisions a day just concerning food alone, and widely circulated […]
7 Easy Tips for Hard Conversations About an Employee's Performance
October 2, 2018
One of a manager's more unpleasant tasks is speaking with an employee when his or her job performance may not be up to par. It's never an easy conversation. However, it can be easier. Use these seven steps as your guide. 1. Be graceful. Four of the most dreaded words in the English language: "We […]
Setting the Standard: Understanding Joint-Employer Changes
September 24, 2018
If your company uses third-party labor or operates under a franchise model, the recently proposed joint-employer rule could have a significant impact on your business practices. Not sure how? You're not alone. You can get the full details of how we got here in this blog post, but in short, this new rule would overturn […]
NLRB Proposes New Joint Employer Rule
September 14, 2018
Today, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) intended to clarify what constitutes a joint-employer relationship between two businesses. The proposed rule The rule essentially would replace the current Browning-Ferris standard in determining joint-employer relationships. This directly affects businesses that rely on third-party, contracted labor and those with a […]
Prove Their Worth: Creating and Using a Total Compensation Statement
September 7, 2018
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employer-paid benefits in private industries in 2017 was 30.5% of the average worker's total salary. Here's how you can give your employees a comprehensive, easy-to-read look at the benefits you provide and help them understand what you invest in them beyond their wage alone. Step 1: Choose […]
5 Questions for Aspiring Female Executives
August 22, 2018
We can all agree that having women in executive leadership is not a new concept, but recent trends have shown more interest than ever in this important initiative. Multiple contemporary studies have shown that women in leadership roles bring forth positive business impact and gender diversity has been repeatedly linked to greater innovation, productivity, employee […]
Why Sexual Harassment Claims in the Restaurant Industry Are Often Overlooked
August 9, 2018
Stories of sexual harassment in industries such as media and tech have captured news attention for the past several months, and for good reason. According to a recent survey conducted by a nonprofit called Stop Street Harassment, 81% of women and 43% of men surveyed noted experiencing some form of sexual harassment during their lifetime. […]
From Risk to Asset: Training Restaurant Managers in the Era of #MeToo
July 19, 2018
Sexual harassment in the restaurant industry is prevalent. It occurs between customers and employees, co-workers, and managers and employees. And although those dynamics happen between many people, in each scenario, one person can help reduce the risk harassment poses to your people and your business: the restaurant manager. The manager, in terms of authority, often […]
3 Benefits When Employees Manage Their Own HR Information
July 5, 2018
When's the last time you went to the bookstore to buy the latest novel by your favorite author? If you're like an ever-growing percent of the population, probably about 10 years ago. Most of us live our lives online, especially millennials and members of Generation Z. According to Statista, the average internet user aged 18-32 […]
10 Ways to Become a Better HR Business Partner
June 29, 2018
As the largest conference for the HR industry, the SHRM 2018 Annual Conference & Exposition had a lot to offer on the subject of HR strategy. Here are my top 10 takeaways.
To Spark Real Employee Engagement, Choose Your HR Tech Wisely
June 20, 2018
On June 28, Paycom and I are collaborating on a webinar about engagement that everyone needs to attend. Why? Because we're at a standstill in terms of employee engagement, and we're going to be looking at the most effective ways to break out of it. We're going past the concept of employee experience to exactly […]
Why Your Business Needs a Mentorship Program
June 12, 2018
It's no secret that great leaders consistently place a high value on mentoring others. Mentors help budding leaders gain important insights, give them much-needed honest feedback and serve as a blueprint for success to their mentees. Sometimes these mutually beneficial relationships between more experienced, upper-management individuals and younger employees happen organically; other times, they may […]
Best Practices for Communicating Anti-Harassment Policy to a Diverse Workforce
May 23, 2018
With the current cultural emphasis on preventing workplace harassment, many employers are revising and updating their anti-harassment policies. But no matter how good your policy is, it is valuable only to the extent that you communicate it to your employees and provide them with the necessary training and resources to implement it. In 2016, the […]
An Employer's First Steps to Avoiding Workplace Violence
May 7, 2018
In the wake of workplace threats nationwide, businesses are taking a closer look at their own threat and crisis management plans and policies. HR is an essential component in planning for workplace emergencies, from the conceptual stages to employee training. Larry Barton, the highest-rated instructor at the FBI National Academy and U.S. Marshals Service, recently […]
How Mindfulness Benefits the Boardroom
April 26, 2018
Often, "mindfulness" conjures up images of stillness in a yoga studio. But fast-paced executives are finding mindfulness and leadership also go hand in hand. Intentionally tuning in to daily tasks, people and events can actually benefit the boardroom as much as it does the boat pose. Why mindfulness matters Merriam-Webster defines mindfulness as "the practice […]
Levels and Landscapes: Equipping Tomorrow's Leaders
April 18, 2018
Leaders are "the primary factor behind employee productivity, commitment and bottom-line profitability," according to research from leadership consultant expert researchers Zenger Folkman. The stakes are high, which doesn't make it any easier to ensure the leaders in your organization are reaching their full potential, or that your next crop of leaders will be up to […]
Identifying Culture, Implementing Change: Highlights From the Workology HRetreat at SXSW
April 10, 2018
Learning how to measure and effect change within their organizational culture is a high priority for companies nationwide. During the 2018 SXSW Conference, a panel of experts from Whole Foods, RetailMeNot, Businessolver and Weeva spoke with HR Break Room and Jessica Melo, executive director of sales training at Paycom, about this key topic at the […]
Diversity Training in the Workplace: Helping Managers Understand 'Cultural Fit'
March 29, 2018
In July 2017, a 30-something manager wrote to the Ask a Manager blog with an issue. One of the manager's team members recently had quit; during her exit interview, she revealed some interesting tidbits about why. As a result, HR confronted the manager about "cultural problems" in the department. The manager saw nothing wrong with […]
Swish! 5 Talent Lessons I've Already Learned From the NCAA Tournament This March
March 21, 2018
If you're like me, you're involved in the NCAA Tournament in some form or fashion. If you're not actively watching the games, you are connected to the spectacle in one of two ways: You filled out a bracket. It's team-building 101 in many organizations and goes something like this: You complete your bracket. It gets busted […]
5 Offbeat Holidays to Celebrate at Work … and Boost Employee Engagement
March 13, 2018
Halloween, Thanksgiving and the "holiday season" all fall in the fourth quarter, meaning the last three months of the year are jam-packed with celebrations and events, not only in your employees' personal lives, but likely in your workplace as well. But that festive atmosphere doesn't have to fall only when the leaves do. Thanks to […]
4 Lessons from 4 History-Making Female Leaders
March 7, 2018
International Women's Day is March 8. Recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of women highlights characteristics we can all emulate as we strive for success. Here's what we can learn from the stories of four history-making female leaders. Lesson 1: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." – Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), first […]
4 Ways to Foster a Values-Driven Employee Culture
February 27, 2018
Attracting high-caliber employees doesn't happen by accident. Do the attributes you look for in an employee align with your company's core values? Like every facet of a company's communications and marketing plan, articulating a clear, core values-driven message to potential employees will help ensure the people who apply to your company already understand and believe […]
How Employers Can Look to California as a Trendsetter
February 21, 2018
It seems that every year, California imposes another piece of legislation upon employers that hasn't even been considered in any other state, let alone passed, and many California cities have their own set of complex ordinances. However, instead of thinking as California as an island or an anomaly, savvy business professionals should take a moment […]
Understanding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
February 8, 2018
With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) being signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 22, 2017, several changes to individual and business taxation were made. How those changes affect each taxpayer depends on that individual's specific situation. Below is a "big-picture" overview of various provisions affecting businesses and individuals, with more […]
Diversity vs. Inclusion: The Difference Between Them … and Why Businesses Need Both
January 31, 2018
While "Diversity" and "Inclusion" often are used interchangeably, the difference between the two concepts is vitally important. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), studies show that teams or organizations with diverse qualities, experiences and work styles bring more ideas, perspectives and approaches to the table. On top of efforts to diversify their […]
Eight Key Areas for Visionary Goal-Setting
January 22, 2018
How are your New Year's resolutions going? If you're like most people, you've created some great goals for 2018, but you may need a little extra motivation to keep them up. Entrepreneur, life coach and The School of Greatness podcast host Lewis Howes is dedicated to helping others live their best lives, and he has […]
Employer Deadline Extended for Furnishing 2017 ACA Forms
January 4, 2018
Distribution of 2017 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Forms 1095-B or -C to your employees has been extended. As issued in Notice 2018-06, the IRS has extended the deadline from Jan. 31 to March 2. (However, the deadline to provide Forms W-2 and 1099 to employees and contract workers remains as Jan. 31.) Filing deadlines unchanged […]
3 Ways to Attract and Retain Key Employees Through Technology
December 20, 2017
In selecting the right workforce technology, there are a lot of things to consider, especially in organizations employing workers who span – count them – four generations: baby boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z. Figuring out how to successfully attract, manage and engage each poses a unique challenge. Whether you're ready to embrace the […]
3 Steps to Retaining a Talented Seasonal Workforce
December 14, 2017
We've now reached the busiest time of year for many employers – even if you're not in the retail industry. And your seasonal employees might be an important asset long after the holiday rush. Thanks to the lowest unemployment rate in 16 years and the rising gig economy, this past year has proven especially challenging […]
4 Weaknesses in an Employer Brand From a Galaxy Far, Far Away
December 11, 2017
With the holiday moviegoing season upon us, one of the most anticipated blockbusters – about a continuing space battle – is approaching at warp speed. Earlier entries in this enduring franchise actually can teach us about one of today's hottest HR topics, the employer brand. The first film's hero – we'll call him Lou Swashbuckler […]
The 2018 Social Security Wage Base increases to $128,400
December 4, 2017
Each October, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces cost-of-living adjustments based on changes in national average wages. These adjustments take effect the following January. Based on available data, on Oct. 13, the SSA communicated the maximum amount of wages subject to Social Security tax for 2018 to be $128,700, an increase from $127,200 in 2017. […]
How to Build an Organization of Encore Performers
November 27, 2017
Mark Sanborn is a celebrated speaker and the international bestselling author of The Fred Factor, a book about developing leadership and becoming an exceptional individual. He is passionate about developing leaders in business and life to help them achieve their full potential. I recently talked with Sanborn on the HR Break Room podcast about how […]
California 'Ban the Box' Law to Take Effect Jan. 1
November 16, 2017
Last month, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1008 (AB 1008), placing new restrictions on employers' ability to make hiring decisions based on applicants' criminal history. Effective Jan. 1, 2018, AB 1008 also limits when employers may ask applicants about that history. Prior to this legislation, "ban the box" protections only prohibited state and […]
IRS Quietly Prepares to Assess ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Payments
November 10, 2017
Late last week, without announcement, the IRS amended a FAQ about its planned process for assessing employer shared responsibility payments (ESRPs) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Previously, the document suggested that further guidance would be forthcoming, prior to notifying affected applicable large employers (ALEs) about potential penalties owed under the federal health care law's […]
California Expands Harassment Training Requirements
November 7, 2017
On Oct. 15, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 396 into law, requiring California employers with 50 or more employees to provide managers with interactive training on sexual harassment based on gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. This training expands the currently mandated manager training on sexual harassment and abusive conduct. The California […]
Sexual Harassment: Making the Workplace Safe for Everyone
November 1, 2017
Sexual harassment has dominated recent headlines since The New York Times broke the story on Harvey Weinstein. And companies across the country have taken note. As most business owners and HR professionals know, sexual harassment is a complex issue. In the most recent episode of Paycom's HR Break Room podcast, we spoke with workology.com founder, […]
Protect Your Company's Reputation Through Compliance Training
October 25, 2017
Business mogul Warren Buffet once said, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." Your employees have the ability to help build or potentially ruin your company's reputation, yet many organizations treat compliance training as an afterthought: a box that […]
The 1 Thing Efficient, Happy and Motivated Employees Have in Common
October 19, 2017
Efficiency, happiness and motivation: These traits characterize the ideal employee, but how can today's employers inspire their workforce to have more of each? Through the use of carefully chosen technology. Here's how technology factors in to developing your employees into the best they can be. Click here to see Jacob Morgan's SHRM-certified on-demand webinar "How […]
Trump Announces 2 Changes to ACA
October 13, 2017
Update 10/18/2017 – On October 17, Senators Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray announced a tentative bipartisan deal to help stabilize the ACA Marketplaces and potentially fund Cost Sharing Reduction payments for two years. The bill must pass both the Senate and the House before it becomes effective, and would also require President Trump's signature. On […]
The Winning Workforce Equation
September 28, 2017
The term "the employee experience" is thrown around frequently in HR today. It's not the same as "employee engagement," another well-known industry buzzword. With trends evolving at such a rapid pace, what is this new concept that's making waves in the industry? Looking for a deeper dive into the employee experience? Check out the HR […]
Back to the Drawing Board: The DOL's Overtime Overhaul Request for Information
September 19, 2017
The U. S. Department of Labor is taking comments on how it should move forward with overtime overhaul Since the newest regulations to the overtime law were found invalid, employers are subject to the previous version of Fair Labor Standards Act. However, the roller coaster has not ended. On July 26, 2017, the DOL published […]
Knowing the Limits of Political Conversations at Work
September 5, 2017
Having political conversations in the office can be difficult, especially in the wake of a divisive post-election season. When employees from various walks of life work in the same space, there's more opportunity for political disagreements and potentially toxic office conversations. Determining how your organization will handle political activity in your organization remains a blind […]
3 Reasons to Ditch Manual Processes (and Use the HR Technology You've Already Paid For)
August 28, 2017
In the fight for competitive advantage in this digital age, businesses must race to embrace cutting-edge technologies. However, those businesses do not always stop to consider if the technology they have purchased includes process automation — a critical component for the tech to be scalable with the growth of an organization. Sierra-Cedar recently conducted a […]
Political Conversations at Work
August 20, 2017
In the wake of a heated post-election season, we're reminded that political conversations in the workplace are inevitable. It is important for HR and managers to work together and guide employees out of potentially tumultuous situations without sacrificing a productive, politically diverse workforce. Listen now to the HR Break Room podcast episode, Political Conversations at […]
4 Truths About the Ideal Millennial Workplace
August 8, 2017
In today's increasingly technology-heavy workplace, the millennial workforce continues to grow and thrive. According to the Pew Research Center, the millennial labor force surpassed Generation X as the largest in the workforce in 2015. In fact, Pricewaterhouse Coopers estimates that millennials will make up 50% of the workforce by 2020. Listen now to our HR Break […]
Jawbs: Sharks' Similarities to Job Titles
July 26, 2017
Just like you and me, sharks have their own set of personality traits, and these attributes have set both species apart as apex predators. In honor of one of the greatest weeks featuring our misconstrued finned friends from the sea, TV's Shark Week, let's discuss the parallels shared between sharks and job titles of corporate […]
Rethink the Shark: Don't Let Fear Hold You Back
July 24, 2017
Despite their bad rap, sharks aren't quite the bloodthirsty animals Hollywood has made them out to be. While Jaws may have been a box-office champ, reality paints a different picture of these toothy sea creatures. Thanks to that 1975 film and other pieces of pop culture across contemporary media – including Discovery's summer annual Shark Week programming – we […]
Orientation or Onboarding: Does It Matter?
July 18, 2017
"Onboarding" and "orientation" are buzzwords you'll see thrown around a lot in discussions on human capital management (HCM), and with good reason: It's a costly investment to hire the right person for a valuable position, and it's important to ensure that your new hires feel valued and engaged so that they can remain a contributing […]
5 Leadership Lessons HR Can Learn from American History
June 28, 2017
Here at Paycom we love green, but on the heels of the 4th of July, we thought it would be appropriate to stay with the Red, White and Blue. The story of how we earned our freedom is a vast and important one, and is still relateable, especially in the office. Here are five specific […]
4 Insights About Evolving Drug Screening Policies
June 15, 2017
During the November 2016 election, eight of the nine states with marijuana-related decisions on the ballot voted to legalize the drug for medical and/or recreational purposes. This trend has gained traction across the country; today, more than half the nation has state laws in place that allow marijuana for medicinal use. Marijuana legalization has created […]
U.S. Job Market Reports Foreshadow a Résumé Tsunami
June 8, 2017
As costly quitting rates rise and the employment-to-population ratio reaches new heights, employers should expect to receive more and more applications than in years past. This impending "résumé tsunami" will make finding and retaining top talent even harder. That's why now is a good time for HR pros to consider developing labor trends and their […]
Why HR and PR Need to be Friends
May 23, 2017
Today's tech has created an environment with 24/7 access and instant communication. Anyone, anywhere, at any time can share live company updates, photos and videos to countless followers, media outlets, investors and competitors. This live and on-demand style of communication directly impacts your HR department, since employee actions and consumer satisfaction can be shared in […]
New York to Implement Nation's Most Comprehensive Paid Family Leave Program
April 14, 2017
Private employers in the state of New York will soon be required to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family leave. The new law will apply to all employees of employers covered by the state's worker's compensation law and will be completely employee-funded via payroll deductions. Public employers are permitted to participate by opting-in […]
Does Your Workforce Data Fly Securely in the Cloud?
March 31, 2017
Does Your Workforce Data Fly Securely in the Cloud? For globally inclined businesses, the data cloud has become nearly indispensable. In fact, research consultancies estimate that worldwide spending on public cloud services will climb from a $70 billion industry in 2015 to over $141 billion in 2019. Decisions to turn to the cloud for your […]
2 Surprising Benefits of Employee Self-Service
March 30, 2017
2 Surprising Benefits of Employee Self-Service Times are a-changin', and HR leaders are feeling it. According to a 2016 Pew Research Center report, technology-driven shifts have increased a sense of self-reliance and independence in individuals. According to the study, "Nearly nine-in-ten Americans today are online up from about half in the early 2000s […]. Roughly three-quarters […]
3 Mistakes Managers Make During Performance Reviews (And How to Fix Them)
March 29, 2017
3 Mistakes Managers Make During Performance Reviews (And How to Fix Them) Are you and your employees prepared for their annual performance reviews? While every organization approaches performance reviews differently, one commonality remains the same: Performance reviews are an important part of the employer's role. 3 Tips for Your Next Performance Review The approach your […]
You Are 2 Steps Away From Being More Productive
March 24, 2017
You Are 2 Steps Away From Being More Productive Productivity often is touted as the Holy Grail of today's workforce. Countless books and apps are packed to the brim with tips promising to make you more efficient, while today's managers scour for — and promote — candidates with past episodes of grand productivity. You would […]
Businesses in 2017 Need New Leaders. Are You Ready?
March 22, 2017
Businesses in 2017 Need New Leaders. Are You Ready? Companies are growing and the need for new leaders is growing with them. A recent Yahoo Finance article noted that workers are returning to the workforce in droves, with the employment-to-population ratio hitting 60 percent — the highest it has been since February 2009. Consequently, if […]
It's That Time of Year Again: Tax Phishing Season
March 20, 2017
It's That Time of Year Again: Tax Phishing Season With tax season upon us, so are security concerns. Con artists – or "malicious actors" as they're known in information technology (IT) circles – understand that people may be more susceptible to a well-crafted phishing email during tax-filing and refund time. For example, you would most […]
How to Avoid This Big Interview Mistake
March 14, 2017
How Fast-Growing Companies Can Avoid This Big Interview Mistake When it comes to finding new talent, making sure they fit in with a company's culture and core values has become an important part of the interview process. Why? Because your culture is a reflection of the character, personality, strengths and weaknesses of your people. Finding […]
Employee Engagement vs. Employee Motivation
March 9, 2017
Are Employee Engagement and Employee Motivation the Same Thing? Frank Sinatra said it best in his classic Love and Marriage, "you can't have one without the other." Both are crucial to driving your employees to do big things for your business. Before we dive in, it's important to explore the idea of motivation itself. Intrinsic […]
The Millennial Expectation of Technology in the Workplace
March 7, 2017
The Millennial Expectation of Technology in the Workplace Tom Brokaw has called them the "greatest generation since the "Greatest Generation." They have had more screen time than any other generation in history. They are millennials, and they are no longer the up-and-coming generation. This group of people – born between 1980 and 2000 – already […]
How Workforce Analytics Can Change Your Company
March 3, 2017
Picture yourself walking into a huge, imposing library. Books of every genre and length line the shelves; those shelves begin at your feet and go up, up, up far beyond your vision. Then, imagine walking over to a random shelf and reaching out to the first book you see. You open the book and read […]
Are Your Employees Planning to Leave in 2017?
