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Should Your Small Business Be Offering A 401(k) Plan?
March 20, 2021
A significant step for any small business owner, are you clear on whether you should offer your employees a 401(k) plan, or do you need a little extra help with the decision?
For those small business owners currently pondering over the pros and cons of offering a retirement plan to their workforce, the following short guide may...
4 Of the Biggest HR Trends and Challenges For 2021
March 8, 2021
As a tumultuous and challenging 2020 is now firmly behind us, it’s time to look forward to the year ahead and the 4 biggest new trends in HR that are set to change the way we work over the coming months:
1. Remote working
Having employees work from home was a boom for some...
Improving Employee Health in Light of Covid-19
February 19, 2021
The ongoing health crisis has put employers the world over, under immense strain, and added to the existing challenges of managing the health care costs of employees. However, for employers who keep their business heads on while shopping for health care benefits, take advantage of digital health technologies and partner with hospitals and physicians, may be able...
How Can You Simplify Payroll as A Small Business Owner?
February 10, 2021
Both time consuming and complex, payroll for employees is the bane of many a small business owners’ life, yet as a necessity, it has to be dealt with one way or the other. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which you can simplify payroll, while still ensuring that your employees are paid; read on to know more:
Why Is Employee Time Attendance So Important?
January 18, 2021
Whatever type of organization you run, and whatever type of product or service you produce, time and attendance has a hugely significant role to play, and here’s why:
The importance of time and attendance:
The data produced from time and attendance systems can (and should) be used to help businesses make more informed decisions about a...
Anticipated Workers Compensation Trends For 2021
January 11, 2021
Having workers compensation coverage is required by law in the majority of states throughout the US, but aside from that, having it helps to get injured employees back to work as quickly, and safely as possible; a win-win for both parties. This is why the development of an effective workers compensation program is vital for any company, no matter its size. To achieve this though, it’s...
How To Stay Up-To-Date With Payroll Laws & Regulations
December 27, 2020
Keeping up to date on federal and state policy issues and laws with respect to Human Resources and payroll, is a constant, ongoing task for HR professionals, and many small businesses outsource this element of their operations to ensure that they’re always compliant.
With laws and policies changing frequently, not to mention varying from state to state, having a team of HR...
Do You Need Help Meeting Modern HR Demands?
December 23, 2020
HR professionals face a variety of demands at the best of times, but with the global pandemic shaking up the way many businesses operate, the past few months have proved even more challenging for them. Not only have they been forced to make sense of new regulations and guidance that sometimes changed from day to day, but they’ve had to manage dwindling – or in some fortunate...
6 Money Saving Health Insurance Tips for Small Businesses
November 24, 2020
It’s absolutely possible to keep health insurance costs to a minimum for you, as the owner of a business, and your employees, while still ensuring that everyone gets the coverage they deserve. Here are 6 money saving health insurance tips for small businesses:
- Go shopping!
With the price of health insurance...
8 Ways to Make HR Profitable for Your Small Business
November 14, 2020
A well-run HR department can be of inherent value to any business, large or small, and once you begin to appreciate this fact and invest in HR, you’ll find that your employees become more empowered and more productive. Great health insurance is more than a gift to employees, it’s a reason for them to stay loyal to the company, to work harder and to feel more valued as a worker; in...
Workplace Changes to Retirement Planning
October 21, 2020
With unemployment figures having hit an all-time high, and average incomes falling dramatically, it’s no surprise that there have been some recent changes to retirement planning in the workplace.
Recent surveys highlight retirement uncertainty:
In recent surveys, participants were asked if they believed Covid-19 would have an impact on...
Could You Reduce Your Workers Comp Costs with Injury Triage?
October 15, 2020
Injury triage can significantly reduce the costs associated with workers compensation, when dome correctly, and can also get injured employees back to work again while increasing overall workplace satisfaction for all employees. If you haven’t already implemented injury triage in your workers compensation program, now could be the time to do so:
Just how...
5 Ways Automated Time Attendance Can Benefit Your Business
September 15, 2020
There are many advantages to tracking time attendance with an automated system, and all of them can be of huge benefit to your business; below are the top five ways that your business could reap the rewards of automated time attendance:
- Keep an accurate record of employee hours worked
Paper-based time card systems are...
