The workplace of the future is no longer abstract. It is a reality, but a reality that is different for each business. Every workplace has changed since March 2020, although no two have changed in exactly the same way. However, there is one common theme: Most companies now rely more on technology to increase workplace … Read more
In COVID Tax Tip 2021-123, the IRS clarifies some of the confusion surrounding the powerful but complex Employee Retention Credit. The IRS is addressing changes made by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that apply to the third and fourth quarters of 2021. These changes include: Making the credit available to eligible employers that pay … Read more
COVID-19 and its variants continue to disrupt the way we live, work and play. The population disagrees on whether to wear masks or be vaccinated, and businesses struggle to attract workers. At the same time, we all are trying to move toward a new definition of normal. Some clear guidance One of the most pressing … Read more
These days, many employees at companies large and small to sign an agreement when they’re onboarded. It says that they’re not allowed to work for a competing company, or to start a competing company, for a certain number of years after they part ways with their current employer. Once a rare practice restricted to specialized … Read more
As workplaces resume in-person operations, or at least consider doing so, there are many questions about the rules and requirements. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has published a lengthy Q&A to help make sure everyone knows how to proceed. Managers and employees may want to review the entire document, but can get started with some of … Read more
At a minimum, the human resources department handles: Recruiting. Hiring. Compensation. Employee benefits. Training and development. Employee relations. Employee engagement. Employee retention. Health and safety. HR compliance. To save money, many small-business owners tackle these HR and employment activities on their own, only to learn that the company is better off when they focus on … Read more
How long do you have to keep records? There’s no one answer. However, we’ve summarized some of the most common federal laws relevant to employment record keeping. Note that applicability may vary by employer size Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Resumes. Job applications. Job advertisements and postings. Interview notes. Preemployment screening … Read more
Can an employer require its employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19? It’s a simple question, but one that does not have an easy answer. In brief, companies can make vaccinations an employment requirement, but there are subtleties involved, and a disability can create an exception. The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission has provided some guidance in a … Read more
The second relief bill, passed at the end of 2020, contains updates to the employee retention credit, a refundable payroll tax credit. Each option has its own rules and regulations for first- and second-round funding. The act changes some requirements for the ERC — retroactively and prospectively — giving businesses more options to claim it. … Read more