February 28, 2017
Are Your Employees Planning to Leave in 2017? If you manage a team of five or more people, chances are at least one of your direct reports are considering a change of employers in the next ten months. According to the latest CareerBuilder survey, more than one in five American workers, or 22 percent, are […]
ACA Awaits Repeal or Repair
February 20, 2017
ACA Update on October 13, 2017: Trump Announces two Changes to ACA After his electoral win in November, President Donald Trump, buoyed by Republican majorities in the House and the Senate, vowed to act quickly to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Pres. Trump has now been in office for a month, and […]
3 Management Lessons Past Presidents Can Teach Today's Leaders
February 8, 2017
3 Leadership Lessons from Lincoln, Kennedy and FDR Every year, Americans celebrate Presidents Day as a day of remembrance — a day to look back and learn from our nation's leaders. In today's competitive market, business leaders are looking for the edge that will put their organization and workforce ahead of the curve. This Presidents […]
LMS 101: The Evolution of Corporate Learning
February 3, 2017
Learning Management Systems 101 is a weekly blog series exploring how employers can rethink traditional employee training and move toward e-learning solutions, which are faster, easier to access, and more cost effective. The Evolution of Corporate Learning is the first post of this series. LMS 101: The Evolution of Corporate Learning With a history that spans hundreds […]
3 Things Employers Should Know About Wage Garnishments
February 2, 2017
Millions of Americans' wages are garnished every year, meaning most employers have processed at least one wage garnishment. Creditors and financial institutions now use wage garnishments to collect on everything from medical bills to consumer debt. Debt collectors, creditors and debt buyers file numerous consumer credit lawsuits annually in almost every state. Just as the number of […]
4 HR Mistakes to Avoid on Groundhog Day … and Every Day
February 1, 2017
4 HR Mistakes to Avoid on Groundhog Day … and Every Day In the 1993 movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray's character of Phil Connors finds himself stuck in a time loop that keeps repeating Feb. 2. Brash and egotistical, Phil views the situation as a pass for misconduct, since technically, there is no tomorrow. And […]
5 Tips for Your HR Budget
January 23, 2017
5 Tips for Your HR Budget Today's HR budget is multifaceted, largely due to HR's shift from a traditional operational role to strategic business partner. No longer viewed as simply "personnel," HR now consists of many aspects, all of which must be considered when planning the department budget. While there is no fixed rule concerning […]
The Increasing Responsibility of CHROS: Proving Strategic Value
January 3, 2017
The Increasing Responsibility of CHROS: Proving Strategic Value Much has been written about HR's emerging role as strategic business partner. But, a study involving over 100 directors reveal that executives still view HR as a highly transactional support function that usually does a great job with compensation and benefits – but not as an influential strategic […]
Small Businesses Can Now Compensate Employees Who Purchase Their Own Health Insurance
December 19, 2016
Small Businesses Can Now Compensate Employees Who Purchase Their Own Health Insurance New, small employer ACA requirements effective for plans beginning after Dec. 31, 2016 President Barack Obama recently announced a small gift for small businesses as it relates to insurance. Title 18 of the new 21st Century Cures Act, signed by President Obama on […]
HR Technology: Evolving to Full Business Partner
November 29, 2016
HR Tech: Evolving to Full Business Partner In the early 1990s, legacy enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs) dominated the HR technology landscape. But, these systems have many shortcomings, including being difficult or impossible to integrate with other applications – leading to employees wasting time on tasks that should be automated. Fortunately, HR technology has come […]
What You Need to Know About the Recently Updated I-9 Form
November 22, 2016
What You Need to Know About the New I-9 On Nov. 14 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new version of the Form I-9 which is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of workers. When is it Valid? While the revised version is available now, you can still use the […]
5 Reasons to School Your Workforce
November 4, 2016
5 Reasons to School Your Workforce Learning management systems (LMS) have become even more popular in the corporate workplace, and it's not without good reason: They work. In recent years, employees have become all too familiar with cumbersome or outdated training methods. According to Gallup, only 32 percent of U.S. employees are engaged in their […]
4 Ways to Make Your Employees Want to Come to Work
October 28, 2016
Disengaged employees don't feel motivated to work. A 2015 survey by Gallup revealed that 50.8 percent of American workers were not engaged in their jobs. Consequently, disengaged employees may arrive to work late, miss deadlines, submit poor-quality work, alienate themselves from co-workers or seek employment elsewhere. While the employee could be solely responsible for his or […]
3 Ways Your HR Team Can Master Compliance
October 18, 2016
Complex rules, weighty administrative responsibilities, zero margin for error: When it comes to complying with employment legislation, the burden for U.S. businesses — both large and small — is substantial. Small and medium-sized businesses in particular must manage their resources wisely, and can find it increasingly difficult to allocate the staff – and the time […]
House Moves to Delay New Overtime Rule; Obama Administration Threatens Veto
October 6, 2016
On Sept. 28, 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure that would delay the effective date of the new overtime rule by six months. The Republican-backed measure – known as H.R. 6094: Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act – passed by a vote of 246-177. But victory may be short-lived, […]
ACA-Related Costs and Premiums Predicted to Increase in 2017
September 21, 2016
ACA-Related Costs and Premiums Predicted to Increase in 2017 With the 2017 open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or "Obamacare" just around the corner, states are beginning to approve insurer rate requests. Based on the results so far, people who buy health insurance on their own via the marketplace can expect some steep […]
3 Hiring Roadblocks That Are Costing You Top Talent
September 14, 2016
In a perfect world, your hiring process would be simple. A position would open and attract the perfect candidate. He or she would apply, interview, be hired and onboard speedily and seamlessly. Sadly, this isn't a perfect world. Perhaps that's why Wasp Barcode Technologies' State of Small Business Report ranks hiring among the top concerns […]
Gender Discrimination: Achieving Equality in Job Interviews
August 31, 2016
Equal employment opportunity laws prohibit employers from discriminating against job candidates and employees based on their gender. But, gender discrimination has a tendency to surface during job interviews. As seen in the case of Joyce Dennis. (Dennis v. Columbia Colleton Medical Group, 290 F.3d 639 (4th Cir. 2002)), organizations can be found liable for gender-based […]
5 Worth-It Tools for Advanced HR Management
August 10, 2016
Remember when the human resource function within most companies was largely administrative? Josh Bersin paints the picture perfectly when he describes traditional HR as being "focused on service delivery, staying efficient and reducing cost and headcount."[i] But, times are changing. HR's realm of responsibility – and the impact it has on the business at large […]
4 Ways to Evaluate HR Tech Like a CFO
July 20, 2016
In recent years, the gap between finance and HR has narrowed. Among more than 550 CFOs and CHROs surveyed in one study, 80 percent said their relationship has become more collaborative
WOTC Transition Relief Date Extended
June 28, 2016
Here's some good news for Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) employers: On June 17, the IRS issued a notice offering additional transition relief for employers claiming the WOTC.
Reader's Weekly Picks: Top 3 Paycom Blog Posts
June 15, 2016
It is no surprise that two of the three top blogs are in regard to the new overtime expansion rule. With a Dec. 1 effective date approaching, employers are searching for news on how to mitig
Ditch the Hassle of Garnishments Before Garnishments Hassle You
May 31, 2016
Two definitions exist for the word "garnishment." One is like the sprig of parsley on your dinner plate: mere ornamental dressing to which you may not pay any attention.
Department of Labor Announces Details of Final Overtime Rule
May 18, 2016
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the final details of its overtime rule in a fact sheet issued prior to publication in the Federal Register.
The SBEA Makes It Easier for Customers to Drop Their PEO
May 9, 2016
Fancy packaging doesn't necessarily render a gift valuable. The same can be said for employee leasing companies, also called Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs).
Billions of Dollars Up for Grabs in Federal Tax Credits
April 18, 2016
Good news! Tax Day was extended to April 18 this year. But that's not all there is to smile about. Billions of dollars are available in federal tax credits for businesses like yours, and you're about to find out how easy it can be to take advantage of them. Most businesses are not even aware of one of the biggest tax incentive programs out there: the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).
Choosing the Right HCM Software Provider Is Essential to ACA Compliance
April 6, 2016
The complex nature of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is well documented, and for good reason. The criteria for applicable large employers (ALEs) contain a sea of intricacies, which are tough
This Easter, Put ALL Your Eggs in ONE Basket
March 23, 2016
Go ahead, do it: Put all your eggs in one basket.
3 Impacts of Learning and Development Goal Setting
March 3, 2016
We know the value learning and development (L&D) has within an organization. In fact, according to a recent study, the learning management market will be worth more than $7 billion in 2018
How to Shape the Culture You Want Using HR Software
February 10, 2016
Culture is inevitable. It happens whether you determine its shape or not. It makes sense then to take control over your company's culture in order to make it the best that it can be.
Yet Another Case Challenging ACA Rejected by Court
January 21, 2016
The latest challenge against the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been rejected after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a case questioning the source of the law's origins.
$1.75 Million Penalty Newest Evidence of Wage and Hour Crackdown
January 8, 2016
When it's necessary to get a drink of water, quickly text a spouse or even answer nature's call, most employees don't think about tracking the time they spend seeing to these personal needs.
'Cadillac Tax' Delayed to 2020
December 23, 2015
Businesses likely to be impacted by the Affordable Care Act's looming "Cadillac tax" were given temporary relief.
NYC Employers Must Offer Pre-Tax Transit Benefits in 2016
November 25, 2015
As of Jan. 1, 2016, New York City private employers with 20 or more full-time employees will be required to offer pretax transit benefits to their full-time employees. The new law is enforce
4 Value-Added Recruiting Metrics HR Must Know
November 16, 2015
For any successful business, bringing in the right talent is a major focus. Keeping tabs on metrics is just as important.
5 Things Managers Should Say More Often
November 4, 2015
Do you know what your employees really want? One survey reveals discrepancies in what managers think employees want and what workers actually do.
Low-Wage Employees Fall Through ACA Gap
October 21, 2015
Small businesses may be concerned that adding employees to their health plan will put them under, yet research reveals that their actual costs are far less than anticipated because many empl
3 Steps to Implementing a Goal-Centric Approach to Employee Engagement
October 13, 2015
Every company wants engaged employees, and most HR executives, if they're being honest, will admit that they haven't found the perfect solution yet. Studies show that employee engagement remains a substantial challenge; a 2015 Gallup poll found that a staggering 51 percent of the workforce is not engaged.
4 Reasons to Embrace Big Data … and Good Data
October 8, 2015
HR folks didn't invent Big Data, but often, they feel like they're the first to be overwhelmed by it. And not just the raw amount of data that could be at their disposal, but the avalanche of hype surrounding its use, too.
3 Guidelines for Executing Wage Garnishments for Tipped Employees
September 30, 2015
Executing a wage garnishment for a tipped employee can be pretty straightforward. At first.
Software Shows the Way as Companies Attempt to Navigate ACA Compliance
September 21, 2015
With nearly 11,000 pages of rules and regulations — and 47 significant changes since its inception — the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is one of the most complex, compliance-related burdens businesses ever will face. Add the risk of millions of dollars in fines for noncompliance and it appears that this federal legislation has created more anxiety and confusion than someone trying to navigate through a large metropolitan city with an outdated paper map.
5 Essential Tools to Expand Your Influence
September 2, 2015
At the beginning of the year, Stacey Pezold, Paycom's COO, encouraged us all to innovate. In addition to having an idea, she said that, in order to innovate, you have to: get your mind in the right place, which is intent, and ensure your heart is ready and open for change, which is inspiration.
Leaders: Walk the Walk to Talk the Talk
August 27, 2015
Google "leadership" and you will find a whopping 464 million results. Videos, blogs, articles, research studies and trainings are all at your disposal, ready to help you become a better leader. However, the best advice I ever received was from my college professor. She said, "If you want people to follow you, you first have to gain their trust and respect."
3 Ways in Which Millennials Are Shaping a New Working World
August 14, 2015
Whether HR professionals and executives realize it or not, the workplace is changing. Baby Boomers are slowly beginning their exit from the workforce and millennials are filling the vacancies. In fact, research from the Pew Research Center indicates that millennials are now the largest age group in the U.S. labor force.
3 Reasons HR Software is Underutilized
July 30, 2015
Have you ever bought anything from a store's "as seen on TV" section? I'm guilty of it and the proud owner of my own personal Snuggie – an ingenious idea. Odds are, many of the impulse items you purchase end up on top of a bookshelf where it serves as a dust collector. Perhaps the same is true of your HRIS software, but unlike The Shake Weight, your HR software serves a more profound purpose.
5 Scenarios Caused by the Overtime Pay Requirements of FLSA
July 14, 2015
Under the Free Labor Standards Act (FLSA), many salaried employees with managerial jobs who receive more than $450 a week aren't entitled to overtime pay, but that would change under a new proposal by the Obama administration. Workers classified as manager or professional who earn up to $970 a week would have to be paid overtime, per the plan devised by the Department of Labor (DOL).
Jawbs: Sharks' Similarities to Job Titles
July 7, 2015
Just like you and me, sharks have their own set of personality traits, and these attributes have set both species apart as apex predators. In honor of one of the greatest weeks featuring our misconstrued finned friends from the sea, TV's Shark Week, we are discussing the parallels shared between sharks and the job titles that make up corporate America.
When Good Intentions Go Bad: 5 Lessons from Jurassic World
June 24, 2015
The greatest flaw in intent is how often good intentions go bad. It doesn't matter if you "didn't mean to" offend someone; regardless, they're upset and you have to figure out how to move on.
Where the Filed Things Are
June 10, 2015
According to a study by the International Data Corporation (IDC), "U.S.-based companies spend $25 billion to $35 billion processing (filing, storing and retrieving) paper. Management of documents over their life cycle pushes that figure up to $100 billion per year." It is no longer a matter of "if - rather, what businesses should consider before buying a document management system (DMS).
3 Ways to Build Your Own Leadership Position
June 1, 2015
Today's workforce is saturated with commentary of how to be a good leader, but nobody gives you a road map showcasing what it takes to become that leader. With a 2014 Bersin by Deloitte survey revealing that leadership is the highest-priority issue businesses face, it's important to know what it takes to become the leader you want to be.
Innovation: Living Deliberately with Intention
May 18, 2015
All great innovations begin with someone intending to be different, be better and be successful. If you don't have intent, you can't innovate.
3 Ways Businesses Shape HR
April 24, 2015
The role of HR professionals is almost unrecognizable compared to that of yesteryear. Once a transactional operation, HR now has become a business of highly skilled consultants. The rapid evolution of cloud technology gives HR more time to be strategic advisers versus their historical HR (e.g. hiring, benefits enrollment and payroll). Now faced with new […]
3 Easy Steps to Drive Organizational Efficiencies
April 16, 2015
With today's technologies, workplace e-Learning tools and web-based learning management systems (LMS) have made it easier than ever for organizations to develop and deliver employee training.
Illinois Acts to Halt Wage Theft
April 1, 2015
What if we lived in a world in which organizations were held accountable for wages owed to their employees? Look no further than Cook County, Ill., whose board of commissioners recently approved a wage theft ordinance. The new ordinance was passed on behalf of low-income employees who increasingly have been plagued by businesses taking advantage of their hard work and abusing labor requirements.
Redefine Employee Engagement Today for a Prosperous Tomorrow
March 18, 2015
Whether it's improving employee engagement, increasing growth opportunities, achieving greater efficiencies or expanding skill sets, organizations across the country have similar goals. That means they also face many of the same challenges. With the correct learning management system (LMS), organizations can better meet these demands, while also creating a more nimble and productive workforce.
Work as We Know It: Redefined
March 11, 2015
Everything you used to know about work? Throw it out. Human resources (HR) departments today must operate in a whole new working world – a world that requires dramatic change and innovative thinking. It challenges existing practices – how leaders are developed, how teams are engaged and how work is designed. It's all different.
Company Wellness Programs: Bank or Bust?
February 26, 2015
When it comes to company wellness programs, 88 percent of employees feel their employer has no significant impact on their overall well-being. "But wait," an employer might say, "we have a company gym to promote wellness, right?" Unfortunately, the Field of Dreams line of "If you build it, they will come" doesn't apply here. Well-being includes elements other than the physical kind.
4 Significant Steps to Make the Most of Your Mentorship Program
February 18, 2015
You've made up your mind to start a mentorship program at work, the research is clear and the boss approves … now what?
4 Talent Management Pitfalls and 4 Easy Ways to Debunk Them
February 10, 2015
Every job candidate hopes to hear these words from prospective employers: "Opportunity is bountiful here." If your organization makes such a claim, but cannot live up to it, you'll find yourself stuck in a revolving door of turnover.
Get 7-Times Greater Results with These 5 Leadership Traits
January 29, 2015
With each passing day, technology advances, allowing us to not only do more, but do so faster and easier. To keep up with that quickened pace, businesses must tap into their most visionary people, which is why developing leaders of your workforce is so crucial.
2 Reasons Companies Resist Internships … and 2 Reasons Why They Shouldn't
January 22, 2015
As spring inches closer and closer, HR teams can expect another round of resumes submitted for internships. Along with the flood comes the debate of whether you should be hiring interns at all.
IRS Issues Notice 2015-2 Guidance on Transit Benefits
January 16, 2015
Earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service released Notice 2015-2, containing new guidelines to assist employers in making retroactive adjustments for 2014's employer-provided excludable transit benefits.
5 New Year's Resolutions for HR Departments
January 9, 2015
Many New Year's resolutions circling the office are the same as last year's, but several resolutions exist that HR professionals can employ to have significant impacts on your organization.
How to Handle 2015's Extra Pay Period
December 31, 2014
Every four years, businesses must account for the phenomenon of an extra pay period. As such, weekly payroll inflates from 52 to 53 check dates, while biweekly payroll increases from 26 to 27.
Earned Income Tax Credit Notification a Must
December 23, 2014
Heads up: The IRS is requiring employers to notify their employees of the Earned Income Credit (EIC) for 2014.
PAYving the Road to Excellence
December 16, 2014
Even though it's our busiest time of the year, we're never too busy to pass on some exciting news and thank our employees, yet again, for helping shine the spotlight on Paycom. Paycom's employees shared their experiences and opinions helping Paycom earn two very prestigious workplace honors. This year Paycom took the number two spot on The Oklahoman's Top Workplaces and landed on Glassdoor's Top 50 Best Places to Work in 2014.
Sing Carols Not Ballads this Black Friday
November 26, 2014
What many know as Black Friday now starts as early as Thanksgiving Day; a Thursday. For businesses planning to open their doors as early as 5 p.m. Thursday, beware of potential employee morale issues. Your employees are giving up their time with family and friends, not to mention the copious amount of food consumed just hours prior to the doors opening, so there may be a bit of lag. The question arises, how can you prepare your staff for the rush, influence good customer service and improve overall employee well-being, while also boosting team morale?
10 Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Job
November 13, 2014
This November, 'tis the season to be thankful. Family and friends immediately come to mind, but have you ever stopped to consider what you're thankful for at work? In our lifetimes, we will have spent roughly 99,117 hours at work. Surely if we're going to be investing this amount of time, there's got to be something we're thankful for, right? This Thanksgiving, let's take a moment to consider how good we have it.
More than 50 Percent of Employees Confused About Open Enrollment
November 4, 2014
Open enrollment can strike fear in the hearts and minds of many. Because let's face it: Benefits can be confusing. According to the 2014 AFLAC Workforces Report, 73 percent of employees think health care reform is too complicated to understand. For HR professionals, this statistic is a huge concern. Perhaps the reason for this confusion is a gap in communication between HR and employees. How did this happen? How can HR keep employees engaged? The solution is quite simple: Educate, educate, educate.
Step Two: Cut Off Supplies to the Undead
October 28, 2014
How will you survive the zombie apocalypse that is open enrollment? We all know that the undead don't need braces, but could breaks in how you administer your benefits leave zombies on your company's paid benefits? Research shows that the complexity of open enrollment is the top concern for employers and employees. Such intricacy can cause errors, additional costs, long processing time and an overall drain on your HR department. Don't fall victim to this terrifying task; prepare yourself and your employees for survival.
3 Spousal Benefits Gained by Same-Sex Couples in Supreme Court Ruling
October 13, 2014
Early October marked a turning point for same-sex couples, as The Supreme Court let lower court rulings stand that overturned bans on same-sex marriage in five states. This decision granted same-sex spouses equal state tax treatment for employer-provided benefits. The court declined to review decisions from three federal appeals courts, therefore legalizing same-sex marriage in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
3 Ways to Increase Staff Morale at Your Restaurant
September 26, 2014
Anyone who has worked in the restaurant industry knows it is not always a picnic. I speak from experience! At the age of 14, I had to get a job and start paying all of my bills, minus room and board (thankfully, the bills were few because $5.25 an hour only goes so far). Surprisingly enough, running up and down a food line adding more lettuce and pickles was not as fun as it sounds. To succeed in such an industry takes many things, but one you simply cannot leave behind is enthusiasm.
Bring the League to Work Day?
September 15, 2014
If you're like me then you are a Fantasy Football gamer. Your Sundays are consumed with NFL RedZone, checking your phone for score updates, watching the injury report and monitoring for the latest potential waiver wire pickups. But as you are probably also aware, Fantasy Football bleeds over into the workweek, creating a source of comradery between coworkers but ultimately costing employers big bucks.
Payroll Managers Make it Rain
August 29, 2014
Dear Payroll Manager, Thank you for making it rain every payday. No employee understands everything you do to make sure their paystub is accurate and on time. Pay rates, taxes, insurance, bonuses, garnishments, PTO, expenses and a whole lot more have to come together seamlessly every payday (or people come unglued). And more often than not you don't even get thanked when it all goes right. That's just not fair. We were going to write you a card for National Payroll Week, but we thought you could use a better payroll system instead.
It's Five O'clock Somewhere
August 19, 2014
It's five o'clock somewhere; can you access your payroll information? For instance, can you easily pull past pay stubs, enroll in benefits, request time off or submit your time sheet right from your phone or laptop? If not, you'll be delighted to know this is all possible with the proper technology.
Retail Managers: Tips to Fine-Tune Your Schedule
August 7, 2014
Retail managers are known for wearing numerous hats: overseeing the store's books, ordering supplies, scheduling and, of course, managing employees. Putting together employee schedules is a task most time-consuming, yet is also the backbone of a store's success. If not enough workers are scheduled, the manager could end up with dissatisfied or lost customers. On the other hand, if too many employees are scheduled, the shop risks losing money.
Become a Strategic Partner to the CFO: 5 Tips every HR Professional Should Know
July 29, 2014
When HR and financial executives are in sync then operations run more smoothly and there is opportunity to advance the bottom line. CFOs are concerned with cost and HR handles a companies' biggest budget item… its people, so doesn't it make sense that these two work hand-in-hand? Let's face it; we're all in this together. But how do you foster this type of relationship? Where do you begin?
3 Ways to Defeat the Summer Blues in the Workplace
July 22, 2014
Are your employees struggling to stay motivated? Are they longing to be outside, on the beach? Are they lacking in engagement and productivity because the only thing on their mind is the warm summer breeze? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, chances are your employees are experiencing the Summer Time Blues.