The Importance of Employee Background Checks for Small Businesses
September 7, 2020
You’d be mistaken if you believe that only large businesses need to concern themselves with employee background checks, and if you’re running a smaller business, there is perhaps even more need for you to be vigilant when it comes to who you employ; here’s why:
Access to accounts and confidential information:
Small businesses...
HR Trends to Watch Out For
August 20, 2020
The scope of human resources has altered greatly in recent years, expanding and evolving alongside changes to functionality in organizations, team management and employee expectations related to work. Now, more than ¾ way through 2020, several trends have been appearing in HR that look set to transform the workforce and the workplace for the...
How to Keep Up with Changes to Employment Laws
August 10, 2020
Changes are often being made to employment laws, and it can be hard for busy companies to keep up with them and ensure that they are always compliant. However, there are a few points to take into consideration when trying to do this, that will help you stay on the right side of the law and treat your employees fairly and responsibly:
Retirement Risks For Employers Due To Covid-19
July 20, 2020
Some businesses have been forced to temporarily, or in some cases, permanently, suspend their operations, or require that their employees work from home, as just some of the consequences of Covid-19. The current situation is naturally worrying for employers but is also causing great concern for employees who have important questions related to their retirement, and how the global pandemic may...
Big Penalties For Companies Without Workers Comp Insurance
July 13, 2020
If you own a business, no matter what its size, and you haven’t purchased workers compensation insurance, then you could be at risk of facing huge penalties that rage from steep fines, to a stint behind bars.
Isn’t workers compensation insurance an unnecessary expense for a small...
Why You Might Need Extra HR Support, Post Covid-19
June 19, 2020
While none of us can yet predict what the full impact of Covid-19 will be upon our country by the time the infection rate is under control, its initial impact has been profoundly harmful to our economy, employment rates and the way in which people carry out their work. What is certain, is that working worlds may never return to how they were before the global...
The Current State Of Employee Background Checks
June 10, 2020
Background screening for employees is usually divided into 3 parts: public record searches, verifications and drug screening, and with the ongoing health crisis, each part is affected differently:
Public Records:
Reviewing Your Qualified Employee Retirement Plans Post Covid-19 – Part Two
May 21, 2020
With so many aspects of business changing due to the ongoing health crisis, employees and their employers are facing a multitude of financial hardships that will undoubtedly have a significant impact upon such benefits as qualified retirement plans.
If you’re an employer and are uncertain about the effect the pandemic...
Reviewing Qualified Employee Retirement Plans Post Covid-19 Part One
May 17, 2020
In the light of financial hardships many employees and businesses are suffering from due to the current heath crisis, employers might want to spend some time reviewing their qualified retirement plans and consulting with advisors to see if there any available provisions they can take advantage of.
Here are some provisions that...
Employer Provided Health Care And Our Economic Recovery
April 18, 2020
The magnitude of the current health crisis is beyond anything we have seen previously in our lifetime, and the impact it’s having upon so many of us, is truly unprecedented. While many struggle simply to meet their daily survival needs, others are looking to the future and wondering where it will take them, and what the long-term effects of such a pandemic...
Why Payroll Software Should Integrate With Accounting Packages
April 9, 2020
As a business owner or manager, it can be tiresome to have to enter employee salary details into the payroll software, and then manually enter it into the accounting system, too. Without integration between the different software, this will always be a thankless and time-consuming task. In duplicating data from the payroll software to your general ledger, aside...
COVID-19 UPDATE from Apollo Payroll LLC
March 13, 2020
Our priority is the health and well-being of our clients, staff, family and friends and we hope and pray that this serious event is resolved as quickly as possible. Apollo Payroll LLC is implementing social distancing and work from home policies.
To that end, in office meetings will NOT be...
Your Workers Compensation Insurance Queries Answered
March 6, 2020
If you’re new to the world of business, or have recently begun taking on employees, you may have some questions surrounding workers compensation insurance, here are a few of them along with their answers:
- Does the law state that all employers must provide workers comp insurance?
Can You Afford Not To Carry Out Employee Background Checks?
