Author Archives: boatswainassociates

4 Steps to Controlling Your HR Costs

4 Steps to Controlling Your HR Costs The first step to controlling human resources (HR) costs is to identify the functions covered by your HR department. Generally, they include: Recruiting, sourcing, selection and hiring. Onboarding, training and development. Guiding employees through their employment life cycle. Developing HR strategies based on existing and projected needs. Establishing,Continue reading “4 Steps to Controlling Your HR Costs”

Is This Your Situation: You Need Help Switching Payroll Providers

Is This Your Situation: You Need Help Switching Payroll Providers If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your payroll provider, it’s probably time to move on. But the road to greener pastures is complicated. Unless you have trained human resources or payroll staff on-site, you’ll likely need some advice from an independent consultant — who can helpContinue reading “Is This Your Situation: You Need Help Switching Payroll Providers”

Know the Rules on Unemployment Claims

Know the Rules on Unemployment Claims Unemployment benefits are provided through a federal-state unemployment program. It is funded largely by federal and state taxes imposed on employers. The Internal Revenue Service enforces federal unemployment tax laws. The state unemployment agency oversees state unemployment tax as well as the determination and disbursement of unemployment benefits. WhenContinue reading “Know the Rules on Unemployment Claims”

7 Key Aspects of Payroll Compliance

7 Key Aspects of Payroll Compliance 1. Federal wage and hour laws The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the federal wages and hour standards which are administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. These standards cover: Federal minimum wage. Overtime pay and exemptions. Work hours, including meals and rest breaks. Child labor, including permissibleContinue reading “7 Key Aspects of Payroll Compliance”

5 Common Payroll Mistakes to Avoid

5 Common Payroll Mistakes to Avoid The ramifications of payroll mistakes emanate from external and internal sources. Externally, the government can levy fines and penalties for payroll non-compliance. Internally, employees tend to become seriously concerned when an error shows up on their paycheck. There are many possible reasons for these mistakes, but the following fiveContinue reading “5 Common Payroll Mistakes to Avoid”

Rethink Your Paid-Leave Policies

Rethink Your Paid-Leave Policies In these difficult times, the narrative surrounding employee leave has taken a major turn, with paid leave becoming the dominant theme. Click through to see why it’s time to reassess your paid-leave policies. For most employers, paid leave is a core benefit due to its essential role in attracting and recruitingContinue reading “Rethink Your Paid-Leave Policies”

Home Office Deductions: A Refresher on the Rules

Home Office Deductions: A Refresher on the Rules The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) allows taxpayers to claim a business deduction for expenses arising from the qualified use of all or part of a residence, as long as certain conditions are met. This deduction can be a particularly attractive tax planning tool for those who meetContinue reading “Home Office Deductions: A Refresher on the Rules”