Power: Yours for the Taking
July 9, 2014
Power can be transformative and yet destructive depending on how it is handled. Take Adolf Hitler for example, he used power to control and abuse the lives of innocent human beings – not the type of power you want to see. Then there's Abraham Lincoln who used his power to bring integrity, respect and honor back to the lives of many who were living as slaves - an honorable achievement.
Don't Worry, Be Positive
July 2, 2014
A simple smile, an act of gratitude and supporting others all go a long way in the workplace. In fact, these attributes help to build an atmosphere of positivity. The human mind is the most powerful tool in the world; within this device lives an arena of positive and negative thoughts battling for control of your psyche. Each mindset is contagious, so which would you rather have ruling your office? My bet is on positivity, because with it, your team has more potential to accomplish its goals, develop resiliency and improve psychological prosperity.
Job Fulfillment, Not Work-life Balance
June 25, 2014
Bottom line: We need to redefine how we think about work. Work-life balance presumes that work is a burden, when it doesn't have to be. The problem is not what we are trying to accomplish with "work-life balance," but in how we address it. Instead of work-life balance, why not focus on job fulfillment? Doesn't that already sound better?
5 Tips for a Successful Wellness Fair
June 12, 2014
Employee wellness affects more than just medical costs. For companies, an unhealthy employee hinders office productivity. Often times these medical costs are caused by preventable and modifiable health concerns. Rather than risk losing thousands in productivity costs, promoting healthier lifestyles has shown to be advantageous for companies.
How to Jump Start Leadership within Your Organization
May 30, 2014
With Baby Boomers on the brink of retirement, one of the impending issues facing organizations today is the ability to identify leaders. This could be partially blamed on the fact that less than half (48 percent) of UNC's Leadership Survey respondents reported that their companies have a formal process for developing high-potential employees. Companies looking to accelerate employees to leadership positions should seriously consider developing a formal process.
Do Healthy Workers Create a More Profitable Business?
May 21, 2014
From workplace politics to government compliance issues, businesses are presented with a slew of challenges, but one that often times goes unnoticed is the health of your workers. Did you know that the Health and Safety Executive reported around 27 million working days were lost in 2011 and 2012? Of those missed days, 22.7 million were due to work-related illness and 4.3 million were due to workplace injuries. How is a business supposed to stay in the black, improve their bottom lines and increase employee retention?
Overcome the Shortage of Top Performing Employees
May 7, 2014
Recruiters use a variety of tactics to find new hires, but one still trumps them all: employee referrals. While online job boards and career sites remain top sources for applicants, referrals often go overlooked as a hiring resource. From a recruiter's vantage point, employee referrals equal gold. As you may imagine, recruiters have to exhaust all the tricks of their trade in order to stay competitive in the market. With a ratio of unemployed persons to job openings sitting at 3-to-1, employee referral programs (ERPs) are an easy way to build your talent pipeline, because you don't have to look very far.
Mission Advancement for Nonprofits is No Small Task
April 30, 2014
Has your nonprofit recovered from the impact of the recession? For many nonprofits the time period following the 2007 recession was challenging as many experienced a decrease in donations and increased competition for what funding was available. Fortunately, charitable giving has begun to rise, with a reported 4.9 percent increase in 2013 alone. However, a new trend has arisen: donor accountability. Now more than ever, the nonprofit sector has to juggle not only achieving its mission goals, but also showing good financial stewardship.
Business Lessons from the Court
April 21, 2014
What do the NBA and your business have in common? More than you might expect, from bench play to developing winning game plans and more. At the core of each are competitiveness, teamwork, innovation and a results-driven focus. As the NBA Playoffs kick into high gear, there are business lessons to be observed from all the on-the-court chaos. Here are four lessons to help you make a slam dunk toward success:
Are You Prepared for the April 15 Year-end Return Filing Deadline?
April 10, 2014
Are you rushing to meet the April 15 deadline to file your personal income taxes? Well, good news for procrastinators as you might be in luck. If you haven't started preparing your 2013 tax return, or maybe you have more to report than the income on a W-2 and a 1099, here's an easy solution: File for an extension.
Elevate Your Grocery Store to New Heights
April 1, 2014
The constant demand to remain a reliable source for customers is keeping grocers on edge. In a highly competitive market, grocers have to constantly keep up with ever changing price/value trends in order to remain relevant. Knowing the landscape of your competitive market helps grocers tremendously when marking items and increasing efficiencies across the board. Grocers who are armed with the proper tools to identify inventory, competitively price products, update old technology and maintain labor costs will ultimately win the battle.
Seven Tips for Creating Your Own Luck This St. Patrick's Day
March 17, 2014
As we celebrate St Patrick's Day on Monday, March 17, you may be wishing for some Irish luck to put more green in your pocket or just add more Guinness to your glass. They say the Irish are born lucky, but if you and your ancestors don't hail from the Emerald Isle, don't give up. This could still be your lucky day as Paycom has prepared these seven tips for creating your own luck-filled destiny.
Aligning Reality with Message: How to Create a Simple EVP
March 12, 2014
Creating an employee value proposition (EVP) can be daunting. After all, most companies struggle with the recruiting workload they already have; there is no time or budget to sit down and figure out what an EVP would have to look like to be successful. Add to this the pressure of getting left behind while everyone else is waving from the employee branding train, and it's enough to make a talent-acquisition pro throw up his or her hands.
Moving to the Cloud: A Better Strategy?
March 5, 2014
In recent years, enterprise content management (ECM) has been handled on-premises; however, the spike in cost and lost data has companies looking to redefine their systems. A shocking 74 percent of organizations have experienced data loss at the workplace; of that number, 32 percent take several days to recover, while 16 percent never do. As companies grow, so should their processes. Keeping track of information on a hard drive is like playing with fire: Huge risks exist, with no guarantee that things will end well.
Hey, C-Suite: The Workplace Is Changing!
February 20, 2014
The modern-day workplace is much different than just a few years ago, and so are its people. Because new requirements have popped up and workers' expectations have evolved, motivational models should be reconstructed to reflect these changes.
When Cupid Strikes the Office: Implementing 'Love Contracts'
February 14, 2014
According to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), "One out of four employees reported they have been or recently are involved in a workplace romance, and 43 percent of HR professionals reported current incidences of workplace romance at their organizations." With those statistics, office couples don't seem to be "breaking up" anytime soon, so to avoid risk, HR managers may want to prepare now for more issues related to managing Cupid's impact.
Good ATS Creates Champions of their Industry
February 10, 2014
The great Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." Employers nationwide spend countless hours and dollars to ensure their organization has the best chance of not only succeeding, but becoming champions of their industry.
What Every Employee Should Know About Computer Security
February 4, 2014
No longer is computer security exclusively the responsibility of the IT department. At every level in your company, executives, managers and employees should take responsibility to protect your data and, by extension, your reputation. Take these five precautions to help avoid a security break.
The Five-Step Plan for Millennial Workers
January 27, 2014
Ready or not, millennials are storming the workforce, most with a hunger to make it to the front lines and quickly. By 2020, they will make up almost half of workers nationwide. While arguably overeager, millennials aren't a generation to overlook. Rather than dismissing these estimated 80 million Americans for weaknesses real or perceived, employers should consider leveraging their strengths in addition to developing those deficits.
Are Your Employees Looking to Leave in 2014?
January 15, 2014
With the economy strengthening, businesses need to review their talent management practices or risk losing workers. According to a Career Builder survey, "21 percent of full-time employees plan to change jobs in 2014, the largest amount in the post-recession era and up from 17 percent in 2013." Regardless of your notion about the economy's growth, the numbers suggest a positive outlook and companies should be cautious.
Outsource COBRA to Avoid the Deadly Bite
January 6, 2014
Following the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), one question that may linger on employers' minds is this: "How will this reform affect COBRA?" With the ACA's health care reform, the business of employee benefits is even more complicated, yet almost all employer groups are required to comply. COBRA – aka the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act – especially applies to private-sector companies offering group health care to 20 or more employees. If mishandled, COBRA can strike and the repercussions could be detrimental to your business.
Tis the Season: Tips for Retail Managers
December 24, 2013
The holiday season can be filled with joy, but for many retailers and their employees, that feeling quickly subsides. With the new holiday tradition to keep doors open later than ever – and in some cases, for 24 hours – employees simply lose their drive and holiday cheer. The winter holidays bring big revenues for retailers, which is why it is important to have an alert and energized staff. Employees are the lifeblood of a company, so you want to ensure their needs are met first and foremost.
Thanksgiving Versus Thankstaking: How to Handle Black Friday
November 25, 2013
The surveys are in, and the numbers have been tallied: This Thanksgiving, it's predicted that more stores will be open; they will open earlier; and they'll host more shoppers than ever before. Retailers are eager to squeeze every hour out of an especially short holiday shopping season – this year, it's six days shorter than normal. Retailers are also eager to one-up each other; 2012's midnight store openings are being beaten this year by opening times of 8 p.m., 6 p.m., and even 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Day.
Hospitality Industry Braces for ACA
November 7, 2013
Although there have been numerous delays with the Affordable Care Act, it is important that business owners continue to plan for its changes – especially within the hospitality industry. This industry can be impacted significantly by the ACA, as much of the workforce is considered part- time, seasonal or temporary.
Government's E-Verify Services Reopen
October 17, 2013
For employers who received a Tentative Nonconfirmation for employees between Sept. 17 and Sept. 30, and were unable to resolve it due to the shutdown, the employees will have 12 federal business days added to the date printed on the "Referral Letter" or "Referral Date Confirmation" to resolve such cases. Employees have until that date to contact the Social Security Administration or the Department of Homeland Security to resolve their cases.
Wait a Second: Do I or Do I Not Have to Comply?
September 27, 2013
As if the Affordable Care Act couldn't get any more confusing, the Department of Labor (DOL) has released an FAQ with inconsistent messaging pertaining to the Oct. 1 Notice of Marketplace requirement for employers. Dated Sept. 11, the FAQ implies that if employers do not wish to distribute the notices, they will not be penalized. One would think the same language would be updated accordingly in the DOL's technical release, right? Wrong!
Nonprofits – Don't Fall Victim to Social Recruiting Crimes
August 30, 2013
Attracting skilled talent is key in order for any organization to succeed, yet across all industries exists a massive talent shortage. A majority of nonprofit organizations have limited budgets and do not have the finances for recruiting ads and agencies. Enter social media. Implementing social media into the recruiting strategy is a great fit, but being strategic and avoiding legal pitfalls is vital.
Affordable Care Act Webinar Back by Popular Demand
August 13, 2013
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains a hot topic for businesses nationwide as new resources, mandates and delays are continually announced. Business leaders and HR executives are discovering that even if they provide health care to their employees they will be required to prove their healthcare is both affordable and adequate in order to be ACA compliant.
Affordable Care Act Employer Mandates Delayed to 2015
July 3, 2013
The Department of Treasury announced on July 2, that the enforcement of the Affordable Care Act's Employer mandate, which requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to provide affordable health insurance or pay penalties, will be delayed until Jan. 1, 2015. Full implementation of the ACA was scheduled for the beginning of 2014, but reporting concerns prompted the Obama Administration to suspend reporting for 2014.
Companies with Employer-Sponsored Health Plans Must Still Notify Employees of Exchanges
May 31, 2013
Many U.S. employers offer health insurance coverage to their employees and have been doing so long before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in March of 2010. However, these employers may still be impacted by ACA regulations including the requirement to notify employees of health insurance exchanges regardless of the quality of their own employer-sponsored health plans.
Three Leadership Traits Sharp HR People Possess
April 8, 2013
Tips for the aspiring HR professional. By Jenny Stepp HR professionals have a lot on their plates these days, now more than ever. There are the usual day-to-day activities and a lot of fly by the seat of your pants duties that come up daily, if not hourly. What are the three key components that […]
Paycom Ushers in a New Era of Blogging
April 8, 2013
The debut of the Paycom Blog. By Kathy Oden-Hall When was the last time you did something for the first time? Today is that day for Paycom as we embark on a new adventure with the launch of our Human Capital Management Blog. With this blog, we are ushering in a new era of thought […]
Your Company Uses Too Many HR Systems (and That Costs You Big)
February 18, 2019
When companies use multiple systems to track and complete HR tasks, three things rise (productivity not among them): data errors wasted time noncompliance risk It would be nice if employers could calculate the associated cost. And now they can, thanks to two things: a groundbreaking new study by Ernst & Young on that very topic […]
Top 5 Employee Engagement Blog Posts of 2018
February 12, 2019
As any HR professional can attest, employee engagement is something all businesses strive to achieve. Because when employees are engaged, their passions align with the company mission, which leads to a positive attitude, high performance and mutual success. But engagement isn't just a switch you flip on. It's a delicate balance. Lucky for you, the […]
The Top 5 Paycom Blog Posts of 2018
January 31, 2019
As any employer or especially, any HR professional knows – a lot can change in a year. A natural side effect of this business climate means there's never a shortage of topics for our experts to write about. Paycom's blog posts help you navigate the complexities and nuances of the important developments affecting your industry, […]
New York City Recognizes Third Gender Option on Birth Certificates
January 23, 2019
In October 2018, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio signed Introduction 954-A into law. It went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, and will amend the administrative code of the city of New York to include a third sex designation on birth certificates. Individuals in New York City now have the option of choosing […]
Sleep Well, Work Better: 3 Reasons Employers Should Prioritize a Good Night's Rest
January 8, 2019
In an ever-changing work landscape filled with 24/7 expectations and an always-on mentality, sleep is often the last item on the to-do list. Sometimes it's overlooked completely. Indeed, Harvard research found that insomnia leads to the loss of 11.3 days' worth of productivity each calendar year, or $2,280 per worker. According to Forbes, insomnia may […]
Survey Says: What Your Employees Really Think About Your Culture
December 27, 2018
Let's suppose one of your employees appeared on the game show Family Feud. Host Steve Harvey prompts one of your people with this: "Name something your employer does to make you feel valued, other than a paycheck." What would he or she say? How do you know? Are you sure? Culture counts First things first: […]
Don't Miss Out on the Value of Your EAP Reports
December 20, 2018
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 62% of employers outsource their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Even if you use an external service for your EAP, the reality is your HR department still serves as the liaison between your employees and that provider. A key part of that role includes interpreting the results of […]
How HR Can Help Employees with Mental Wellness
December 13, 2018
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults lives with a mental illness, and one in 25 lives with one that seriously interferes with major life activities. Among individuals aged 18-44 – a large group of working-age Americans – mental health disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder are […]
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award: 2018 Fan Vote Results
December 5, 2018
The results are in: Notre Dame's Julian Love secured the 2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award fan vote! To all who voted, thanks and stay tuned to see who officially wins the sport's most coveted defensive back honor on The Home Depot College Football Awards show, airing live Thursday night on ESPN!
How To Find Turnover Hot Spots In Your Company
November 20, 2018
This blog is part of our how-to series, designed to help you effectively execute initiatives that can improve employee engagement and compliance. To see more posts in this series, click here. Nationwide, employees are feeling empowered to leave their jobs. Chances are you've noticed because your organization is experiencing the phenomenon firsthand. Good news: You […]
How Owning Your Role in HR Boosts the Business
November 13, 2018
Own It !! I've always been a bit of a collector. I like seeing the variety of items one can collect. If I enjoy a certain rock musician, I'll get their entire catalog of albums instead of just their hit songs. You can discover more about their style, approach and influences. Getting to know the […]
How to Remove the Stigma of Utilizing an EAP
November 7, 2018
You don't know me, but I'm gonna get real here: Several years ago, I faced the Absolute Worst Time in My Life. While such things never operate on a convenient schedule, this one arrived at a most inopportune time: shortly after I began a new job. The circumstances in my personal life were so enormous, […]
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Addressing Workplace Incivility
November 2, 2018
Nothing says "teen movie" quite like the presence of a mean girl or jock stereotype causing problems for the main character. Much of Hollywood depicts an exaggerated version of these issues, but workplace incivility can poison an environment of respect and fairness. Treating co-workers with kindness and inclusiveness creates a safe and enjoyable workplace. But […]
Sourcing Talent: 5 Steps to Recruiting Great Employees for Your Restaurant
October 24, 2018
Ever cheered as your favorite college football team snagged a big-time prospect through top-notch recruiting? Though lacking the same amount of publicity, recruiting great restaurant talent requires the same amount of effort that coaches put into recruiting athletes. You need top talent on your roster to drive performance, just as a coach needs the best […]
Difficult Conversations: 2 Things That Must Accompany Feedback to Your Employees
October 15, 2018
When cravings hit, they're tough to resist. The workplace is not immune (and we're not talking about the contents of the vending machine). According to Officevibe, 82% of employees crave feedback — regardless of whether it's positive or negative. Feedback creates a constant flow of communication between leadership and your employees — something any employee […]
New York Implements Sexual Harassment Training Requirements
October 9, 2018
Beginning Oct. 9, employers in New York must implement sexual harassment policies and provide sexual harassment training to all employees. Employers must have their workforce trained by Oct. 9, 2019, using either the model training released by the state or by other means that meet the minimum standards requiring training to be interactive and include: […]
Student-Loan Matching: Considerations for Your Business
October 1, 2018
College tuition is a bigger strain on the bank account than it used to be, and recent graduates know this all too well. In fact, student loan debt has escalated to new heights, with 44 million people owing more than $1.5 trillion. For the ever-ballooning generation of millennials feeling this financial burden, that's a lot […]
3 Ways Leaders Can Embrace Change
September 20, 2018
Today, the one certainty in business is change. It doesn't take stacks of research and analyses to conclude that with the rise of technology, companies are becoming nimbler out of necessity. Jobs that didn't exist a mere 10 years ago — app developers, cloud computing specialists, social media managers and data analysts, to name a […]
How 1 Software Solution Saved This Company $25K a Year
September 11, 2018
"Really clunky – painful, to say the least," is not how an HR professional would ever want to describe their HR software. Yet that's exactly how a controller from a fast-casual restaurant chain with more than 1,200 employees across six states described the self-service tool the company used prior to Paycom. "Multiple parts were mushed […]
The Cans and Can'ts of ADA
September 6, 2018
According the U.S. Census Bureau's most recent data, over 10% of people under 65 have a disability. With that in mind, it's rare a company or team doesn't include an individual with a disability. Are you confident you're meeting the needs of your employees? ADA in a nutshell The ADA, above all, prohibits discrimination against […]
Minimize Employee Confusion at Open Enrollment in 3 Steps
August 16, 2018
You know how much your organization invests in your employees' benefits – but chances are, your employees don't. Communicating the value of the employee benefits you offer is a key component of attracting top talent, and it shouldn't end once new hires finish onboarding. In fact, reminding employees of the value of benefits they receive […]
Toke and Type: Employee's Recreational Marijuana Use
August 7, 2018
More than half of the United States have legalized either medical or recreational marijuana use, which can strain employers as they try to keep their company policies up to date. Questions run the gamut. Can employers refuse to hire an applicant if they fail a drug test? Must the employer accommodate an employee's request to […]
The New Joint Employer Rule: What to Expect
July 18, 2018
On May 9, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced its intention to clarify the joint employer standard by issuing a new rule. John Ring, the chairman of the NLRB, doubled down on June 5, saying the NLRB would take the first step toward issuing that rule – publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) […]
Protecting Off-Site Workers From Sexual Harassment
July 3, 2018
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and other employment laws mandate that employers create and maintain harassment-free workplaces. This requirement extends beyond the physical workplace and can include employer obligations when employees are dealing with third parties such as customers, clients or vendors. Although employers generally cannot control the actions of non-employees, they still […]
How a Happy Work Anniversary Affects a Business' Bottom Line
June 28, 2018
Anniversaries are important. They're reminders of past successes and make space for future commitments. While marriage anniversaries are significant and regularly celebrated – preferably with nice dinners and gifts – work anniversaries should not go unnoticed, especially in today's competitive business climate. Not only are they momentous for the employee, but a crucial way for […]
Transform Company Leaders Into Engagement Ambassadors
June 18, 2018
High employee engagement is linked to higher profits, greater productivity, lower turnover rates and a slew of other positive business outcomes. For years, HR leaders have worked to establish positive protocols and cultivate constructive environments to meet the shifting needs of a changing workforce. However, new research suggests engagement responsibilities should expand from the HR […]
4 Steps to a Successful, Proactive Reorganization
June 6, 2018
This blog is part of our ongoing how-to series, designed to help you tackle big initiatives and challenges with confidence. To see other blogs in this series, click here. Proactive reorganization can be challenging for HR, leadership and employees. Anxiety in your workforce over potential job losses can cast a dark cloud over an otherwise […]
3 Answers to Questions About Sexual Harassment Policy
May 17, 2018
In October 2017, in light of the #MeToo movement, the HR Break Room podcast devoted an episode to workplace sexual harassment policies. Since that conversation, we continued to receive questions on the subject, not only from our listeners, but Paycom blog readers and webinar attendees. To answer those questions and examine the topic further, HR Break Room […]
How to Use Personality Assessment Tests to Improve Workplace Culture and Communication
May 1, 2018
This blog is part of our ongoing how-to series, designed to help you tackle big initiatives and challenges with confidence. To see other blogs in this series, click here. Using personality assessment tests with your current employees – and sharing the results with them – can help team members better understand each other, which is […]
Defining Game-Changing Core Values to Attract Superstar Talent
April 25, 2018
March is over, but the madness HR deals with never ends. Fortunately, your organization's core values can be a real game-changer in the competition for top talent. In a recent episode of the HR Break Room podcast, Kinetix CHRO Kris Dunn discussed the valuable lessons HR can learn from the annual college hoops competition. Here […]
Practical Tactics to Improve Your Workforce's Physical Wellness
April 17, 2018
By now, most of us are well aware physical wellness should be a priority for employees and employers. Being physically active helps employees perform at a high level and brings a host of work-related benefits, including increased mental stamina, better concentration and memory, and the ability to learn more quickly. Studies have shown working out […]
Requests for standing desks: How HR can exercise its options
April 6, 2018
Chances are pretty good that if you work in human resources, you've been approached by an employee requesting a standing desk. In fact, a 2017 Society for Human Resource Management report noted standing desks as one of the fastest-growing benefit requests from today's worker. You easily can find articles boasting about the health benefits of […]
Follow These 5 Steps for an Effective Internal I-9 Audit
March 27, 2018
This blog is part of our ongoing how-to series, designed to help you tackle big initiatives and challenges with confidence. To see other blogs in this series, click here. Increased scrutiny from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on whether your employees are authorized to work in this country means that employers need to be […]
How to Build a Harassment-Free Workplace Culture
March 20, 2018
Sexual harassment quickly can deteriorate – and even derail – any organization, making anti-harassment training vital. However, most companies address the issue with employees by pushing training that is routine, which is often ineffective on its own. Effective prevention of harassment in the workplace starts with creating a culture that identifies and rejects unacceptable behaviors. […]
2018 Form W-4 Changes Employees Should Consider
March 12, 2018
Ever since President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) into law last December, payroll professionals have been anticipating an updated IRS Form W-4. After issuing new federal income tax withholding guidance in January as a result of the TCJA, the IRS released the 2018 version of Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, […]
2 Questions You Never Should Ask a Job Candidate … and What You Should Ask Instead
March 5, 2018
We've all heard the popular saying, "There's no such thing as a stupid question." While that adage may remain open for debate, there is such a thing as a poorly worded question, which can pose a big problem for employers interviewing prospective employees. Whether used to build rapport or vet a candidate's ability to meet […]
7 Action Items Your New-Hire Checklist May Be Missing
February 23, 2018
This blog is part of our ongoing how-to series, designed to help you tackle big initiatives and challenges with confidence. To see other blogs in this series, click here. It's expensive and time consuming to hire someone, so you want to make sure your new hires stick around. Fortunately, there's a lot you can do […]
Staying Compliant After the Death of an Employee
February 20, 2018
When an employee passes away, you need time to process your emotions. But as an HR professional, there are also timely actions you should take to help your workforce grieve, and a few things you'll need to address to remain compliant. While the death of an employee is never easy, it's important to ensure any […]
2 Ways Your Employees' Opinion Sways Consumer Behavior, for Good or Bad
February 5, 2018
Your company's brand and external reputation may not seem like an HR concern at first, but in this age of technology and social media, the voices of your people actually may be your most important asset. The way your employees and even job candidates view your company influences the opinions of their online and offline […]
ACA 'Cadillac Tax' Delayed to 2022
January 26, 2018
The short-term spending bill that ended the government shutdown on Jan. 22 included a small provision that again delayed the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) "Cadillac tax," now to 2022. So nicknamed because it targets employer-sponsored health plans with the most generous level of benefits, the Cadillac tax originally was to take effect in 2018. In […]
What Substance Abuse in the Workplace Costs Employers
January 19, 2018
Of the estimated 14.8 million Americans who use illegal drugs, 70% of them are employed, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Therefore, odds are your company employs workers who fall into this group. The use of drugs or alcohol by employees inside or outside the office can be costly for a business, leading to: […]
3 Steps for Creating an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Talent
January 2, 2018
Talent shortages and an emphasis on recruiting initiatives have made the employer brand one of 2017's hottest HR topics. The phrase has garnered plenty of buzz online, but for many HR personnel, the definition of "employer brand" remains unclear. To learn more on the subject, I spoke with guest Rachel Duran, manager of talent acquisition […]
7 Best Practices to Help Prevent Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
December 18, 2017
Discrimination laws regarding pregnant women apply in every area of employment — including hiring, firing, seniority rights and job security. Employers who violate these laws potentially face huge fines and legal fees. Therefore, it is imperative to take measures to reduce the risks of pregnancy discrimination and to provide your pregnant employees with a safe […]
Are You as Good Today as You'll Ever Be?