March 3, 2020
Companies who don’t think employee background checks are necessary, are probably lucky not to have experienced any negative consequences, but you only have to use your imagination to come up with many reasons why it’s always a good idea to perform them.
While criminals who...
Explaining Integrated Benefits For Small Businesses
February 20, 2020
Controlling rising healthcare costs and improving the overall standard of care that your employees receive, is only possible if you understand and manage the whole health experience. Having one carrier provide you with benefits for medical, behavioural, stop-loss and pharmacy, can give you a much more integrated view and help you to manage a successful health care...
The Most Common Small Business HR Tasks & Their Importance
February 13, 2020
HR is important to any business, no matter what its size, and some roles associated with HR are more important than others. Here are a few of what are generally considered to be the most important ones for the smooth running of any HR department:
- Policies must be effectively communicated:
Encouraging Your Employees To Track Time Properly
January 17, 2020
It has been said that up to 8 billion dollars a day may be lost in untracked work hours, affecting the US economy and having a very real impact upon individual businesses, big and small. Time is as important an element of business as any other, but it can be challenging to encourage employees to see it as being so.
So, to help you try and combat this common problem,...
Changes To Retirement Accounts For 2020
January 16, 2020
Right at the end of 2019, the US Senate passed a $1.4 trillion dollar spending deal that included new retirement legislation known as the SECURE Act. Affecting many aspects of retirement, the new law may have direct implications for the middle class and their beneficiaries.
For those...
Can Outsourcing Payroll Ever Be Cost Effective?
December 20, 2019
The short answer to this question will always be a definitive, yes, but let’s look at the benefits of outsourcing payroll in a little more detail, and as a small business owner,...
What Are The Consequences Of Not Having Workers Compensation?
December 16, 2019
If you’re the owner of a business – large, medium or small – and you haven’t purchased workers compensation insurance, you could get into some real hot water. While you might think that you can save money by not buying it, chances are you could end up incurring some hefty penalties or even be looking at jail time depending upon which state...
How To Avoid Payroll Leakage
November 26, 2019
As a business owner, how often do you review your bonus and overtime pay programs? While these may be expected expenses, they are often the source of payroll leakage that unless examined regularly, can lead to a loss in revenue and productivity.
What businesses are susceptible...
Should You Offer Your Employees An EAP?
November 21, 2019
Employee Assistance Programs, or EAP’s, are confidential workplace services paid for by employers that help their staff deal with a variety of stressors that may affect their daily performance and/or physical and mental wellbeing. Problems within the family, worries about money or relationship struggles can all have a detrimental effect upon employees and...
Should You Be Carrying Out Employee Background Checks?
October 25, 2019
While it might seem obvious that a company should carry out background checks before they take on any new workers, you’d be surprised to learn how few do. One common reason cited for not doing so stems from the cost; using the services of a pre-employment background check company naturally increases the overall cost of hiring, but this is not a valid excuse....
Life Insurance For Your Employees
October 15, 2019
As the owner of a small business, should you be offering your employees life insurance? Here we look in a little more detail at life insurance and what types are available:
What is life insurance?
In the event of an...
Taking The Pain Out Of Payroll
September 23, 2019
For those running small businesses, pay day may be something that they dread, even if they outsource payroll. Poor customer service, system inefficiencies and second-rate technology can all be a blight upon some HR professionals and payroll companies, so finding the right people to help take the pain out of payroll for your small business, is vital if you’re...
All You Need To Know About Paying Tipped Employees
September 14, 2019
When paying your employees, the last thing you want to do is break any of the labor laws, and so minimum wage laws at federal, state and local levels must be strictly adhered to. That said, some employers paying staff within certain industries, can pay their tipped employees less than the minimum wage and not break any labor laws; this is known as the tipped...
Choosing The Right Retirement Plans For Your Employees
August 13, 2019
Choosing the right retirement plan for your employees can be tricky, and of course whatever plan you select needs to work for your entire business. Here are some factors that you might want to consider before choosing retirement coverage:
How many employees do you...
Can HR Really Build And Boost Business Productivity?