December 12, 2017
Will today be as good as your life ever gets? Let's pretend I'm an all-knowing being – which I most certainly am not – and that I visited you with an announcement: today, you're as good as you'll ever be. You'll never be any better than you are right now. Pursuing Your Leadership Potential: How […]
4 Reasons for Our Nation's Talent Shortage
December 7, 2017
Organizations worldwide are frustrated by the challenge of finding well-qualified talent, which makes the fight to hire a top candidate even tougher. Manpower Group's annual Talent Shortage Survey revealed that last year, 40% of employers worldwide reported difficulty filling jobs. It's not just your HR department feeling the pain, either; according to a recent Deloitte […]
How 3 States Expanded Pregnancy Discrimination and Family Leave Benefits
November 30, 2017
Employees in every state are protected under federal laws pertaining to pregnancy discrimination and family leave benefits (discussed in these earlier blog posts); however, states and localities may pass laws that give additional protections and rights to pregnant employees. All but five states have laws or interpretive case law in place providing protections against pregnancy […]
4 Things Every Business Should Consider Before Hiring Contingent Workers
November 20, 2017
The contingent workforce – or the "gig economy" – usually conjures images of ride-sharing or food-delivery services. While technically that's accurate, the contingent workforce also is much broader in scope, and potentially can help your business work more efficiently and effectively. However, reaping those rewards requires a strategy. Without one, you could end up complicating […]
How The Fred Factor Can Transform Your Customer Service
November 13, 2017
In 1982, leadership expert and motivational speaker Mark Sanborn moved into a neighborhood where his view of customer service was transformed. In his first internationally best-selling book, The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary, he tells the story of a postman who revolutionized the way […]
What Federal Law Says About Same-Sex Health Benefits
November 9, 2017
While same-sex marriage is now legal nationwide, some states have maintained laws allowing for civil unions or domestic partnerships, and any employers offering or adding health benefits for employees' domestic partners should be aware of the tax treatment of these benefits. Federal distinction between 'marriage' and 'domestic partnership' In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck […]
4 Steps to Becoming a 360-Degree Leader
November 2, 2017
A great leader can motivate his or her team to achieve the highest levels of performance, but the best know how to lead by influencing others. Known as 360-degree leadership, this technique is something everyone – regardless of title or position – can use to make an impact. 360-degree leadership is for everyone A common […]
4 HR Nightmares Scarier Than Any Movie Monster
October 30, 2017
Iconic movie monsters like Dracula may haunt the big screen, but seemingly harmless HR office nightmares can prove even more ghastly. From within the overstuffed filing cabinets come terrifying tales of employee-engagement epidemics, dangerous data re-entry and onboarding experiences that leave employees running for the hills (or, at the very least, their cars). Listen to […]
2 Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
October 24, 2017
With all the recent headlines regarding sexual harassment, companies may want to take a fresh look at their anti-harassment policies. The best weapon against harassment in the workplace is preventing the conduct. Requiring all employees to complete anti-harassment training can educate employees on what constitutes harassment and the contents of the company's policy. How can […]
Why Your Employer Brand Matters
October 19, 2017
Hello. My name is Amy, and at one time, my Coca-Cola rugby shirt was my most prized possession. Chances are you – or someone you know – had at least one and felt the same way. Those preppy, color-blocked beauties with the classic Coca-Cola scroll were pure Americana. They were so rad. They were also […]
How Investing in Financial Literacy Improves Employee Retention
October 11, 2017
As defined by Investopedia, financial literacy is education and understanding on efficiently managing personal finance areas, including investing, insurance, real estate, retirement and budgeting. Financial stress can contribute to diminished quality of customer service; increased administrative costs, due to wage garnishment and loans from 401(k) accounts; and a distracted workforce with lower levels of productivity. […]
Leave Only a Mother Could Love: The Care of Pregnancy and Parental Leave
September 26, 2017
Explaining the terms associated with leave taken for pregnancy or childbirth-related purposes. Pregnancy and parental leave are among the most common types of leave that employers must manage today. At the federal level, they are governed mainly by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); however, leave may be awarded under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act […]
Court: DOL's FLSA Overtime Regulations Invalid
September 15, 2017
The information in this blog post refers to the proposed and final rules published by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2015-2016. To see the most recent information, click here. In case you missed it, on August 31, 2017, Judge Amos Mazzant of the Eastern District of Texas determined that the 2016 Final Rule issued by the […]
5 TV Shows With Worse Office Drama Than Your Workplace
September 1, 2017
Office drama can be a stressful part of any job. And human conflict is a tale as old as time. But when workplace theatrics start to look eerily like the latest episode of Game of Thrones or Mad Men it's probably time to take closer look at what's happening with your employees. Let's take a […]
Addressing Employer Confusion With Pregnancy Related Laws: What to Expect When Your Employees Are Expecting
August 25, 2017
The best way to prevent pregnancy discrimination is to understand the laws which can be implicated. Such laws include the Family and Medical Leave Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and the Affordable Care Act. Unfortunately, understanding the intricacies of each of these laws can be difficult and confusing, so […]
What the Employee Experience Is … and Is Not
August 14, 2017
HR departments and C-suites nationwide are abuzz with talk of the "employee experience," often abbreviated as "EX." It is the sum of all interactions, good or bad, that an employee has during his or her term of employment with a company. As defined by author and futurist Jacob Morgan in his new book on the […]
EEOC Cracks Down on Pregnancy Discrimination
August 3, 2017
In October 2016, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) approved an updated Strategic Enforcement Plan from 2017 to 2021, to further its commitment to focus on "activities that are likely to have an impact in advancing equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination in the workplace." One area of focus is accommodations for pregnancy-related limitations. Although […]
Why It's So Difficult to Fill Your Open Positions
July 26, 2017
If you feel like it's getting more and more challenging to find qualified employees to fill your positions, you're right. New evidence from the Deutsche Bank indicates that the length of time a vacancy lays open has increased overall since 2010. Open positions are increasingly difficult to fill due to several trends within the current […]
Missouri Minimum Wage to Decrease from $10 to $7.70
July 24, 2017
An overwhelming trend in the U.S. is cities and states increasing the minimum wage employers must pay their employees. However, St. Louis, Missouri is bucking this trend – although not willingly – by decreasing its minimum wage from $10 to $7.70, effective Aug. 28. Court Battle In 2015, St. Louis passed an ordinance raising its […]
How to Break Down Silos: A U.S. Military Formula for Today's Business Execs
July 14, 2017
Some business leaders find that "silos" develop within their organization, where departments do not communicate effectively with one another, hindering efficiency (particularly in interdepartmental goals and projects). Implementing interdisciplinary task forces when appropriate can give your organization the agility necessary to innovate and respond to external challenges. In Deloitte's 2017 Global Human Capital Trends survey, […]
How to Promote Engagement and Efficiency with Employee Self-Service Software
June 27, 2017
Employee self-service software often is adopted as a way to improve efficiency within an organization, especially as it pertains to the responsibilities of your HR department. While that's a common and effective use, organizations also can use robust self-service software as a way to improve employee engagement and productivity. A recent white paper by Paycom […]
3 Ways an Employee's Vacation Improves the Bottom Line
June 13, 2017
Temperatures are rising, days are longer and blockbuster movies are being released faster and more furiously. It must be summer – a season when most employees take time off to relax and unwind. In fact, approximately 46 percent of all travel occurs in July, the heart of summertime. If you're worried productivity might take a […]
The Highs and Lows of Medical Marijuana Laws
June 6, 2017
Medical marijuana laws are being adopted by states at such a quick pace that employers may be struggling to keep their drug-testing policies up-to-date – especially employers with multistate operations. The rapidly changing landscape of medical marijuana laws should prompt employers to review drug-testing policies and procedures to ensure conformity. Listen to expert and attorney, […]
Best Practices for Utilizing Section 3 of the Form I-9
May 9, 2017
Employers are used to filling out Section 1 and Section 2 of Form I-9 because it's required for every employee. However, Section 3 – otherwise known as the reverification process– can be a bit mystifying. Who should be reverified? Employees with expiring employment authorization or documentation should be reverified to ensure continued authorization to work […]
5 Ways to Pre-Board Hires and Improve Employee Experience
March 31, 2017
In today's world of instant gratification, today's workforce expects a good experience fast and are willing to walk if their expectations aren't met. According to the Harvard Business Review, almost 33 percent of new hires start searching for a different job within the first six months of employment. Tackling that ambivalence early is crucial. One […]
3 Standout Solutions for Companies Seeking Top Talent
March 31, 2017
3 Standout Solutions for Companies Seeking Top Talent Attracting the right talent is more than posting online job openings and hoping candidates see your amazing workplace and open positions. Top-talent candidates typically have more than one option to choose. As an employer, this means putting extra thought into recruiting efforts and company branding. 1. Proclaim […]
3 Tips for Your Next Performance Review
March 30, 2017
3 Tips for Your Next Performance Review Are you dreading your next annual performance review? Not sure what to expect, or how to prepare? Annual performance reviews should encourage growth, celebrate achievements and set goals for the coming year. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your next review. […]
Because Attitude Is Everything, Do These 8 Things
March 28, 2017
Because Attitude Is Everything, Do These 8 Things A simple smile, an act of kindness and showing gratitude go a long way with people, especially in the workplace. It can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude when dealing with stressful situations and pressing deadlines, but choosing to do so can play a big role […]
What Do Millennials and Today's CEOs Have In Common?
March 23, 2017
What Do Millennials and Today's CEOs Have In Common? HR industry experts have devoted a lot of time and research into demystifying millennial employees, only to discover that this younger generation has more in common with mature, seasoned employees than once thought. This is especially true when it comes to the desire for day-one productivity. […]
4 Reports Every HR Pro Should Bring to the C-Suite
March 22, 2017
4 Reports Every HR Pro Should Bring to the C-Suite As an HR leader, you are the trend master. You know that businesses generate more data than ever. Because of this, they have developed an acute desire for metrics. You know that even though the goals of businesses continue to be product- and output-centered, the […]
3 Morning Habits that Create Productive Days
March 17, 2017
3 Morning Habits that Create Productive Days Benjamin Franklin once said, "The early morning has gold in its mouth." Coming from a Founding Father known for rising early with purpose, the quote speaks to the importance of starting your day the right way. Unfortunately for high-powered business leaders, our days tend to evaporate quickly into […]
Honoring Women in Business: Q&A with 3 Paycom Clients
March 10, 2017
Honoring Women in Business: Q&A with 3 Paycom Clients Exactly 30 years ago, Congress designated March as National Women's History Month as a time to commemorate the contributions and achievements of American women throughout history and today. This year's theme is "Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business," so we are taking a moment to […]
5 Reasons Your Job Postings are Broken … and How to Fix Them
March 8, 2017
5 Reasons Your Job Postings are Broken … and How to Fix them Employers are finding it increasingly difficult to fill mission-critical positions, due to lack of available applicants and candidates not having the necessary experience or skills. A 2016 survey by Manpower revealed that United States talent shortages are getting worse. But, is the […]
3 Finance-Technology Skills CFOs Should Seek
March 6, 2017
3 Finance-Technology Skills CFOs Should Seek Technology has changed every industry. From the technology in our hands to the software that revolutionizes how we do business, few areas remain untouched. In the case of finance and HR solutions, the proper technology can provide great insight into how organizations can lower debt, expand EBITDA margin and […]
LMS 101: Why Technology is Crucial to Onboarding
March 2, 2017
Learning Management Systems 101 is a weekly blog series exploring how employers can rethink traditional employee training and move toward e-learning solutions, which are faster, easier to access, and more cost effective. "LMS 101: Why Technology is Crucial to Onboarding" is the third post of the series. LMS 101: Why Technology is Crucial to Onboarding A staggering […]
7 Deadly Sins of Employee Engagement
February 28, 2017
Even with the best of intentions, some of the methods chosen to improve employee engagement can backfire. Engaged employees can improve retention, strengthen a company culture and increase productivity, but all that is quickly ruined when any of these seven deadly sins are committed.
LMS 101: Rethinking Your Approach to Employee Training
February 10, 2017
Learning Management Systems 101 is a weekly blog series exploring how employers can rethink traditional employee training and move toward e-learning solutions, which are faster, easier to access, and more cost effective. "Rethinking Your Approach to Employee Training" is the second post of the series. LMS 101: Rethinking Your Approach to Employee Training Employers who understand that […]
An Open Letter to HR
February 8, 2017
Dear HR, We know you are juggling the challenges of managing benefits, payroll, hiring and onboarding. The struggle is real, right? We understand these tasks are crucial to the success of the organization, but we need information. When do we need it? Typically, at 4:50 p.m. on a Friday, when all you want to do is […]
4 Great Business Books That Aren't Business Books
February 3, 2017
These books are not "business" by category definition, but the tales they tell impart valuable business lessons for any reader, from the intern pool to the C-suite.
3 Key Takeaways from the EEOC 2016 Report
February 2, 2017
3 Key Takeaways for Employers, from the EEOC 2016 Report On Nov. 15, 2016, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its Fiscal Year 2016 Performance Report. According to the report, the agency amassed more than $482.1 million for victims of discrimination, saw a reduction in the number of cases filed, and increased the […]
Why Your Company Should Celebrate Have Fun at Work Day
January 25, 2017
Why Your Company Should Celebrate International Have Fun at Work Day International Have Fun at Work Day is Friday, Jan. 27, and while it might be an unofficial holiday, that shouldn't stop you from bringing a little levity to the workplace. Laughter is Good for Productivity Humor can be strong medicine that lowers tension and […]
NEW OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
January 18, 2017
Focus on Compliance: New OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires many organizations with 11 or more employees to document serious work-related injuries and illnesses. Under a new rule, many employers must not only record injuries and illnesses, but also submit information electronically to OSHA. The new rule took […]
Three Must-have Conversations for the New Year
December 30, 2016
Three Must-have Conversations for the New Year Everyone should consider having the following three conversations over the course of the next few weeks. Taking this time with your direct reports, yourself and your spouse will only improve the beginning of your new year. Speak With Your Squad As for your direct reports, many individuals– especially […]
The Top 10 Blog Posts of 2016
December 15, 2016
The Top 10 Blog Posts of 2016 With 2017 just around the corner, now is a good time to celebrate the closing of a perplexing year for businesses across the country with a re-cap of the top 10 most popular blog posts of 2016. Over the last 12 months, employers and HR professionals have been on high-alert […]
FLSA Ruling Delays Overtime Expansion
November 23, 2016
The information in this blog post refers to the proposed and final rules published by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2015-2016. To see the most recent information, click here. FLSA Ruling Delays Overtime Expansion The Ruling Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a ruling on a lawsuit filed […]
How the Results of the Presidential Election Could Affect Overtime Expansion
November 10, 2016
The information in this blog post refers to the proposed and final rules published by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2015-2016. To see the most recent information, click here. Updated November 23, 2016: Federal judge in overtime expansion hearing issues ruling; delays the compliance deadline for the rule. To learn more, click here. With new leadership […]
True Confessions: The Biggest Mistake Organizations Make in Employee Surveys
November 1, 2016
Your company issued an engagement survey. Employees were enthusiastic about participating, and did. The results are in. Now what do you do?
2017 Social Security Wage Base Increases
October 24, 2016
The Social Security Wage Base increases to $127,200 With the largest hike in U.S. history set to take effect on January 1, 2017, the new Social Security wage base will increase from $118,500 to $127,200. This $8,700 increase marks the first wage base increase in two years and the highest percentage increase since 1983. Employees […]
IRS Releases Final, Updated 2016 ACA Forms
October 11, 2016
IRS Releases Final, Updated 2016 ACA Forms By now, it's likely you're aware that several forms of transition relief from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that were available in 2015 have expired, and only limited relief continues to apply in 2016. As a result, the Internal Revenue Service has removed references to 2015 transition relief […]
The Inside Scoop: How to Find Out What Your Employees Aren't Telling You
October 6, 2016
We talk a lot about employee engagement on this blog, and for good reason: Companies with an engaged workforce outperform those without by nearly 202 percent. Today, we're not here to drill such stats into your head – besides, that one makes a pretty solid case on its own – but to discuss how businesses can engage their employees by surveying each and every one of them.
Overtime Expansion Gets Heated as States Challenge Rule
September 21, 2016
The information in this blog post refers to the proposed and final rules published by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2015-2016. To see the most recent information, click here. Overtime Expansion Gets Heated Twenty-one states have filed a lawsuit in an attempt to halt the Department of Labor's overtime expansion ruling. According to the complaint, the […]
Minimum Wage Controversies Continue
September 8, 2016
In April 2016, we reported that California and New York became the first states to enact $15-per-hour minimum wage standards. Though no other state has adopted this precedent, New Jersey made an attempt – only to have it vetoed, and a handful of cities have passed similar minimum wage standards. Wage-related woes also loom large […]
From Hire to Retire: Guiding Top Talent Through to the Finish Line
August 23, 2016
Retirement is an inevitable stage of the employment journey. Even high performers hang up their hats eventually. But to retain them up until retirement, organizations must be willing to optimize every stage of the employee lifecycle – from recruiting through offboarding. Recruiting for the long-term First impressions are the most lasting. To recruit people who […]
Regulations and Compliance Trends Only Gaining Momentum
July 28, 2016
If the latest employment rule is any indication of what's to come, regulations and compliance trends for employers aren't going to slow down.
3 Ways to Safeguard Your Company's Culture
July 13, 2016
Founders and early employees are the ones who develop the company's cultural blueprint. If not intentionally managed, the culture can dissipate.
Autonomy in Workplace Learning: Invest in Your Employees, Invest in Your Business
June 24, 2016
The one-size-fits-all approach to learning isn't perfect. Attendees sit in large, group settings, taking in the same information.