August 8, 2019
If you’re the manager of a Human Resources department, then you’ll know that the job involves so much more than simply handing out safety manuals and fielding complaints. The role of anyone working in HR can be thought of as being more of an advocate for both employees and employer, and they are privy to one of the most comprehensive views of the...
The Advantages Of Time And Attendance Software
July 15, 2019
Timekeeping and payroll are two elements of a business that are inherent to its success and making both as simple and effective as they can possibly be, is the first step towards a business being productive and profitable. Nowadays, more and more small businesses are turning to online systems to track and manage employee timekeeping and payroll, and there are...
How HR Can Support Your Businesses Growth Strategy
July 12, 2019
Hopefully, your small business is growing - whether in size, popularity or profitability - and if your business is growing, so should your employees be. One area of business management all too frequently neglected, is development planning, in which a company’s employees are helped to shape the future direction of their careers. A business’s employees...
How Outsourcing Payroll Can Help Your Company
June 13, 2019
There are millions of companies throughout the U.S. outsourcing their payroll, but why do so many businesses choose to do this, and how does it benefit them? Read on to know more about the benefits of outsourcing payroll and learn how it could help your company:
Outsourcing...
Complying With Florida Background Check Laws
June 11, 2019
There are usually specific types of background investigations for specific types of jobs, such as working with vulnerable people like the disabled, children or the elderly, and this is no different in the state of Florida. Additionally, if an individual has a certain felony on their record, they must wait for 3 years before they’re allowed to be employed in...
All You Need To Know About The ‘Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement’
May 14, 2019
The Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement or QSEHRA, is a new and increasingly popular health insurance option created back in December of 2016. In much the same way as HRA’s, the QSEHRA enables business with fewer than 50 employees to offer their workers a monthly allowance of tax-free money. The employees then opt and pay for health...
2019 Workers Compensation Trends
May 8, 2019
Many company owners have begun using a ‘digital first’ approach to business, leading to significant changes in workers compensation trends. As we continue into 2019 in fact, the entire insurance industry will see major shifts, and keeping up with these trends will be essential for all involved.
When assessing...
Boost Efficiency With Time Tracking Software
April 20, 2019
The strength of any business is often dependant on its most valuable of assets: employees. What they do when they are at work, where they put their energy and what they are strongest at doing can all be important factors in determining the success of the company.
For this reason, it makes sense for businesses to track and...
The Advantages Of Outsourcing Payroll
April 13, 2019
Naturally, as an employer it’s your responsibility to ensure that your employees are paid accurately and in a timely manner, irrespective of how many workers you have. You must be aware of all laws pertaining to payroll and stay up to date with the myriad changes to these laws that can occur throughout the year. You also need to understand payroll taxes and...
Effective Time Management In The Workplace
April 10, 2019
Time management in the workplace is imperative, and when it is not managed effectively, it can have disastrous effects on a company. From negative employee morale, labor law compliance and payroll processing efficiencies to employee productivity, poor time management is bad news for business and can hold back company growth and profits.
How Important Is A Retirement Plan For Small Business Owners?
March 20, 2019
Every decision that you make as an employer can be an important one, especially when you have a budget to stick to, employees to provide for and laws to adhere to, and planning for the long term often gets put aside in favor of staying afloat and staying within budget. However, there are some long-term planning decisions that may be critical to the success of both...
Employer Health Insurance Requirements For 2019
March 16, 2019
The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, continues to be scaled back as we progress into 2019, raising many questions about changes to the law. Read on to find out what you need to know as an employer, to comply with the ACA in 2019:
Are you legally required to offer your employees health benefits?
2019 Brings 10 Important Changes To Payroll
March 12, 2019
Small businesses are said to employ almost half of all workers in the U.S. and if you run a business with employees, then your payroll is likely to be a little different this year; here are the top 10 changes to payroll for 2019:
1. Rule changes for minimum wage
Employee Punctuality And Why It Matters So Much
February 19, 2019
Aside from it being deeply irritating and disrespectful when your employees don’t show up to work on time, it can affect your business in other ways, too. Of course, there is the potential for a loss in productivity, especially if the employee (or employees) shows up late on multiple occasions, but the reputation of your organization is also at stake and at...