Pathways to Building a Successful HR Technology Strategy
June 9, 2016
It's no secret that organizations are increasingly buying and implementing new HR technology to improve their human resource processes.
Why Top Millennial Talent Won't Commit to Banking as a Career (and How to Fix It)
May 25, 2016
For decades, MBAs and banks were the perfect match. But now, a generational workforce shift has left banks stumped on how to engage millennial talent, who feel like the thrill is gone.
How to Solve the Biggest Problems Surrounding Performance Reviews
May 16, 2016
In a study of company processes influencing employee motivation, performance reviews received a total motivation score of 41 points, based on a scale from -100 to 100.
3 Steps to Fostering a Culture Your Employees Will Boast About
April 29, 2016
I'm here to let you in on a little secret: If you want an environment in which employees serve and love your customers, you have to serve and love your employees first.
California and New York Set $15 Minimum Wage Precedent
April 11, 2016
In 2014 SeaTac, Washington became the first city to enact the nation's highest minimum wage of $15 per hour.
Fight for $15: Tentative Deal for Minimum Wage Increase in California
March 30, 2016
Minimum wage will increase to $10.50 an hour next year in California and gradually increase to $15 in the years to come.
New Webinar Helps Employers Prepare for Fast-Approaching Overtime Expansion
March 22, 2016
Last week in the Paycom Blog, we covered the U.S. Department of Labor's move to advance its proposed final rule on overtime expansion.
6 Tips for Building and Sustaining a Transparent Culture
February 17, 2016
Fraud. The word conjures images of large-scale scandals in which wrongdoing can be measured in the billions.
Most Employers Still Unprepared for ACA Forms Mandate
February 2, 2016
Despite ongoing attempts to challenge the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the U.S. Supreme Court again upheld the law, so the employer mandate still stands and requirements remain.
How ACA Form Extension Affects Employees, Individual Mandate
January 20, 2016
For 2016, certain employers are required to provide employees with the IRS Form 1095-C, "Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage," in time for employees to file for their taxes
HR Resolution: Win the War on Engagement
December 31, 2015
Stop. Take a breath. When is the last time you just took a moment? There is a lot of demand for our time and unfortunately it's only getting worse.
4 Tips for Empowering Employees in the Modern Age
December 17, 2015
As I walk down the hallway to get to my office, I read the Tom Peters quote painted in big, bold letters on the wall: "Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders."
Saying 'Thank You': Taking It Back to the Basics
November 24, 2015
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has heard, "Now, what do you say," after receiving a gift or kind gesture. We were schooled to be respectful from the time we were toddlers.
E-Verify to Delete Records Older Than 10 Years
November 13, 2015
Have you been using E-Verify for more than a decade? If so, a recent action by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may affect you.
When It Comes to HR Technology, Simple is Key
October 28, 2015
Is your HR technology complicated? Well, it shouldn't be.
HR Technology: From Chore to Choice
October 20, 2015
The countdown is over and the 2015 HR Technology Conference & Exposition is in full swing in Las Vegas. More than 3,000 attendees are finding out what's new, what's changing and how it can help their businesses work better.
You Don't Have to Be a 'Best Company to Work For' to Be a Best Company
October 12, 2015
There's constant buzz in the HR community about being named a "best company to work for." But HR executives should be careful in assuming that meeting those awards' criteria is all it takes to be a "best company."
California Governor Signs Bill to Close the Wage Gap
October 7, 2015
Yesterday, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the California Fair Pay Act. "The inequities that have plagued our state and have burdened women forever are slowly being resolved with this kind of bill," Brown said.
3 Ways to Retain Great Restaurant Employees
September 25, 2015
Earlier this year, Starbucks announced it will offer tuition reimbursement to employees. In a headline-grabbing, 4,000-employee hiring binge, Chipotle showed candidates a career path where entry-level employees eventually could find themselves working in the corporate office. And in related news, restaurants in Seattle, San Francisco and St. Paul, Minn., are competing for top-chef talent with wage wars.
What You Need to Know about the ACA's 'Cadillac Tax'
September 11, 2015
The Cadillac brand is synonymous with American-made luxury and now, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it is commonly identified as an excise tax that employers offering high-cost insurance plans are likely to face beginning in 2018.
Dressing Down, Moving Up: How Your Employees Can Successfully Do Both
September 1, 2015
Since its inception in the early '90s, the business-casual dress code has become a norm in the modern workplace. It has its perks: Employees say a relaxed dress code has the power to motivate them, boost morale and act as a powerful recruiting tool.
From Ladder to Lattice: The "New Normal" in Talent Management
August 20, 2015
New advances in talent management have rendered the corporate ladder of yesterday obsolete. Studies show that less than 20 percent of employees have better than a 50 percent chance of succeeding at the next level, making the traditional concept of career progression rather passé.
8 Engagement Strategies to Drive Performance
August 11, 2015
Focusing efforts on engaging employees can be a slippery slope. Even employers with the best of intentions can find themselves spending their resources on free lunches and on-site gyms to make employees happy, only to lose sight of what true engagement means, why it matters and what fully engaged employees can do for their business.
Small Employers, Listen Up: ACA Fine May Impact You
July 21, 2015
Up until this point, small businesses – those with less than 50 full-time or full-time equivalent employees – were not faced with costly fines like their Applicable Large Employer (ALE) counterparts under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But that's no longer the case, according to a tax imposed under Internal Revenue Code Section 4980D.
Get Ready, ACA Fines Abruptly Elevated
July 13, 2015
Shortly after the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) subsidies were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, President Barack Obama signed into law a trade bill that, in some cases, more than doubled the fines associated with the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) employer mandate reporting requirements.
North Dakota Alters Income Withholding Tables
July 1, 2015
In an effort to reduce income tax rates for individuals, North Dakota recently released new tax withholding tables that will affect businesses and their employees immediately for tax years beginning on or following Jan. 1, 2015.
Innovation: Get Inspired, Be Inspiring
June 23, 2015
I started the year talking about innovation and how we all can be innovators. Great innovators are ordinary people, like you and me, doing extraordinary things.
3 Steps to Ace a Learning Culture
June 8, 2015
In 2013, U.S. businesses spent nearly$162 billion on learning initiatives, according to the Association for Talent Development, and yet questions linger whether organizations are getting their money's worth.
3 Best Practices to Avoid Making a Bad Hire
May 27, 2015
Some studies predict that every time a business replaces a salaried employee, it costs six to nine months' salary on average, while others predict the cost is even more, especially when it's a bad hire. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), "The cost of a bad hire to an organization is five times the bad hire's annual salary." For an employee making $40,000 annually, that's $200,000 in recruiting and training expenses down the proverbial drain.
4 Steps Toward a Talent Strategy Built for Gold
May 12, 2015
Would you consider your organization to be a competitive player when it comes to talent? Research reveals a less than stellar reality for many organizations. In fact, a recent Bersin by Deloitte study indicates that 70 to 80 percent of organizations lack a talent strategy, and if you want to be a champion in the market, you have to have a great strategy.
3 ACA Reporting Alternatives Unraveled
April 23, 2015
For many organizations, the employer mandate and the reporting requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) loom. Employers want to ensure they will be in compliance come January 2016, when the required forms are due to their full-time employees and the Internal Revenue Service. Yet many organizations remain confused by the law's many complexities, especially […]
A Bell of a Year for Paycom
April 7, 2015
2014 was monumental for Paycom and I want to take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed since our initial public offering on the NYSE. In those 52 weeks, we've developed and released nine new major products or enhancements, added many new clients and witnessed the value of our stock more than double. The reason for our success is due to our unique value proposition: Paycom's innovative technology, motivated people and astounding growth.
Building Leaders Today for a Better Tomorrow
March 23, 2015
I am hard-pressed to make sense of the hesitation organizations have for building stronger leadership pipelines. In a recent Bersin by Deloitte study, organizations cited leadership as one of the most important challenges, yet only 6 percent are confident their organization is "ready" to make a change. Here is where I struggle: If we say leadership development is important, then why aren't more companies taking initiative? The real answer is that many companies confine leadership to the "exclusive" few, failing to make long-term investments and neglecting to construct a larger leadership pipeline at all levels.
4 Key Challenges for Charter Schools to Ace Now
March 16, 2015
A cultural shift is happening in the education industry that challenges existing practices - how labor is allocated, how hiring is managed, how talent is evaluated and how teachers are empowered. This "new" approach is a plea to fix existing problems, so instead of constantly jumping through hoops, charter school leaders can focus on reaching academic excellence.
Bet on Preparedness, Not Luck: 3 Legal Liabilities of Altering Time Sheets
March 10, 2015
If you are a manager, HR professional or anyone with a hand in the payroll process, you probably already know that altering employee payroll sheets can land an organization in a heap of litigation. According to a new ruling, even your personal assets can be targeted if you are found guilty.
Get Your Act Together: Protection for Well-Earned Dollars
February 24, 2015
To anyone with a trained eye on the ebb and flow of government policies, it is easy to see that government regulations frequently are steered to affect corporate policy. Whether through mandated retirement savings accounts or "minimum-wage warriors," the government wields legislative power to cause change in organizations.
The Secret Behind Building a Great Company
February 17, 2015
Ross Perot, Andy Grove, Kobun Chino Otogowa, Regis McKenna… what do all these names have in common? They were all mentors to Steve Jobs. Jobs knew that having the support of a network of seasoned individuals was instrumental in growing his business. In fact, Otogowa is credited with advising Jobs to start Apple rather than become a Zen monk. Without the advice and support from strong mentors, Apple may have looked very different.
Employee Engagement and the Home-Improvement Industry
February 9, 2015
Last year, one major home-improvement chain made national news when it announced it would introduce a new sales associate, OSHbot, a customer-service robot that assists shoppers in finding the products they're looking for in stores. The announcement prompted HBO's Last Week Tonight show, hosted by John Oliver, to produce a segment on the importance of real, human sales assistants in home-improvement stores. Oliver's argument was that sales assistants are not there to help people buy things; they're there to "stop couples from tearing each other apart."
Strategy Is the New Black: How HR Can Become Even More Invaluable to the CEO
January 26, 2015
Human resources managers will take on a much more prominent role in the near future, acting as a business adviser and strategic partner. The days of entering new-hire data into multiple systems is long gone, as centralized human capital management technology has freed HR personnel from the daunting administrative processes, allowing them the time to be more strategic.
The Power of One: Why the Best Solution to HR Needs Is a Single Digit
January 20, 2015
With today's cable television options numbering into the hundreds, Bruce Springsteen's 1992 dismissal of the medium as "57 Channels (and Nothin' On)" looks positively quaint. Clearly, hungry viewers reaching for the remote control are bound to find something that appeals directly to them, if not several somethings.
PTO TBD: Healthy Families Act Would Make Workplaces 'Keep Pace'
January 15, 2015
According to a LinkedIn announcement made last Wednesday, President Barack Obama will call upon Congress today to pass the Healthy Families Act. This bill would require companies to give workers up to seven days of paid sick leave per year.
New Year, but Not for ACA's Non-Calendar-Year Plans
January 8, 2015
Here we are, kicking off 2015 – the official beginning of the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate. However, some employers have plan years that don't begin on Jan. 1 and will not take part in the fun just yet.
WOTC Extended through 2014
December 30, 2014
President Obama has signed into law the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, which extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) until the end of December. Employers have diligently processed their employees for WOTC not knowing if the potential credit would be renewed, but with the recent extension they can be assured their efforts to utilize WOTC and other tax credits were not wasted; however, we are quickly approaching a deadline that is now just days away.
A Holiday Miracle
December 23, 2014
'Twas the night before the Holidays when all through HR, not a creature was stirring, except for Randi Tokar. The papers were stacked on his desk with care, overwhelmed, he looked at them with a blank stare.
ACA Loopholes Closing by a 'Skinny' Margin
December 15, 2014
Employers already are well aware that the health care landscape is changing – and changing drastically. But now employers who thought they were complying with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are being told otherwise, as the Obama administration works to close loopholes – and fast.
Deck the Halls with Top Performers
November 21, 2014
As 2014 comes to a close, now is the opportune time for employers to reflect on certain issues and trends while preparing for the New Year. One such point is the changing face of business as demographics reflect a more diverse workforce. Studies show that by 2025, millennials will make up 75 percent of the global workforce as they bring their own style and expectations to the table; meanwhile, baby boomers, with their own distinct values and expertise, are staying on the job longer.
Show Your Stripes: Hire Vets
November 11, 2014
Post-recession, the hiring outlook for U.S. veterans is beginning to take a turn for the better. Recently, more and more businesses are tipping their hats in honor of hiring veterans. In fact, in a recent survey of 2,440 hiring and human resources managers, CareerBuilder reports that one-third of employers are actively recruiting vets over the next year, up from 27 percent last year.
Step Four: Vaccinate Against Disengagement
October 30, 2014
Forget The Walking Dead. You should be worried about the Walking Disengaged.
Step One: Gather the Survivors
October 27, 2014
Imagine this: You walk into work and no one is there. No, it's not Saturday; it's the beginning of the HR Zombie Apocalypse and no one bothered to tell you! What do you do now? Go cry in the corner? Or start an awesome new team of people to get the job done? I'm going to go with the latter. According to Webrecruit, "Companies that have formal candidate relationship processes (such as through software), and track all their applicant communications, are 40 percent more likely to be 'best in class.'" If a zombie apocalypse comes around, don't be trapped with no way out; have a way to find the best individuals to help you and your company survive.
What Happens When They're 'Just Not That into You'
October 7, 2014
After a magical first meeting, Betty was sure she had found "the one." All the bells and whistles looked amazing as the sales rep showed off the product on his personal computer. The reports were pre-populated for her to view, and at that moment, everything just felt right. Now it's almost payday and Betty is racking her brain because the numbers just aren't adding up. She's called customer support three times, but no one seems to be available. Where are they when you really need them? Despite the magic of that first encounter, Betty was beginning to have second thoughts.
California- Labor Law Update
September 26, 2014
California employers already have a myriad of employment laws to comply with, so what's one more? California Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed into state law the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014. Effective July 1, 2015, all employers — no matter the size — must provide paid sick time to their employees, including part-time and seasonal workers who have worked at least 30 days in a year.
The King of Cashola or CFO, Which Do You Prefer?
September 11, 2014
If you could choose any job in the world, what would it be? King of Cashola, Prince of Payroll, Master of Awesome? This is exactly what one nonprofit allowed their employees to do and it resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response. Can it work for you?
ACA Employer Mandate Summertime Blues
August 26, 2014
Worried about the Affordable Care Act, especially the reporting requirements for employers? Well you're not alone as a large number of employers are searching for answers to these very questions. While a number of employers are aware that the Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued final regulations on the reporting requirements for employers regarding the ACA's employer mandate, many are still unaware how it will impact their organizations or what they need to report on.
10 Workplace Hazards More Dangerous than Sharks
August 15, 2014
What if I told you that you were more likely to injure yourself at work than if you dove into shark-infested waters? In honor of one of the most important weeks of the year (Shark Week), we want to alert you of ten workplace hazards to avoid that occur more frequently than shark attacks. If you don't take precaution you could become the next victim of a third-degree coffee spill or a protrusive file cabinet attack.
Riding the Wave of Minimum Wage
August 4, 2014
Seattle recently adopted the nation's highest minimum wage, raising an employee's pay to $15 an hour. This represents a 60-percent increase from $9.25 and more than double the national average. Hold on – before anyone packs their bags to head to the Emerald City, finish reading.
ACA Small-Business Tax Credit Too Good to be True?
July 28, 2014
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has already or will drastically impact employers with 50 or more full-time employees; however, the IRS announced it will be expanding incentives – in the form of a tax credit – to small employers who offer insurance through the exchange to its employees.
War of the Wages
July 17, 2014
"Wage theft" was coined by the Interfaith Worker Justice, a network of people advocating for improved wages, benefits and conditions of workers. It is an epidemic sweeping across industries, regions and firms of all sizes. Wages should warrant the work put in on the job, and yet many employees are finding out that their pay is not so fair after all.
#Hashtag: The New Era of Business Marketing
July 7, 2014
How much power can one sign hold? The answer: #insurmountable. The hashtag has become a revolutionary icon in businesses worldwide. From reporting purposes and gaining followers, to finding out who is talking about your company or what is popular within your industry, this sign — heretofore known as the pound sign on your phone or an empty tic-tac-toe grid waiting to be played — is arguably the Internet's most popular icon.
2014 SHRM Recap: Finding the Right Vendor is Tough
July 1, 2014
If you weren't at #SHRM14 this past weekend, then you missed out. A torrent of thought-provoking insights on leadership, developing a smarter workforce, advancing technologies and other HR initiatives were buzzing on the conference floors and Twitter as well. With all of the excitement surrounding these new HR strategies and offerings comes a number of questions and concerns. If you found yourself overwhelmed by the amount of information you received at SHRM and you're not sure how to navigate through it all, hopefully this post will help you to iron a few things out, specifically when it comes to switching providers.
Advance HR Functions with Document Management
June 19, 2014
Even in our digital age, paper remains a vital commodity for doing businesses. As an International Data Corporation study reported, "U.S.-based companies spend $25 billion to $35 billion processing (filing, storing and retrieving) paper." Management of these documents pushes that figure up to $100 billion annually. As utilization of business data expands, companies are experimenting with alternate solutions to managing paper files.
3 common Misconceptions of Performance Reviews
June 10, 2014
Some say performance reviews are a thing of the past; a waste of time for everyone involved. If you're part of these naysayers then most likely you haven't been part of a culture that embraces the year-round significance of performance reviews. Performance reviews are essential to workplace management yet often times they hold lower weight amidst a sea of projects, to-do lists, meetings and more. Supervisors tend to look at performance reviews through jaded lenses, but what they may be overlooking is the fact that effective performance management leads to improved productivity.
Leaving a Legacy: How HR Can Retain Those Looking to Retire
May 28, 2014
It's always tough to lose a good employee especially when it's a member of your executive leadership team. However, over the next five years losing top talent will become nearly impossible to avoid as 20 percent or more of senior leaders will be eligible for retirement. So how do businesses move forward and what can be done to hang on to these valuable employees, even if it's only for a little while longer?
What Employees Want (Hint: It's Not Just Money)
May 16, 2014
Do you know what your employees really want from your organization? You should, and it pays to find out. A 2013 Gallup study shows that companies in the top quartile for employee engagement outperform their bottom 25% competitors with: 147% higher earnings per share (no, that's not a typo), 22% higher profitability, 21% higher productivity and 41% fewer quality defects.
Mastering the Art of Résumé Writing: Take Control of Your Future
May 6, 2014
With stiff competition at every corner, finding a job is a daunting process. To increase your chances of being selected, you should understand the hiring funnel.
Are You A-OK with BYOD?
April 24, 2014
In growing numbers, businesses are experimenting with the concept of allowing their employees to use their own mobile devices (laptops, cellphones and tablets) at work, for work. Since 2007, the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) craze has seen an increase in popularity because it reduces employer costs while increasing productivity by giving employees added flexibility, both personally and professionally.
Improving Day One Productivity with a Seamless On-boarding Process
April 18, 2014
One in four new hires leave before their second year on the job. While it's easy to point the finger at the employee for not adapting to their new environment, the blame is easily a shared responsibility with the employer. Inexperience, lack of preparedness and a poor on-boarding system are all contributing factors to a new hire's struggles.
Individualism vs. Collectivism: No Man Left Behind
April 9, 2014
Whether in a business or educational environment, our culture is dazzled by the idea of collaboration as a means for creativity. Managers are so insistent on finding "the right fit" for the team that a whole group of people are forgotten: the individualists. With collaboration becoming the new way of thinking, those with introverted personalities are left on the outside looking in.
Are You Settling for "Good Enough?"
March 26, 2014
Great leaders don't become great overnight, rather, there is a constant need to improve. Although luck may play a part, it certainly isn't the sole reason your top performers are moving into senior management positions. What sets them apart? Desire. Great leaders know that "getting comfortable" is unacceptable. They're always looking for ways to improve, to learn and to excel, no matter what their job.
Big News for Employers: Obama Proposes Expansion of Overtime
March 14, 2014
The prospect of boosting wages can ruffle the feathers of businesses that believe such a hike would force them to cut jobs. Their theory may be put to the test, as President Barack Obama has issued a proposal to the U.S. Department of Labor to expand the eligibility requirements for overtime workers. This expansion would raise the minimum salary an employee must receive in order to qualify for overtime pay by more than double what it is today.
Court Ruling Could Change Payroll Tax Requirements for Religious Institutions
March 10, 2014
As religious congregations attend worship services, the unique payroll tax and HR requirements for clergy and staff may be the furthest thing from their minds. However, away from the pulpit, church leaders wrestle with issues such as whether clergy are self-employed or part of the payroll, how to accurately calculate estimated quarterly taxes and even if the definition of "clergy" is met as it relates to tax reporting.
Pre-employment Testing: Good or Bad?
February 28, 2014
There is a lot of chatter about pre-employment testing, leaving many organizations asking themselves if there is a benefit to implementing them during the interview process. Should I invest in them? Do you find yourself at this juncture? Well I'm here to debunk any misleading information about them and discuss why, in fact, pre-employment testing can greatly benefit your company.
Preventative Care: Keeping Up with the HR Pulse in a Rapidly Changing Medical Industry
February 17, 2014
The past few years have seen sweeping changes for the medical industry as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which put in place comprehensive insurance and medical reforms. Now, as the insurance mandates go into effect, bringing millions of newly insured people into the marketplace, hospitals and clinics are faced with how to meet the need for additional staff while transitioning to a revised model of care.