Revised Retirement Contribution Limits
February 16, 2019
The government have of course made many changes to tax laws over the years, and with the current reforms, it can be difficult to stay on top of all the alterations, adjustments and revised regulations. When it comes to retirement, the changes to contribution limits can be hard to stay abreast of, but it’s essentially good news for retirement savers in 2019....
10 Changes To Payroll Laws For 2019
February 12, 2019
Small businesses are thought to employ nearly half of all workers in the U.S., and if you own a small company with employees, you’ll need to make yourself aware of how payroll may differ in 2019. Below is a short guide to some of those changes, but for more detailed advice and guidance, please check with your local and professional payroll...
Compliance Guidelines For Employee Background Checks
January 24, 2019
The rules surrounding background employment checks often change, and in recent years, the process has gotten more and more complex. If you’re an employer or work for a background screening company, you need to ensure that you’re up to date with the latest laws and new guidelines to avoid incurring penalties for non-compliance.
Payroll Basics For First Time Employees
January 16, 2019
Every business owner must start somewhere, and even if you have grown up around business owners or your family runs a business that you are involved in, going it alone can be a whole different kettle of fish. While it’s highly advisable that new business owners seek professional help and guidance when setting up their company and preparing to take on and pay...
Is Your Business Eligible For Group Health Insurance?
January 11, 2019
When it comes to purchasing group health insurance for your small business, the rules are very different to individual or family coverage, and you may not even know if your business qualifies for it. Outlined below are a few basic questions, that when answered, should help to point you in the right direction if you’re buying group health insurance for your...
A Small Business Owners Guide To Workers Compensation Insurance
December 26, 2018
If you’re the new owner of a business, or of a business that has grown to take on a workforce of employees, you may want to know more about workers compensation insurance.
What exactly is workers compensation insurance?
A safe workplace for their employees, is a legal...
Why Monitoring Employee Time And Attendance Is So Important
December 17, 2018
If you’re a small business owner, you’ll already know and hopefully appreciate that your employees are one of your most valuable assets and at the same time, they are your biggest expense, too. For that reason, it’s vital that employee working hours are monitored so that you can ensure you’re getting the most out of them for the benefit of...
A Closer Look At Human Resources
December 10, 2018
The term 'human resources' or 'human resource management' is a broad term that’s used to describe the management and development of an organization’s workforce; human capital is the name of the game here.
Let’s take a closer look at the role of the Human Resources department, and it’s changing shape as...
Employee Background Checks And Their Worth
November 20, 2018
If you’re the owner of a large business with more than a hundred employees, you may be tempted to skip the background check procedures in favour of saving money, but could this decision end up costing you more money than you saved?
What can you expect from a standard background check?
Helping Your Employees Prepare For Retirement
November 7, 2018
Retirement programs and packages are offered to staff by many organisations across the U.S., but are they doing enough to help their employees prepare for retirement? While it might sound like an unnecessary act as bosses have already done their part by offering their workers a retirement package, it can be of benefit to everyone to help them prepare for such...
Can Outsourcing Payroll Really Save Money For Your Business?
November 3, 2018
Contrary to what some non-business minds may tell you, when put in place effectively, outsourcing payroll can be a fantastic way of cutting costs and giving a business an even better return on their investment. Read on to know more:
How can outsourcing payroll save money for your business?
What It Means For Businesses Without Workers Compensation
October 19, 2018
Did you know that if your business doesn’t carry valid workers compensation insurance, then you could be liable to face criminal prosecution and costly fines, and it could even result in litigation? If your business is small and only has one employee, for example, you must still carry workers compensation insurance for them, even if they are on a temporary...
Payroll Basics For New Businesses
October 15, 2018
While the process itself may seem easy – you’ve just hired your first employee and you need to pay them – if you’re new to business and payroll, you may find that it’s not clear exactly what you should be doing and how to go about it. There may be many words and phrases that you’re not familiar with, such as ‘pay...
How HR Handle More Than Just Payroll
October 4, 2018
Human resources departments within most companies are responsible for much more than simply processing payroll or handling the open enrolment season every year. Whether a business is large or small, human resources can play a large and often essential role in developing company strategy and handling all aspects of the employee-centred activities of an...