Get Schooled in Social Recruiting Strategies
February 13, 2014
Every day when I pick my kids up from school, I ask the age-old mom question: "What did you learn today?" Of course, they roll their eyes, but it doesn't matter. The best way to make sure that you retain interesting and valuable information is to talk it over with someone. That's the theory behind so many industry conferences.The theory is the same post-conference: I always try to find the high note and the Social Recruiting Strategy Conference had many. Ready to get schooled in recruiting?
Where are all the Doctors?
February 7, 2014
ObamaCare will boost health coverage to the more than 48 million Americans currently without, opening the floodgates to medical facilities. With a shortage of doctors, where will all these people go? And so the problem ensues.
Building Champions in the Workplace
January 31, 2014
Being the best in a NFL is a tough feat, because a lot of "greats" exist in the league. Players work their entire careers trying to be faster, stronger and better-equipped than their competition. When entire teams play with the same inherent motivation, winners are made and championships are secured.
W-2 Distribution: When Should I File?
January 22, 2014
The beginning of the New Year is a time for celebration, commemorating last year's accomplishments and pledging new goals for the New Year. However, don't get caught up in the excitement and forget to submit your W-2's. Although a letdown for many, W-2 form distribution is required. That is unless you want to run the risk of accruing fines and penalties, which can really lead to a rough start to the New Year.
FICA Tip Credit: Serving Up Savings
January 13, 2014
Owning a restaurant seems like a glamorous idea, or at least it did to me, but there's more to running a restaurant than cooking good food and mingling with customers. In order to be a successful restaurateur you have to have a good grasp on the fundamentals on running your establishment. You have to meet customer demands, maintain inventory as well as staff and manage expenses.
The Historical Recurrence of the WOTC Hiatus
January 2, 2014
Times are changing, especially in the case of one of America's staple tax credits, known as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Since its inception in 1983 under a variety of different titles and officially pegged as WOTC in 1996, the federal tax credit has been modified and extended numerous times, including going on hiatus. Its last break was from Jan. 2, 2012, to Jan. 2, 2013, but it has expired yet again as we start 2014.
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas … Vacation: Planning Corporate Holiday Schedules
December 23, 2013
It's the most wonderful time of the year … and one of the busiest times for employee schedules. The Christmas season quickly can turn blue for both employees and companies when holiday vacations and paid time off (PTO) aren't handled well. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require employers to provide paid federal holidays for employees — in fact, it doesn't even bar companies from asking (or forcing) employees to work Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.
Is Your Nonprofit Organization at Risk for Exposure?
November 19, 2013
What would a five percent decrease in funds mean for your nonprofit? For many it means the difference between opening and closing your doors. Many nonprofit organizations have several locations nationwide, and within each of these locations work any number of employees. Employees within nonprofits not only distribute money that is brought into the organization, but also oversee a variety of other funds.
Restaurants Treat Customers with Halloween Promotions
October 30, 2013
Are you a restaurant owner taking advantage of the holidays with a creative, marketing strategy? Halloween is the kick-off for such a time, bringing out the most creative promotions within the industry. For example, Sonic Drive-In locations promise "A Scary Good Deal": 50-cent corn dogs for the entire day of Oct. 31. Currently, their boards […]
Internships 101: Studying Up for the FLSA Test
October 7, 2013
In the past, internships have been equated to apprenticeships: the student learns from the master in a real-world industry environment. In this traditional view, the interns are beholden to the company for the work experience, knowledge and contacts they've received.
Love the One You're With: Three Keys to Increasing Employee Loyalty
September 25, 2013
The success of your company depends on a variety of factors working in concert – a great service or product, efficient tools and protocols, strategic marketing. But perhaps most of all, the success of a company rides on the people who inhabit it. Your employees bring your business to life and when they're at their best, you thrive. Employees who are prospering want their companies to prosper and they'll work to make beautiful music on your behalf. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true; when employees feel underappreciated or overworked, your reputation, turnover rates, talent acquisition costs and market value can suffer.
What's Next with the Affordable Care Act for the Retail and Restaurant Sectors?
August 19, 2013
The Affordable Care Act has left business owners scratching their heads on how they can manage a successful business while offering affordable coverage or paying substantial fines for non-compliance. Some industries are more vulnerable to health care reform than others, especially the retail and food services sector. The tumultuous task of monitoring employee's hours, determining a standard measurement period, while also continuing to run a successful business remains a serious concern for those in industries that once relished its unique professional flexibility.
It is Not Easy to Land Among the Elite
August 9, 2013
As one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, Paycom continues to experience unprecedented growth and success. Part of the reason for Paycom's success is because of its leadership's ability to find and attract the best of the best. Need proof?
Part One: Finding Your Soul Mate in Human Capital Technology
June 28, 2013
According to a Bersin by Deloitte study, 61 percent of HR professionals surveyed plan to replace their HR software within the next 18 months. That is exciting news for the providers wanting your business. But with no online match sites for human capital technology vendors, how do you sort through the suitors courting your company?
New Changes to the I-9 Form Hiring Managers Must Know
May 3, 2013
After 10 years HR's favorite new hire document, the I-9, recently had a facelift. The new form – available now by clicking here – was released by the Department of Homeland Security in March 2013 and employers are required to begin using the new form by May 7, 2013. While the form was upgraded, the same rules regarding the completion of the I-9 apply.
Filing Cabinets of the Twenty-First Century?
April 8, 2013
Are filing cabinets signature furniture pieces in your office? Are they overflowing with vital paperwork? Do they clutter and cause claustrophobia in the workplace? If this is the case for you, then it might be time to rethink the filing cabinet and look into cloud-based services to ensure that your employment records are secure.
Infographic: Navigate the Affordable Care Act with Paycom
March 28, 2013
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has left employers across America dealing with a murky mix of looming requirements and deadlines that impact businesses' health benefits, administrative processes, reporting responsibilities, employee staffing and ultimately the bottom line. Today Paycom released an infographic designed to aid businesses looking to navigate the uncharted waters of ACA compliance.
Why the digital transformation will fail without HR
February 15, 2019
To kick off the new year for the HR Break Room podcast, we invited Nick Ismail, content editor of Information Age, to share his insights on the digital transformation that's increasingly required for businesses to remain competitive. We discussed how vital HR is during that ongoing transformation, including the part HR technology plays to drive […]
5 Resources for Keeping Employees Safe While Love is in the Air
February 11, 2019
As anyone who has been in HR for a while can attest, office romance is not a new topic and not likely to go away anytime soon. According to a recent survey by Vault, companies are even seeing an increase in such relationships. For example, 57% of the workforce have been involved in a workplace […]
4 Questions to Ask – and Answer – Before Annual Budget Meetings
January 31, 2019
At this point in the year, you might be in the throes of budgeting for the next one. Or maybe budgeting's come and gone, and you're wondering how to make sure your HR department has more input the next time around. No matter where you are in the annual budgeting process, there's a high likelihood […]
Workplace Civility: The Policy You Don't Need … Until You Really Need It
January 21, 2019
Use your words. Say "please" and "thank you." Clean up after yourself. The simplest rules – the ones you teach your kids, or the ones you remember from elementary school – often aren't posted in any workplace. Usually, nobody needs the reminder. Unfortunately, all it takes is one horror story to demonstrate the importance of […]
EEOC and DOJ Strengthen Stance Against Harassment at State and Local Levels
January 4, 2019
On Dec. 21, the U.S. Equal Employment Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address and prevent workplace harassment within state and local government sectors. It is crucial that all employers, public or private understand its contents. With the signing of this memorandum, the two entities have […]
Money Matters: How EAPs Help Employees with Financial Stress
December 26, 2018
They say money isn't everything. But try telling that to someone who's having financial difficulties. For them, it can seem like the end of the world. It's distracting, stressful and can lead to feelings of utter hopelessness. Inevitably, we all face financial uncertainty in our lifetimes. In fact, recent data shows an overwhelming majority of […]
ACA Still Business as Usual, Despite New Challenge to Its Constitutionality
December 19, 2018
Despite a federal judge's Dec. 14 ruling that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional, the existing law remains in effect and employers should continue to abide by it for now. The case of Texas v. Azar was brought to federal court by the attorneys general of 20 states, who argued that when Congress zeroed […]
4 Tips for Preventing and Addressing Issues Arising From Office Parties
December 11, 2018
Ah, the holiday season. Presents, family and food are on the horizon, as are a few holiday jingles that will haunt you for the next few months. The ever-anticipated office party is also in the works to celebrate another successful year for you and your employees. Though the office party should be a fun time […]
Blockbustering in a Netflix World: Why Businesses Cannot Afford to Leave App Technology Out of the Workplace
December 4, 2018
Apps have changed the way we interact, shop, run errands and generally go about our days and nights – so much so, we likely pay no mind to it. But consider how transactions have been eased in: grocery stores, with self-checkout lanes pharmacies, through online prescription refills theaters and concerts, by bypassing ticket lines In […]
The Cost of Not Using HR Tech? $4.39 Per Data Entry, According to New Ernst & Young Study
November 19, 2018
We often hear HR technology providers tout the time self-service software can save. It makes sense, given that it automates and streamlines laborious manual processes. A 2016 nationwide study by HR.com found that to be absolutely true. The large companies surveyed reported that allowing their employees to complete HR tasks through software saves their HR […]
How to Balance Engagement Across 5 Generations in 1 Workforce
November 12, 2018
Managing in today's workplace can be quite the balancing act. While not fit for the circus, engaging five generations within one organization could be a performance of its own. After all, what worked for yesteryear's worker likely won't for tomorrow's. It can be a constant struggle to keep engagement high among the generations' varying needs. […]
3 Tips for Talking Politics in the Workplace
November 5, 2018
With midterms right around the corner, and an especially divisive presidential election barely in the rearview mirror, understanding the implications of and tactics for discussing politics at work is vital. For some employees, avoiding political discussions is near impossible, and even the mention of a hot-button issue can send others running for the break room […]
The Human Side of Business: Making the Case for an EAP
October 30, 2018
The employer-employee relationship is just that — a relationship. And relationships come with certain expectations, even in the business world. Employees want to feel they're being taken care of. After all, they've committed themselves and proven their worth to you. That's why you hired them. In exchange for their commitment, they expect to be paid […]
7 Questions to Ask Your Employees After Open Enrollment
October 23, 2018
Let's be open about the importance of open enrollment: The benefits you offer not only help attract talented people to work for you, but help keep those valued employees from fleeing to the competition. Research proves it. According to last year's findings of Aflac's annual WorkForces Report, at 80%, a strong correlation exists between employees' […]
Vision Casting: 3 Steps for Implementing a Company Vision
October 11, 2018
What if movie actors just read their lines rather than embraced their role? Just as casting a movie requires actors passionate about the script, a company needs employees eager to implement the company's vision. Vision casting allows employees to invest in the organization's future by achieving long-term goals and advancing the health of a company. […]
3 Ways FMLA May Change Drastically
October 8, 2018
Tired of your employees sneaking out early to watch their son's after-school football scrimmage? Wondering how as an engaging manager you could possibly let your employees fit in a nursing home visit that doesn't overlap with your team outing? Worried about how you'll be able to allow your star employee to care for the uncle […]
Two Ways Managers Can Inspire a Changing Workforce
September 26, 2018
The old saying "different strokes for different folks" has never been more relevant than in today's workforce. Leaders are finding not only is their company more diverse than it was a decade ago, but a more casual work environment has empowered employees to lean into their unique preferences and strengths. Leaders should strive to inspire […]
Potential for Mandated E-Verify for All Employers
September 19, 2018
In July, a new bipartisan bill, the AG and Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 6417), was introduced by House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte. The bill is intended to address two main topics: illegal immigration and the need for a workable agricultural guest-worker program. If passed, this bill would replace the current H-2A agricultural guest worker program […]
Remote Work, Parental Leave and More: Understanding Workplace Flexibility
September 10, 2018
During my recent trip to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 2018 Conference and Exposition, I had the pleasure of speaking with many guests for Paycom's HR Break Room, including returning guest, employment attorney Jim Reidy from the law firm Sheehan Phinney. Reidy sat down for a talk with Paycom's HR Manager Chanse Moucka […]
Volunteers: To Train or Not to Train on Anti-Harassment?
August 27, 2018
Sexual harassment training is one of the most important and effective measures employers can take in preventing the legal risks associated with sexual harassment claims. Currently, some states have state-mandated sexual harassment training requirements for private-sector employers, and many states require such training in the government sector. These requirements may raise questions about who should […]
700 Employees, 14 Locations, 1 Simple Training Solution
August 13, 2018
Did you play Telephone as a child? You know, the game where you whisper a word or phrase in someone's ear, and then they repeat it to the closest person? If so, you know that by the end of the game, the original word or phrase changed dramatically. That's exactly how the chief learning officer […]
Is Workplace Incivility Impacting Your Employee Morale?
August 6, 2018
What is workplace civility? It means much more than simply good manners or etiquette. Crucially, it includes behavior that promotes mutual respect at work. Therefore, incivility can be perceived as disrespect or rudeness, according to Christine Porath, associate professor at Georgetown University and author of Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace. Understanding workplace incivility […]
74% of Employees Confused about Health Care Benefits
July 10, 2018
Open enrollment can strike fear in the hearts and minds of many. Because let's face it: Benefits can be confusing – and frustrating. According to the 2017 AFLAC Workforces Report,74% of employees say there are a least a few things they don't understand about their policies, such as their deductibles, copays or in-network providers. To […]
What to Do When a Union Employee Reports Sexual Harassment
July 2, 2018
Sexual harassment in the workplace continues to be a hot topic. Employers across the country are reviewing their policies and procedures in order to ensure they are not the target of a large harassment complaint. So far, we have covered sexual harassment policies, anonymous reporting, training recommendations for your workforce and independent contractors, and even […]
How HR Can Help With Responsible Business Growth
June 27, 2018
If you're a rapidly growing company, you've realized what worked before, when your company was small, does not scale in a favorable way. But your HR expertise can help.
6 Ways to Get the Most Out of SHRM18, From One HR Manager to Another
June 13, 2018
From Sunday, June 17, to Wednesday, June 20, the largest gathering of HR professionals in the world will unite in Chicago for the Society for Human Resource Management's Annual Conference & Exposition, aka SHRM18. From one HR manager to another, here are my key tips to getting the most from this year's conference … and […]
Answering These 2 Questions Can Determine Your Success
May 31, 2018
Has anyone ever explained something to you in a way that finally made it click? All of a sudden, you understand it and you wonder, "How did I not see it before now?" John C. Maxwell, renowned business speaker and No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, does this when explaining how to develop into […]
What to Do When a Charge of Discrimination Is Made
May 9, 2018
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), more than 84,000 workplace discrimination charges were filed in 2017. Because these charges can escalate into costly lawsuits, employers must understand what to do if charges are made against them to avoid unnecessary mistakes that could cost time and money. Here is a look at what happens […]
It Takes a Village: New Research Suggests Employee Engagement Doesn't Belong Solely to HR
April 30, 2018
Continuous employee engagement is a big responsibility that historically has been assigned solely to HR. But new research shows what HR leaders have suspected for quite some time; getting employee engagement right requires everyone in your organization working together. According to a recent survey from HR.com, roughly 75% of respondents believe that company culture and […]
Building Employee Trust with Anonymous Sexual Harassment Reports
April 19, 2018
Employee trust is one of the most important factors in handling sexual harassment complaints. Employees need to trust HR will listen to their concerns and will respond appropriately to reports of sexual harassment. Yet the EEOC notes only about 30% of employees who experienced harassment reported the harassment internally within their company. One way HR […]
The Value of Promoting and Prioritizing Employee Mental Health
April 11, 2018
Today's businesses navigate an ever-shifting balancing act between productivity and retention of talent. In many workplaces, efficiency and output are paramount to compete in a fast-paced, globalized economy. However, retaining top talent is also crucial, and numerous employers regularly combat workforce shortages and additional expenses associated with turnover. One way to maintain this balance is […]
Should Independent Contractors Undergo Anti-Harassment Training? (Spoiler: Absolutely!)
April 4, 2018
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits harassment in the workplace. All workers – no matter their classification – should be aware of and comply with your organization's harassment policies. Employers may be liable for harassment by its independent contractors, if they knew – or should have known – about the incident […]
Why California State Laws Matter Nationwide
March 22, 2018
Employment law constantly evolves, bringing new challenges to your HR department. By keeping an eye on changing legislation across the country, you can prepare your organization to remain compliant and be ready when laws change in your neck of the woods. On a recent episode of Paycom's HR Break Room podcast, we talked with Coby […]
3 Steps to Prevent Unconscious Bias in the Interview Process
March 16, 2018
You do it. I do it. We all do it. No, I'm not talking about converting oxygen into carbon dioxide – although you may need to take a deep breath before reading further. I'm talking about that unquestionably human habit of prejudging someone or something, whether in a positive or negative light. That little prejudge […]
3 Protected Characteristics for a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
March 8, 2018
Is your company doing everything it can to safeguard itself from complaints and court filings regarding illegal discrimination during the hiring process? To protect candidates against discriminatory hiring decisions, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has strict regulations regarding six characteristics. While it's important for employers to know how to comply with all six […]
4 Steps Toward Training Your Workforce on Sexual Harassment Prevention
February 28, 2018
Written by Braeden Fair Allegations of sexual harassment dominated the news at the end of 2017 and has continued into 2018; has your business made taken necessary steps to mitigate exposure and create a safe environment? You can do so by properly training your employees. Start by following these four steps. 1. Build awareness and […]
When Cupid Strikes: 3 Steps to Managing Office Love
February 22, 2018
Around Valentine's Day, conversations about love and romance are everywhere – including the office. The holiday of love may be behind us, but workplace romance is not going anywhere. HR may not usually be viewed as a matchmaker, but they are hiring talented people who fit the values and cultures of the company. When building […]
How HR Could Have Helped 3 Complicated On-screen Office Relationships
February 13, 2018
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, love is in the air and sometimes that romantic air makes its way into the office. Workplace romances may seem like something only seen in film or on TV, but according to Career Builder, 38% of American workers said they have dated a co-worker at least once in […]
4 Questions to Consider When Handling the Death of an Employee
February 1, 2018
Many of us spend more time with our co-workers than we spend with our families. We see our co-workers five days a week, eat lunch with them, go to happy hours together and share wins and losses. So when a colleague passes away, unexpected or not, there's a flood of emotions to process. No one […]
3 Things Your Organization's Wellness Initiative Should Do … and How to Do Them
January 24, 2018
HR departments, take note: A recent United Healthcare survey found that 70% of employees stated having interest in taking proactive steps to improve their health. In a recent episode of Paycom's HR Break Room podcast, we spoke with Leigh Stringer, workplace design expert and author of The Healthy Workplace, about current wellness and ergonomics trends […]
5 Podcasts That Every HR Professional Should Download
January 9, 2018
Podcasts provide the opportunity to sit like a fly on the wall and listen to some of the most brilliant minds in the world converse about today's biggest trends and challenges. According to a study by Triton Digital, nearly one quarter of Americans listen to a podcast at least once a month. Education is a […]
Employers Unaffected by ACA Changes in New Tax Law
December 22, 2017
On December 22, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The bill includes a provision that reduces the penalty for not complying with the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate to $0, effectively removing the penalty for individuals who do not have health insurance coverage after the effective date of Jan. 1, 2019. […]
4 Ways to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
December 15, 2017
Online searches of the term "sexual harassment" in recent months are not only up, but way up: ever-changing, but approximately more than 500%, per a Google Trends report. For HR and business leaders, this startling increase indicates your people seek answers. The recent surge in internet searches not only highlights the current tidal wave of […]
California Legally Recognizes 'Non-binary' as Third Gender, EEO-1 reporting remains the same
December 12, 2017
In October, California passed Senate Bill 179 to recognize a third gender option on state-issued IDs, driver's licenses and birth certificates. The new law also makes it easier for California residents to change their legal gender to male, female or nonbinary. For EEO-1 reporting purposes, employers still will be required to report all workers as […]
Leading Yourself: 7 Ways to Achieve Your 10-Year Goals
December 5, 2017
Imagine you're at dinner party 10 years from now in a lovely home, with dear friends you haven't seen in ages. As you make your way around the party catching up on life, each person asks the same questions, wondering what is new with you, your family and your life. Now let's return to the […]
3 Big-Screen Holiday Parties HR Could Have Saved
November 29, 2017
Holiday parties can be a great way for the entire office to celebrate the year's accomplishments. While parties usually are fun, they are also a potential source of HR violations. With the holidays in full force, learn how you can retain the most valuable employees in your seasonal workforce by listening to our upcoming episode […]
8 Ways Veterans Improve Your Workforce
November 20, 2017
Is your recruiting team actively seeking veterans to fill your open positions? If not, you could be missing out on an unbeatable combination of skills and experience. Not only are military personnel often cross-trained in a variety of useful skills, but they also have invaluable experience that can benefit your organization. The available Work Opportunity […]
How Automating Recruitment Boosts Your Candidate Experience
November 13, 2017
You treat your employees like people, not just numbers, right? You respect their time, communicate with them regularly and get to know them personally. If you want to improve your candidate experience, you need to treat candidates the same way. Candidates want a simple experience that reflects the environment in which they may work. Negative […]
Pregnancy Leave: What's Required?