The Impact Of Workers Compensation Insurance On A Business
September 21, 2018
It’s usually a given that businesses will do their utmost to make sure that their employees have a safe environment in which to work in, but that cannot always prevent accidents from happening. Should something untoward happen to an employee while in the workplace as a direct result of health and safety negligence, then it’s vital that as an employer,...
Simplifying The 401(k) Retirement Plan
September 13, 2018
The 401 (k) retirement plan came into existence back in 1978, and ever since its’ inception, has proved to be the single most popular type of plan of its kind, with no other employer-sponsored retirement plan in America able to compete with it.
The money that millions of employees have saved in these plans, are done...
What Can Happen When You Don’t Perform Background Checks
September 7, 2018
The effects of making a wrong hiring decision can sometimes be devastating for a business and can even have a negative impact on your remaining workforce and your client base. Then there is the cost and time spent to find a replacement for the inept hiring decision that was made, and there is even the potential for a costly and time-consuming lawsuit should the...
6 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Payroll Provider
August 21, 2018
Retaining happy and satisfied employees is important for any employer, as without them, a business can quickly begin to suffer. Maintaining an efficient payroll system is one way in which you can certainly help to keep your workforce content, but this is only possible with the right payroll provider. Here are 6 questions that you should be asking a small business...
Outsourcing For Small Businesses
August 18, 2018
Outsourcing is never something to be ashamed of, no matter what the size of your business, instead it is something to be proud of, and shows customers and other business owners that you have taken steps to successfully fulfil as many elements of your company as you can, and that you are not cutting corners when it comes to your employees.
Make Payroll Easier With A Time Management Solution
July 20, 2018
Employees who arrive late, take longer than permitted for their lunch breaks or slip out of work early, can cost your business dearly, with up to 20 hours of productivity being lost in some cases. So, what can you and your business do to help prevent this and get back all those lost hours? The solution is to make your employees more accountable by implementing an...
How Necessary Are Pre-Employment Background Checks?
July 16, 2018
If you’re the owner of a small business, you may have asked yourself whether conducting pre-employment background on potential employees is worth the extra time and cost and may have wondered how much difference they can really make.
If your business is important to you, however – and one would assume that it is...
How To Prevent A Toxic Work Environment
June 26, 2018
If you’re the owner of a small company, then you may have asked yourself the question of whether you really need a Human Resources Department within your business. It may be that you feel your company is too small to need it or benefit from it, or you may believe that you alone can handle the responsibilities of HR. Some small businesses may want to...
Does Your Company Really Need Human Resources?
June 13, 2018
Starting a new business can be a stressful time and there will be a lot of different things to think about. One of these may centre around whether your company really needs Human Resources, and you may not even be fully aware of what HR can do for your business. Below we look at their role in more detail and see how they can help with such important things as...
Give Your Employees Access To A 401(K) Retirement Plan
May 21, 2018
Many Americans are completely unprepared for their retirement, having put nothing aside over the years, and with pensions on the decline and Social Security at risk of becoming insolvent by 2034, 401(k)’s, are becoming ever more important as a retirement tool.
Despite their importance however, most Americans don’t...
What Is Covered By Workers Compensation Insurance?
May 16, 2018
Workers compensation insurance is required by U.S. state law for most employers, and this is solely to protect both employers and employees, should they happen to injure themselves in the workplace or fall sick while at work. But what is exactly is covered by this insurance?
What is covered by workers compensation...
The Importance Of Getting Payroll Right
April 18, 2018
Payroll is perhaps one of the most important elements of a successful business, as precious few companies exist without the help of a team of employees, and when they are not paid on time or their salary is not accurate, you stand a good chance of them either leaving their employ or threatening to take legal action against you.
How Best To Manage Time As A Small Business Owner
April 12, 2018
All small business owners know that time is their greatest asset, as while money or even business can be lost and gained, time, once expended, is gone for good. Managing time then becomes one of the greatest challenges and responsibilities of a conscientious and profit minded business owner - both for themselves and their employees - and here are a few tips on how best to achieve...
Payroll And Its History
March 23, 2018
Most industrialized nations had some form of bookkeeping in place which would have resembled at least in part, what we now refer to as payroll. As merchants and their products expanded over the years, bookkeeping and payroll had to improve to enable them to better keep track of their sales and outgoings.