November 9, 2017
This blog is fourth in a series about pregnancy leave. To read the first three blogs in the series, click here. While paid pregnancy leave, maternity leave and parental leave are common in many countries, there are no federal laws mandating paid leave in the United States. However, there are laws which require employers to […]
How to Create Effective Job Postings (And Where to Post Them)
November 1, 2017
In today's labor market securing top talent is becoming more and more challenging, because job seekers often have their pick of employment options, so in order to nab the best, employers must stand out long before the interview process starts. Because your job posting might be a potential hire's first impression of your business, getting […]
Your Guide to Attracting (and Keeping) Millennial Employees
October 26, 2017
Millennials make up the largest living generation by population size in America – reaching over 75 million strong last year, according to Pew Research. This young generation has rapidly gained majority share of the workforce and brings an entirely new set of needs to the office. But not every organization is equipped to attract and […]
How the Talent Shortage Threatens Your Business's Bottom Line
October 20, 2017
Human nature and the rapid pace of the workday sometimes conspire to force us into a myopic view of our organization. For instance, we may be so concentrated on attacking a problem within our department that we neglect to consider if the issue has infiltrated other departments as well. If the issue is filling head […]
Dollars and Sense: Financial Literacy for the Millennial Workforce
October 16, 2017
Budgeting, borrowing and debt management can be intimidating topics to even the most experienced professionals. But according to Harvard finance professor Mihir Desai, teaching financial literacy to today's workforce — especially millennials — is important. In our most recent episode of the HR Break Room podcast, Desai, author of The Wisdom of Finance: Discovering Humanity […]
EEO-1 Pay Data Requirements on Indefinite Hold
October 3, 2017
The EEO-1 report is changing once again. Recently, the new pay data and hours worked requirements announced last year were suspended indefinitely by the Office of Information Regulatory Affairs. While employers will report Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) information in a familiar format, they need to be aware of key date changes. 3 important changes The […]
How to Seriously Drive Employee Engagement
September 22, 2017
If you won the lottery tomorrow, would you stop working? Chances are you've mulled it over before, even if you don't buy a ticket often. When jackpot amounts grow to rival pro athletes' salaries, the subject inevitably creeps into everyday conversation. At that point, it's hard not to think and talk about what we would […]
It's an Office, Not a Theater: Managing Office Drama
September 12, 2017
Office drama is a distraction that could be costing your company millions. In her new book, No Ego, drama researcher and New York Times best-selling author Cy Wakeman defines drama as any disruptive behavior or thought process that takes energy away from results or a great work climate. Need to minimize workplace drama? Listen to […]
Why Every CEO in America Needs an LMS
August 31, 2017
As a CEO, you make it a priority to keep up with changing trends in today's workplace. You've seen headlines and read articles telling you that Millennials are changing the way work happens—but what does that really mean for you? In 2015, Millennials surpassed Generation X as the largest percentage of the labor force, according […]
Solid Recordkeeping Charms Court in COBRA Case
August 23, 2017
Picture this: You terminated an employee, and mailed him or her a COBRA election notice, but the notice apparently got lost in the mail. Now your ex-employee is suing you for failing to inform him or her of their COBRA continuation rights. Is there anything you can do to prove a COBRA notice was sent to them? […]
3 Ways to Immediately Improve Employee Engagement
August 10, 2017
For some employers, having happy employees would be nice, but it isn't a priority.
New Form I-9 Released. Again.
July 31, 2017
On July 17, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a revised version of Form I-9, which is used to verify identity and employment authorization of workers and corresponding reference documents. Didn't USCIS just release a new I-9? This is the second revision USCIS has made to the I-9 in less than a year; […]
IRS Continues to Enforce Affordable Care Act
July 25, 2017
The IRS recently released an information letter indicating that the IRS continues to enforce the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Dated June 30, Letter 2017-0010 was sent to a member of Congress who reached out to the IRS at the request of a constituent, a tax-exempt entity concerned it may owe an employer shared responsibility payment […]
What Tax Credits Are You Leaving on the Table?
July 19, 2017
Federal tax credits for businesses are far from easy if you aren't familiar with the program, and business leaders may find themselves in unfamiliar territory when it comes to their company's eligibility for tax credits. As a leading provider of comprehensive human capital management software, we have found that the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) […]
How To Save Trees, Time and Reduce the Risk of Compliance with Self-Service Software
July 7, 2017
In a recent survey, conducted by HR.com and Paycom, over 700 HR professionals from companies large and small weighed in on how they use employee self-service software, where they see the benefits it offers and the room for improvement. To understand how self-service software can help improve internal efficiency and save time within your HR […]
Missing out on Key Functions of Your Employee Self-Service Software?
June 19, 2017
If you're like most company leaders, you're probably making use of employee self-service software to a certain extent. In fact, in a joint study by Paycom and HR.com, 88.5 percent of companies surveyed used self-service tools. And about 87 percent of these organizations considered self-service software to be the most efficient way to provide employees […]
3 Fatherhood Essentials That Translate into the Workplace
June 9, 2017
Many of us turn to our fathers for guidance in tough situations, and similar actions apply with the employee/manager relationship. With Father's Day this coming Sunday, June 18, we are taking a moment to highlight three fatherhood essentials that our Paycom dads translate into management. 1. Patience Patience is defined as demonstrating forbearance under pressure, […]
Tennessee to Allow Employers Monthly Payroll Frequency
May 31, 2017
Private employers in Tennessee now are permitted to pay wages once per month, under a measure passed by the state's legislature on May 11. The bill was signed into law by Governor Bill Haslam and became effective immediately. Previously, employers were required to pay wages at least semimonthly, so the new law provides them added […]
Disturbance in Your Workforce? May the 4th Be With You
May 4, 2017
A short time ago in an employee suggestion box not far, far away, this note from a disengaged employee was discovered. Dear Management, Being a real trooper, I've faithfully served this empire for many parsecs. But lately, morale here is in the trash compactor. I'm close to "storming" out of here! Here's why: We don't […]
LMS 101: 4 Tips for Your Own E-Learning
March 31, 2017
Learning Management Systems 101 is a weekly blog series exploring how employers can rethink traditional employee training and move toward e-learning solutions, which are faster, easier to access, and more cost effective. "4 Tips for Creating Your Own E-Learning" is the sixth post of the series. LMS 101: 4 Tips for Your Own E-Learning Today's workforce is increasingly […]
Employees Stay for Meaningful Work
March 30, 2017
Employees Stay for Meaningful Work Finding meaningful work is one of life's greatest challenges. Some people spend their whole life trying to identify their purpose, yet never figure it out. Millennials, who will continue to make up a growing percentage of our workforce, are especially driven by their pursuit of personal development and purpose. Most […]
Workplace Communication Across Different Generations
March 29, 2017
Workplace Communication Across Different Generations Managers face many difficult challenges in the workplace, but one obstacle that often is overlooked is the need to communicate with up to four different generations in a single office setting. From the 18-year-old intern to the 72-year-old seasoned professional, human resources professionals need to find a balance between them […]
Employee Productivity: Here's What Really Matters
March 27, 2017
Employee Productivity: Here's What Really Matters Today's business leaders are dealing with a lot. Along with the technology-shaped elephant in the room, the increase in internal business collaboration (50 percent in the past two decades), the change in performance management and the influx of millennials have left many companies scrambling. Despite these changes, the goals […]
Oregon Creates Landmark State Retirement Plan
March 23, 2017
Oregon Creates Landmark State Retirement Plan This year, the state of Oregon will launch a landmark, statewide retirement program: OregonSaves. This program requires private employers to automatically enroll employees in retirement accounts. The goal is to benefit almost 1 million Oregonians who currently lack access to employer-sponsored retirement programs. OregonSaves has been in the works […]
4 Ways Strategic HR Moves Your Company Forward
March 21, 2017
4 Ways Strategic HR Moves Your Company Forward Business leaders are realizing that skill shortages and disruptions in the workforce will change everything. The link between effective talent management and profitability becomes more evident every day. As a result, the C-suite is looking to HR to attract, build, engage and retain the talent their business […]
4 Ways to Advance Your Career with Emotional Intelligence
March 16, 2017
4 Ways to Advance Your Career with Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the capability to recognize your own and other people's emotions then allow this knowledge to guide thinking and behavior and to emotionally adapt to environments. As you can imagine, this is very important to your career. In fact, according to Psych Central, […]
LMS 101: Mobile Learning Technology
March 10, 2017
Learning Management Systems 101 is a weekly blog series exploring how employers can rethink traditional employee training and move toward e-learning solutions, which are faster, easier to access, and more cost effective. "Mobile Learning Technology" is the fifth post of the series. LMS 101: Mobile Learning Technology Mobile learning, (m-Learning) offers a new education channel in which […]
5 Steps to Growing Future Leaders
March 8, 2017
5 Steps to Growing Future Leaders As baby boomers retire and thriving companies encounter rapid growth, one issue facing organizations today is the ability to identify new leaders. Leadership is a skill that's not quickly or easily taught. It requires experience, coaching and formal training. Unfortunately, the time and financial investment required to build up an […]
LMS 101: 4 Ways to Boost Employee Engagement with a Learning Management System
March 3, 2017
Learning Management Systems 101 is a weekly blog series exploring how employers can rethink traditional employee training and move toward e-learning solutions, which are faster, easier to access, and more cost effective. "4 Ways to Boost Employee Engagement with a Learning Management System" is the fourth post of the series. LMS 101: 4 Ways to Boost […]
How to Interview a Really Nervous Job Candidate
March 1, 2017
At some point in your career, you will encounter that job candidate: the person who simply cannot overcome how nervous he or she is, despite their best efforts. How you handle that situation can make all the difference. To be a skilled interviewer, you need to help applicants relax right from the beginning. The early […]
5 Leadership Lessons From Crossing the Delaware
February 24, 2017
Leadership Lessons From History Several years ago in a meeting, we were asked to share the name of the best leadership book we'd read in the past year. My colleagues suggested books by Maxwell, Gladwell and Collins, yet my mind went directly to the historical account of General George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River […]
How to Find Your (HR Tech) Soul Mate
February 9, 2017
How to Find Your (HR Tech) Soul Mate Shopping for the right HR software for your business is not unlike dating. But with no apps or online match sites for human capital management (HCM), how do you compare and sort through all those vendors vying to win your company's heart? How do you sort through […]
Philadelphia Toughens Equal Pay Laws: Employers Cannot Ask Salary History
February 7, 2017
Philly Toughens Equal Pay Laws: Employers Cannot Ask Salary History Recently, Philadelphia became the first city in the U.S. to pass a law prohibiting employers from asking applicants about their salary and wage history in the hiring process. Instead, all employment offers should be based on job qualifications rather than prior wages earned by the […]
4 Benefits You Gain When You Explain the 'Why'
February 3, 2017
People are innately curious. Think back to when you were a child and constantly asking "why," like "why is the sky blue?" or "Why is the grass green?"
5 Ways HR Can Make Your Company Better
February 2, 2017
5 Ways a Good HR Department Can Make Your Company Better Human resources. For a lot of people, those two words conjure countless thoughts of W-2s, compliance procedures and news about insurance benefits. And paperwork – lots and lots of paperwork. But if your HR department only hires, fires and fills out forms, then you're not allowing it to […]
Podcasts Simply Are Part of the Human Experience
January 24, 2017
Why You Should Be Listening to Podcasts Storytelling is a hallmark element of the human experience. Sharing stories is intrinsic to every society and culture under the sun. Books, films, paintings – and now podcasts – are examples of how we take part in this element of the human experience. Technology has shaped and influenced […]
6 Compliance Changes to Check in 2017
January 4, 2017
Compliance Deadlines and Issues to Watch in 2017 Employers can expect developments in 2017 related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requirements and several other workplace regulations concerning compliance. Here's a closer look. Fair Labor Standards Act On Nov. 22, 2016, Judge Amos […]
Three Key Strategies for Switching HR and Payroll Softwares
December 29, 2016
Three Key Strategies for Switching HR and Payroll Softwares A broken employer-payroll provider union is similar to an unfortunate friendship or romantic partnership. You meet. You think you're compatible. You dive right in. Then, the flaws begin to show. Deal-breaking flaws. You swear they weren't there before. But then again, you're not so sure. Maybe […]
Department of Labor Challenges Overtime Expansion Delay
December 6, 2016
The information in this blog post refers to the proposed and final rules published by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2015-2016. To see the most recent information, click here. Department of Labor Challenges Overtime Expansion Delay On Dec. 1, the U.S. Department of Labor appealed a recent court decision that stopped the agency's overtime expansion rule […]
Another Extension for the ACA Forms
November 23, 2016
IRS Announces Form Furnishing Deadline Extension Another year brings another extension for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) forms, but this time the continuation only applies to furnishing Form 1095-B and 1095-C to your employees. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Notice 2016-70, issued Friday, November 18, extended the deadline to furnish ACA forms to employees from January […]
Why Your Overtime Expansion Plan Is Worth a Second Look
November 8, 2016
The information in this blog post refers to the proposed and final rules published by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2015-2016. To see the most recent information, click here. The U.S. Department of Labor's overtime expansion rule is expected to go into effect on Dec. 1, requiring employers to meet an increased salary threshold, which — […]
The Elephant and Donkey in the Office
October 31, 2016
Policies on Political Activities at Work The 2016 race for the White House has been intense, with candidates engaging in heated debates. As might be expected, the charged electoral atmosphere has permeated the workplace, causing record level divisiveness. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), "over one-quarter of employees reported greater political volatility […]
How to Train Your Workforce Using 1 Item in Your Pocket
October 19, 2016
How to Train your Workforce Using 1 Item in Your Pocket Everyone needs training, whether it's basic, new-hire, how-to-get-started training or professional development. Training employees provides your company with a competitive edge in business for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that you end up with knowledgeable, capable employees who are […]
Human Governance: An Essential HCM Strategy
October 7, 2016
Human Governance: An Essential HCM Strategy People are the pulse of any organization. Intimately linked to organizational health and lifespan, they directly influence whether success or failure prevails. So the question is: How can organizations manage their people to ensure success? The answer lies in human governance. Human Governance vs. Corporate Governance To understand human […]
Timekeeping Solutions Every Employer Needs to Know About
September 27, 2016
Timekeeping Solutions Every Employer Needs to Know Timekeeping technology is a powerful resource for employers and only those offering the right solutions are able to promote compliance, support autonomy and increase cost savings. Over the past few decades, technology has changed the way businesses work. This development is vividly evident in the progression of timekeeping […]
Is it Legal to Request Compensation History during Job Interviews?
September 20, 2016
Is it Legal to Request Compensation History during Job Interviews? On Aug. 1, 2016, Massachusetts' Gov. Charlie Baker signed a landmark bill that takes a three-part approach to bridging the gender wage gap. The legislation also expands on the definition of comparable work and allows employees to discuss their pay with co-workers and colleagues. Here's […]
Employer Alert: Spotting Overtime Exemption Inconsistencies
September 1, 2016
It's not every day that the U.S. Department of Labor changes its interpretation of overtime exemption. But when it happens, major confusion can ensue. This is resoundingly true in the case of Encino Motorcars, LLC v. Navarro, et al., 136 S. Ct. 2117 (2016), in which costly uncertainty related to the classification of service advisors […]
5 Strategy-Building Tips to Help You Attract Top Talent
August 16, 2016
5 Strategy-Building Tips to Help You Attract Top Talent The terms "recruiting" and "talent acquisition" are often used interchangeably, but there's a fundamental difference between them. Although recruiting is a part of talent acquisition, it takes a more reactive approach to filling positions – that is, the focus is on filling current openings. Talent acquisition […]
EEO Reporting: The Basics and Tools for Compliance
July 21, 2016
As an organization grows, so does its responsibilities. Case in Point: Employers with 100 or more employees are mandated by federal law to file an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO-1) report
Declare Your Independence from Multiple HR and Payroll Systems: 5 Tips to Finding the Total Package
July 1, 2016
In today's restaurants, HR and payroll technology plays an increasingly important role in effectively managing labor costs, mitigating compliance risk and streamlining operations.
6 Tips for Using 'Stay' Surveys to Retain Your Best Teachers
June 15, 2016
Teacher attrition is a complicated phenomenon that impacts every school differently.
Exploring Overtime Expansion: Commissions and Bonuses
June 6, 2016
If you're planning to implement a pay structure that includes bonuses and commissions – or if you already have one – it's important to understand how the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) up
Exploring Overtime Expansion: Inside Sales Employees
May 24, 2016
The Department of Labor's new rule is expected to extend overtime protections to 4.2 million white-collar workers beginning Dec. 1, 2016.
Exploring Overtime Expansion: Nonprofits
May 16, 2016
Currently, the provisions of the FLSA cover some nonprofit employees, but not others. Employees of nonprofits are covered by the FLSA, and are likely to be affected by the new rule if...
New PBJ Reporting Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities
April 28, 2016
The latest in Section 6106 of the Affordable Care Act compliance is payroll-based journal (PBJ) reporting, affecting nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Current Form I-9 Remains Effective
April 7, 2016
Form I-9 was set to expire March 31, 2016; however, that day has come and gone, and the current Form I-9 remains effective.
5 Biggest Payroll Mistakes to Avoid
March 28, 2016
Mistakes often are chalked up to human frailty, but those affecting your company's payroll aren't so easily dismissed.
3 Reasons Why One Way Is Better
March 17, 2016
For HR alone, your company might need tools for applicant tracking, onboarding, learning management, performance evaluations, benefits management, expense reporting, analytics, payroll, back
How a Transparent Culture Can Drive Whistleblowers to Report Internally First
February 16, 2016
The idea of cultural transparency isn't just about increasing productivity, engagement and retention; it's also about fraud prevention.
4 Ways to Build Employee Confidence and Increase Engagement
January 26, 2016
Employee engagement is a highly-talked-about topic. Everyone has their own ideas about what works. But whatever you think about employee engagement, you should know that confidence is...
3 Must-Follow HR Trends for 2016
January 13, 2016
If there is one constant in HR, it's change. Each new year brings its own set of challenges and innovations. As we begin 2016...
ACA's Employer Reporting Requirements Extended
December 29, 2015
If there is one thing that is synonymous with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it is change.
9 Tips for a Merry Office Holiday Party
December 10, 2015
Office holiday parties are popular; more than 70 percent of companies plan to throw one this year.
5 Reasons Employee Training Is Worth It
November 20, 2015
Poor performance results from people who do not know what they're supposed to do, how they should do it and why they are doing it.
5 Things Executives of Learning Organizations Know
November 11, 2015
The concept of the learning organization has flourished since Peter M. Senge's The Fifth Discipline hit the business world in 1990.
Thousands May Lose Health Insurance Subsidies
October 27, 2015
Did you qualify for health insurance subsidies in 2014? And did you account for them on your tax return? If not, you may be at risk of losing health insurance subsidies come January.
How to Prepare for Talent in the 22nd Century
October 19, 2015
Decades ago, it was easy to assume that a company's talent needs wouldn't change from year to year. Today, that's no longer the case, with a growing number of companies reinventing themselves to leverage digital technologies to compete for the best talent. Even those that haven't transformed are taking steps to review their processes of talent acquisition.
ACA's Definition of Small Employer for Insurance Groups Left Up to States
October 9, 2015
In what has become a regular occurrence, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has seen another change, this time in the form of the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees (PACE) Act. The most recent bill, signed into law by President Barack Obama, allows states to change the definition of a small business for group insurance purposes, meaning premiums for thousands of employees may not increase as was originally feared.
Employees Expected to Bear More Costs with 2018 "Cadillac Tax"
October 1, 2015
Health care premiums are on the rise. In fact, employment-based health insurance premiums rose by 4 percent this year. But the increase in health care costs pales in comparison to the substantial increase in deductibles.
One for All: Tomorrow's HR Tech Empowers Everyone
September 22, 2015
The future of HR technology lies in software that is an intrinsic part of your culture, workforce processes and employee training and development. Its permeation throughout your organization will help distribute the administrative responsibilities that often burden HR departments, as well as align the goals of your people with the organization. This foundation will reduce compliance risk, deliver more comprehensive analytics and foster a strategic environment where HR is a proactive business partner.
Obama's Executive Order Guarantees Paid Sick Leave to Federal Contractors
September 11, 2015
While many around the country enjoyed a fun-filled, three-day weekend, not everyone had Labor Day off. On the day we celebrated America's 120 million-plus workers, President Barack Obama signed an executive order making paid sick leave mandatory for employees of federal contractors.
5 Most Common Wage Violations in Hospitality
August 28, 2015
Managing compliance is a big job for HR in any industry. In hospitality, it can be especially challenging. Minimum wage, tax and tip credit requirements vary, depending on the state in which you're located. Even employees working in the same location are paid differently and are subject to different laws based on the duties they perform. Tipped employees' pay rates can change from week to week, depending on how busy business is…or isn't.
3 Steps to Strategic HR Revealed
August 19, 2015
The secret is out: to be the strategic leader your business needs, follow these three best practices. Know your business in addition to the business of HR. To really know the business inside and out you must be able to answer questions like, How does our organization make money? What are our costs? What does […]
5 Secrets to Finding and Keeping Top Talent
August 6, 2015
Finding, retaining and engaging top talent is more important than ever before, as more than 2 million Americans voluntarily leave their jobs every month, and 74 percent of the workforce would consider finding a new job. Forward-thinking companies already invest their time and resources in identifying top talent, because they know that if they don't, someone else will, and the cost of losing high performers can be anywhere from 1.5 times to more than triple their burdened salaries.
An Open Letter to HR
July 15, 2015
Juggling benefits, payroll, hiring and onboarding is quite the act to pull off. These are laborious tasks that need to be tended to, but there are also other items and forums where HR must assist. Take, for instance, any time employees want to know how their sick time accrues or need their last two pay stubs for income verification.
Changes Coming to Definition of Exempt Employees
July 9, 2015
Millions of Americans could become eligible for overtime pay in the coming months.
Affordable Care Act Subsidies Upheld: What You Need to Know
June 26, 2015
Yesterday, in a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal subsidies of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by ruling that the tax credits for health insurance are authorized in the 34 states that have a federal marketplace.
3 Reasons Why Companies Should Care About Employee Health
June 16, 2015
May has come and gone; unfortunately, so has the focus on health in the American workplace. According to the Integrated Benefits Institute, poor health costs the U.S. economy $576 billion a year, which is just one reason why it is important to continue health discussions.
Supreme Court Ruling: Employer Motives Matter in Hiring… or Not Hiring
June 3, 2015
Imagine interviewing for a job and leaving confident you made a good impression, only to be told you didn't get the position. Their reasoning, they say, was violating the "Look Policy." This unfortunate turn of events is all too real and something Samantha Elauf, a 17-year-old Muslim, experienced.
The Battle Back Home: 5 Tips for Hiring Military Veterans
May 22, 2015
Each year, an estimated 240,000 to 360,000 soldiers rejoin civilian life. For many, trying to find a job upon their return becomes another battle they face. To address this issue, Joining Forces, a nationwide effort to support service members, veterans and their families, was launched by the White House. Initiatives such as these have sparked coast-to-coast interest in veteran-specific recruiting efforts.
Save Your Employees: Unload on Information Overload
May 6, 2015
Between mobile devices and work computers, employees are rarely out of reach. A study by venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers found that the average person checks their phone 150 times a day. That's right, 150 times a day! This convenient proximity to technology can often make employees feel like they're never getting anything accomplished, let along escape from work during their time off.
Get Your Gears Going, It's Time to Stand Out
April 21, 2015
Have you ever not gotten a promotion and wondered what you could have done differently or what the person who received the promotion had that you didn't? More than likely, they stood out among the crowd because they exceeded expectations on a daily basis and always gave a little extra. If you continually show commitment to go above and beyond your job description, the impact is significant.
3 Untold Secrets to Employee Engagement
April 2, 2015
For many years, employers' main focus was largely customer satisfaction; however, the day has arrived where employee satisfaction is now equally important. By increasing visibility and transparency, social media has turned company cultures inside-out. Corporate decisions, once kept in the dark, are being disclosed and heretofore—unknown issues, like disengagement, have found the light.
Collecting Time Data: Who Has the Time?
March 19, 2015
Businesses find that labor is one of the expenses taking a big bite out of their budgets every year. They strive to find a balance between labor and workload for optimal performance and cost effectiveness, but leave themselves vulnerable to serious risk without the proper tools and processes in place. Although a large cost, labor can be controlled with a few best practices.
Ready or Not, FMLA Standards are Changing
March 13, 2015
In late February, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule to revise specific conditions in the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The new rule modifies the definition of a "spouse," extending federal job-protected leave benefits to eligible workers in legal, same-sex marriages.
Innovation: It's Not Too Late to Get It Right
March 4, 2015
I find myself having a love-hate relationship with New Year's resolutions. Was I not good enough in 2014? Then I remember, each year is a blank, 365-page book, and we have the opportunity to rewrite our own story. It is a chance to restart and redefine who we are as people, as leaders and as businesses. A wise man once said, "I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth, then I ask myself the same question."
Ready or Not, IRS Finalizes ACA Forms
February 18, 2015
The time has arrived for employers impacted by the eligibility reporting requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as the IRS officially released the 2014 versions of the final forms and instructions on Feb. 8. Posted were the following forms, which fulfill the reporting requirements under ACA sections 6055 and 6056:
Illinois Sets Precedence with IRA Payroll Deduction Law
February 11, 2015
Recently, Illinois became the first state to break ground on what could be the next big trend affecting organizations and their employees preparing for retirement. Signed into law on Jan. 4, the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program Act requires companies to automatically enroll their employees in – or give them access to –personal Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) funded through payroll deductions.
Don't Ask, Won't Tell: 10 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Employees
February 5, 2015
Some employers believe they know everything about the company, but we believe your employees would disagree. And it's not entirely your fault. As businesses scale from small start-ups to large enterprises, the lines of communication between management and the rest of the workforce begin to blur, making it all the more challenging to remain in tune with all parts of your organization.
3 Employee-Engagement Trends Employers Can't Afford to Overlook
January 23, 2015
When it comes to employee engagement, 2015 looks to be a year of trial and error. Employees are engaged, but they are restless and an improved economy has empowered more of them. Businesses need to engage them earlier and more often; ask what they need to be happier at work, then double up on retention efforts.
4 Entrepreneurial Lessons from MLK
January 19, 2015
As we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., let us all take a moment to remember the great leader that he was. Like today's entrepreneurs, King was a visionary, but his achievements didn't come easy. In fact, they came at a cost, yet he persevered and never backed down. King is a role model for so many, but entrepreneurs in particular can take note of these four valuable lessons he taught us:
3 HR Challenges Facing Nonprofits in 2015
January 13, 2015
Every business will face its fair share of challenges, whether from stiff competition, government regulations, economic downturns or HR issues. The truth is that challenges are the stuff of life; overcoming them is what makes people and companies great. But for nonprofit organizations, the impact of tribulations can be amplified by restricted budgets and a smaller workforce. Key to surviving and growing in the midst of today's obstacles are knowledge and preparation.
4 Hot HR Trends for 2015
January 6, 2015
With increasing speed, advances in technology have shifted the way human resources are handled in the workplace. As we enter 2015, HR professionals find themselves fully entrenched in an era of complex and ever-shifting business, which requires more of them.
The Tax Increase Prevention Act Has Taken Effect
December 29, 2014
It is time to collect! President Barack Obama has signed HR 5771, aka the Tax Increase Prevention Act, into law. The highly anticipated legislation renews more than 50 expired tax breaks, allowing businesses, commuters and more to collect with tax season around the corner. For many in the corporate world, the excitement centers on the Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit.
7 Simple Ways to Enhance Philanthropic Efforts
December 18, 2014
The old adage of "It's better to give than to receive" reigns true after all. Whether donating money or time, giving back is important – and not just for the recipients. Research shows that 52 percent of volunteers do it because they like helping others and doing something useful, while 38 percent said the work makes them feel good. Giving brings joys to both sides of the equation, but charitable initiatives could have a greater impact on your organization, as giving promotes cooperation and connection.
An Attitude of Servitude: 5 Ways to Improve Customer Service
December 3, 2014
An attitude of servitude is hard to come by these days. Not because there are meaner people in the world today than there were yesterday; no, it's because you and I let it happen. Can you believe this interaction? The story goes: I called in an order at a local restaurant. I wanted to know how much would feed 20 people (a reasonable question). The waiter's response "Ma'am I don't know, once you figure it out call us back." So I hung up and called back with my order, (true story). Unfortunately, many of us have gotten so used to poor customer service that now we just expect it.
An Outlook on ACA: Are You Ready?
November 17, 2014
If you employ 50 or more full-time or full-time-equivalent employees, you should be ready for the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate, as we are now T-minus 44 days from the New Year. While you're planning holiday parties and strategizing for Black Friday, don't overlook prepping for ACA compliance. Here's the good news: 92% of Paycom's ACA webinar attendees feel their company is in compliance with the ACA. That's a staggering number considering all of the changes and unknowns that still exist with one of the largest changes to health care our country has ever seen. If you aren't among that 92%, here's what you should be asking yourself as you head into the New Year.
Casinos Dealt a Rather Stiff Hand
November 6, 2014
The bright lights of the Vegas strip appeal to high-rollers and the employees who serve them; however, for some, the glitz and glam can be short-lived. Employees drawn by the luster often find it hard to adjust to the nightlife and long shifts, which is why many fold. In a study by the University of Las Vegas, casino HR executives report their industry turnover rate being between 25 percent and 40 percent.
Step Three: Protect Your Stash
October 29, 2014
Should a zombie apocalypse take over, would your documents be safe? According to research by the University of Texas, "Only six percent of companies suffering from a catastrophic loss survive, while 43 percent never reopen and 51 percent close within two years." Don't fall prey to these ghoulish stats; have a survival plan ready to go in case any "creepy crawlies" come lurking around your business.
Innovation: 3 Ways Businesses Can Shoot for the Moon
October 23, 2014
Innovation; without it we'd still be staring up at the moon wondering what it's like up there? Innovation is transformative, it turns ideas into possibilities. Take Walt Disney for example, through innovative thinking he was able to turn a blank canvas of land into what many would recall today as a magical escape. Innovation doesn't have to be groundbreaking, although it's always exciting when it is. To keep it simple, innovation in your organization can mean building upon products, implementing new campaign ideas and the list goes on and on. Embracing innovation could potentially advance your organization to new heights.
Top 10 Office Annoyances
October 1, 2014
As with anywhere you're bound to spend the majority of your time, there are going to be irritations and annoyances that just really drive you "up the cubicle wall." Here are just a few you may be able to relate to.
5 Ways Businesses Can Engage Employees … and Keep Them!
September 16, 2014
Every successful company knows the key to employee retention is engagement, yet according to a study by Dale Carnegie & Associates, 71 percent of all employees are not fully engaged. That means nearly three-quarters of the workforce are not performing to their best ability, which negatively affects revenue and morale.
What You Didn't Know About Getting Paid
September 9, 2014
When you applied for your job, you agreed to make a certain amount, but that's probably not the same amount you see on your paycheck. So, where does it all go? There is a lot of behind the scenes work that happens before you get your check. There are certain deductions and taxes that have to be withheld. Thank goodness someone knows what they're doing, right? Next time you see your payroll specialist, thank them.
One Size Does Not Fit All
August 21, 2014
Hiring for fit may be stunting your company's growth. Sure your company culture may be the bee's knees now, but if you continue to scale, two years into the future your culture might not be recognizable. With that said, not everyone has a culture they can rave to their friends and family about and the fact that you do is something to write home about. However, in order to be a sustainable company organizations have to be willing to transform, balancing profit-centered business practices with people-centered business models.
Rethink the Shark: Don't Let Fear Hold You Back
August 12, 2014
Despite their bad rap, sharks aren't quite the bloodthirsty animals Hollywood has made them out to be. While Jaws may have been the box-office champ of its time, reality paints a different picture of these toothy sea creatures. Thanks to that 1975 film, its sequels, its rip-offs and other pieces of pop culture across several media – including Discovery's ever-popular, annual Shark Week – we fear sharks.
A New Era for Manufacturing
July 31, 2014
As baby boomers reach retirement and generations X and Y tweet their way into the workforce, manufacturers face a shortage of skilled workers. No surprise there. Now, if only a small consensus of manufacturers were affected, a simple fix would get the job done: a little less social media and a lot more elbow grease. Unfortunately, the problem is more than hashtag-deep. (#FirstWorldProblems)
Home Healthcare: An Industry on the Rise
July 23, 2014
If you are considering owning your own business or franchise, then listen closely. Today, the oldest baby boomers are well into their 60's and according to "The History Channel" about one in five Americans will be older than 65 by 2030. Today there are about 78 million American baby boomers and as the oldest of them hits retirement age many will have additional medical needs. People age 65 and older make up 12 percent of the population but they account for 38 percent of all Emergency Medical Service (EMS) trips and 90 percent of nursing home use. Here's another staggering statistic; 60 percent of baby boomers have been diagnosed with at least one chronic medical condition.
Fool Proof Your 401k Plan Today
July 10, 2014
The harsh reality is you may pay more in fees than what is in your retirement! This is the unfortunate reality many are facing, as the Department of Labor estimates 77 percent of 401k plans are out of compliance. To be deemed "qualified," a 401k plan must satisfy the requirements listed under the Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a). If a plan fails to meet these requirements, then the plan is deemed "disqualified" and favorable tax benefits may be lost.
ACA and Entrepreneurial Independence
July 3, 2014
On the eve of Independence Day, I want to take a moment to look at a unique comparison between our country's founding fathers and the people who have helped create jobs for you and me: the American entrepreneur. Although separated by time, the two have something in common in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The federal government's controversial legislation has our founding principles and entrepreneurial spirit on the proverbial pins and needles.
Company Engagement in Bulk
June 27, 2014
Sustainable engagement is an ongoing process. You may be thinking, "Well, of course it is, so what's your point?" Although the concept may seem obvious, it is something with which businesses constantly struggle. Engagement is a continuous process, not a one-and-done kind of initiative – a valuable lesson learned from shopping at warehouse retail stores.
The Butterfly Effect: Everything You Do Matters
June 16, 2014
Do you know that everything you do matters? Every move you make and every action you take matters, not only to you but to everyone that's part of your life and organization today, tomorrow and even after you're gone. Think about it for a while. Say someone creates a new accounting process, eliminating two tedious steps, essentially streamlining how your business operates moving forward. Wow, what an impact that would have on any business. See one single action can have a resounding impact on your company for years to come; this is known as the Butterfly Effect.
3 Ways to Empower Oil and Gas Employees
June 6, 2014
Oil and gas production contributes 7.5 percent of gross domestic product and supports 9.2 million jobs nationally. With a booming industry that continues to rise, it is imperative for the executives to curtail tunnel vision on profits and realign its focus on another essential element of the business: the wants and needs of employees.
Passing the Baton: From Baby Boomers to Generation X
May 22, 2014
For years now, members of the Baby Boomer generation have been running operations at major corporate entities, but recent data suggests that the workforce is changing and so too is its leadership. According to a recent Gallup poll, 31 percent of today's workforce is approaching or reaching 61 years of age – the average age of retirement – or 65 – the traditional retirement age. With impending retirement threatening the frontlines, businesses need to prepare for new leadership to take reign. Enter Generation X.
Preparing for Gen Z
May 16, 2014
A new generation will soon be entering the workforce, specifically referred to as, Gen Z (those born between 1995-2009) or the connected generation; whatever you call them. This group of digital wiz kids is a new breed of employee, never knowing life without high-speed internet, smartphones and unlimited access to media technologies. If you're down and out trying to manage millennial workers, just wait until Gen Z starts knocking on your door.
ACA's Non-Assessment Period and Transitional Relief
May 1, 2014
Released concurrently with Feb. 10's changes to the employer mandate, the Affordable Care Act's shared-responsibility regulations offer guidance to employers in two areas: non-assessment periods and transitional relief. The non-assessment portion allows for specific periods of time when employers will not be held accountable for fines levied for failure to offer qualifying health insurance to a full-time employee. Additionally, employers entering their first year as an applicable large employer (ALE) were given details on a transition rule, giving them a specific time frame to comply fully with ACA mandates without being penalized.
Be Smart: Go Green to Save Green
April 22, 2014
With Earth Day here once again, it's a perfect time to remind businesses looking to cut costs that going green is a smart way to get more green in your revenue stream. Embracing the sustainability of people and technology in these five tips ultimately should improve your bottom lines. Going green is also a smart way to leverage award opportunities, recruit millennials and instill a reputation as a world partner.
College Grads: What Should You Look for in a Company?
April 15, 2014
As a recent graduate myself, I know all too well about the immediate fear that ensues the excitement of graduation day. It's a day you've been preparing for your entire college career, but yet it hits you so unexpectedly. Mid-day naps and catching up with friends after class will soon be distant memories. Eight to five will most likely be many of yours' new normal. While this may not seem ideal for some, each student has an impending responsibility to grow-up, graduate and get a job.
Capping Hours: Risk Outweighs Reward
April 7, 2014
Employee benefits have become a hot topic in the business realm, especially in regard to the federal government's Affordable Care Act. Ultimately, it comes down to dollars and cents, and companies are finding that a more affordable route may exist beyond offering traditional health coverage. However, if you are thinking of finding a loophole through lowering employees' hours, you might want to think twice.
ACA Reporting Requirements Become Clearer
March 20, 2014
While many portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have been delayed, postponed or a mixture of the two, the IRS recently released two rules for employer reporting requirements.These rules are seen in Section 6055 and 6056 and will be reported via forms 1095-B and 1095-C, respectively. Both employers and insurers may voluntarily report for 2014, but reporting will not be required until 2015.
Is Your Business SaaS-Savvy?
March 13, 2014
Once a booming trend, Software as a Service (SaaS) today is a part of everyday business. What is it? Simply put, SaaS is a delivery model in which applications are hosted and managed in a provider's data center. SaaS can be paid for on a subscription basis and accessed via an Internet browser. While it has been in existence for more than a decade, SaaS has gained momentum in recent years due in part to its unparalleled ability to lower costs and increase efficiencies in the workplace.
Corporate Health Insurance Trends You Need to Know
March 7, 2014
The ever-rising cost of corporate health care is expected to increase by 4.4 percent this year. Couple that rising pressure with hard-fought efforts to maintain compliance with the federal government's Affordable Care Act, and some employers have chosen to waive benefits, placing more responsibility onto their employees, who pay more both in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Are You a 360 Degree Leader?
February 25, 2014
What does it mean to be a leader? And can anyone be a leader? These are questions I've been asked a lot in school, interviews and workshops but until now I didn't really have a definite answer. Leadership is a complex trait and it's far more than "guiding a group of people."
Federal Contract Workers to See Minimum Wage Increase
February 14, 2014
President Barack Obama's promise to increase the minimum wage for federal contract workers became official when signed an executive order earlier this week. The increase from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour will become effective Jan. 1, 2015.
More Changes Announced for ACA's Employer Mandate
February 11, 2014
Change is coming again for employers subject to the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate as the Obama administration announced two major modifications on Feb. 10, including: further delaying portions of the mandate for certain employers, and adjusting the percentage of employees who must be covered by employers beginning in 2015.
How to Forecast Your HR Budget and Staffing in the Coming Year
February 6, 2014
No one said forecasting talent and your budget was easy. It's extremely difficult to try to see into the future and anticipate what your organizational budget and staffing needs will be in the coming year. It is, however, a necessary evil of planning for the future of your human resources department. Not only is it imperative to plan for spending but also it gives you a sense of what your department's priorities are, what challenges you may face and what your staffing needs will be. In order to do so successfully, there are several strategies you can utilize along the way.
President Obama Reveals Increase in Minimum Wage for Federal Contract Workers
January 29, 2014
If you are an employer with federal government contracts, prepare to pay your employees a higher minimum wage on new contracts soon. President Barack Obama announced in a Jan. 28 White House fact sheet that he intends to issue an executive order in coming weeks requiring employers to pay contract workers at least $10.10 an hour, so price your future bids accordingly and anticipate additional guidance to ensure compliance.
Making the Grade on Teacher Assessments
January 21, 2014
Reading, writing, arithmetic – and assessments? School administrators find themselves struggling with not just how they can ensure students are meeting their goals in the traditional "Three Rs," but also how they can make time for states' newly mandated classroom teacher evaluations. For many schools, this new evaluation model replaces ones that have been in place for decades.
Talent Management: Cultivating the Best of the Best
January 9, 2014
Cultivating top talent is at the top of any good recruiter's list, but hiring is merely one piece of the puzzle. A successful recruitment process will transition candidates smoothly from hiring to developing and retaining. The process is continual and involves attracting talent, cultivating a solid company rapport, fostering positive employee engagement, and nurturing skills through consistent, ongoing training. Ultimately, it's about building a strong and reliable workforce that can bring added value to your organization.
Tax Prep for 2014
December 31, 2013
For many people losing weight tops the lists of resolutions, but it isn't the only solution to improving your well-being. Start the New Year right by shaving a few pounds off your work load rather than just your waist. With tax season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get all your […]
Steering Through ACA's 'Cadillac Tax'
December 17, 2013
Experts say that this trend is endangered by an excise tax, otherwise known informally as the "Cadillac tax," mandated under the federal government's Affordable Care Act.
Shooting for the Stars-Long Term Healthcare
November 13, 2013
Long-term health care facilities aim for the Five-Star Quality Rating created by the federal government's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Five stars indicate a facility has "much above average quality"; one star, far below. Is your organization capable of achieving the Five-Star goal, but falling slightly short? Or perhaps you and your staff have earned the rating, but find it difficult to maintain that level?
Is 30 the New 40?
October 24, 2013
In the scope of basic math, the difference between 30 and 40 isn't much. The continuing battle over the Affordable Care Act (ACA), however, is anything but basic. Currently at stake in the U.S. House of Representatives is the definition of a full-time employee. Whereas most federal labor laws equate a 40-hour workweek to full-time employment, the ACA definition lowers that to 30.
Employer Services on Hold with Government Shutdown
October 1, 2013
Congress was unable to come to a resolution causing the federal government to shut down as of Oct. 1. These actions not only impact federal employees and agencies, but its effects will ripple down to employers until an appropriations bill is passed. Below is a rundown of a variety of employment-related issues created due to the shutdown.
New ACA Requirements Creeping Up in October
September 11, 2013
As Oct. 1 quickly approaches, you may be feeling haunted by health care reform and the upcoming exchange notification requirements facing ALL employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Even if you already offer adequate and affordable health coverage to your employees, you too are required to issue exchange notifications to educate your workforce on the new health care marketplace.
Paycom Stands Out with Latest Accomplishment
August 14, 2013
Paycom continues to rake in the accolades, this time garnering its 11th-consecutive appearance on the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber's Metro 50 list. Of the Metro 50 winners, Paycom's 11-year reign of consecutive appearances is the most of any of the companies on the list.
Power-Packed Affordable Care Act Resource Guide
August 2, 2013
Because of the complexity of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the IRS has created a new, simple Publication 5093 to help employers find answers to questions about the new health care law. This one-page publication contains links to websites where employers may find further information on health insurance, tax benefits and responsibilities and small business […]
ACA Penalties: Insurance Inadequacies Can Cost You
June 7, 2013
Offering employees health insurance is not enough to avoid the penalties associated with the shared responsibility requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While many large employers already provide what they believe to be a good health plan for employees, the ACA has set the standard for what is considered adequate and affordable coverage as well as the penalties for non-compliance.
Four Steps to Talent Management Success
April 8, 2013
Employers are painfully aware of the challenge to acquire the top talent needed to thrive in today's business climate. How are you retaining your talent? Even top performing companies need a talent strategy to keep employees engaged throughout their careers. As part of a unique infographic, Paycom provided the four necessary steps to create a talent management strategy for your business.
Outsourcing Payroll: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
April 8, 2013
Do you know someone that is processing payroll for their mid-to-large sized company? Maybe you are stuck in the mundane process of doing payroll for your business or maybe you have a team of employees dedicated to payroll.