Nowadays, companies...
Employers, Employees And Background Checks
March 14, 2018
Background checks are something that most of us are familiar with, even if we haven’t conducted one or completed one. But as an employer or an employee, do you know enough about background checks to be certain that you are within the boundaries of the law?
Here is a little extra information to help if you are wanting your...
Does Your Company Qualify For Group Health Insurance?
February 19, 2018
Group health insurance policies are seen to be growing in popularity across the country, and this may be because there are some serious advantages to these policies rather than individual ones. Not only are they often cheaper than individual coverage in many states, but small company’s find them easier to manage. For example, there will be a monthly combined...
Tax Reform And Payroll
February 15, 2018
Back at the beginning of November - as you’ll doubtless already know - the bill language was unveiled for the much discussed and long awaited, federal tax reform. One important provision highlighted in the bill, would lower the pass-through rate for business income to 25%, leaving the top individual tax rate at 39.6%,
Avoid These Background Check Mistakes When Hiring
January 17, 2018
Your company is potentially making a risky investment each time it hires new employees, and recruiting costs can be high. Research has shown that a staff member at mid-range, doesn’t come close to giving a return on investment until they’ve been employed for at least 6 months, highlighting the need to hire the right staff from the get go. Avoiding...
How To Ensure That Your Business Is Payroll Compliant
January 17, 2018
People have been paid for the services they offer and the jobs they complete for as long as humans have been in existence, and the concept of recording and tracking payroll is by no means a modern one. The way in which this is done has naturally evolved as businesses have, and payroll is now largely computerised and high tech. The laws regarding payroll have also...
The Intricacies Of Workers Compensation
January 3, 2018
Regulated by the states, workers compensation insurance is quite unlike any other kind of small business insurance. There are in fact, 49 states which require that all businesses with employees, have this insurance, and this has led to coverage prices varying wildly from one state to another. Rules also vary wildly from state to state, making this kind of...
The Links Between Employee Well Being and Your Bottom Line
January 3, 2018
If any of your employees are showing reduced productivity while at work, there could be several reasons behind this, and any one of them could be related to their working environment or conditions. The job may be proving too stressful for them, they may have financial worries, personal problems, or may even be sick but cannot afford to take the time off...
Save On Time And Money When You Outsource Payroll
December 13, 2017
If you’re a business owner, you may have made the choice to handle your company’s payroll functions yourself, or at the very least, internally. While this may be the right decision for you and your company, it could prove damaging for others.
Why could it be a mistake to handle your own company’s...
How Important Are Retirement Plans For Employees And Businesses?
December 13, 2017
Retirement plans for employees should certainly feature in a company’s financial planning structure, and recent research has shown that workers are becomingly increasingly dependent on them, particularly as less of their wealth tends to be in home equity and savings accounts, than used to be the case.
However, while the...
What Are the Pitfalls When Paying Employees?
November 23, 2017
Paying your employees can at times be complicated, especially if you have staff working different shift patterns and being paid varying salaries, and there are several pitfalls that business owners can encounter if they’re not careful. If you’re new to the world of business, or have recently taken on more employees and want to know more about how to...
The Basics of Payroll That Every Employer Should Know
November 23, 2017
If you’re in the process of starting up your own business and are ready to take on employees, here are a few of the most basic payroll pointers to get you started. For more detailed information, you should seek advice from a professional company offering specialized payroll services.
When should you pay your...
Employee Wage Complaints & What to Do About Them
November 14, 2017
Every employee who has any form of complaint in relation to their regular pay, overtime wages or vacation pay, has the right to take their complaint to the appropriate state employment agency. Oftentimes, this will result in an investigation by the employment agency, and in some cases, can even lead to a lawsuit against the employer or a loss of business license....
What Does the Law Say About Paying Your Employees?
November 14, 2017
As a business owner, paying your employees accurately and in a timely manner is a top priority and an important legal obligation. It can be tempting – especially when times are tough – to delay staff payments or avoid paying terminated employees, but in doing so, you leave yourself open to costly lawsuits and potential fines.
Top 5 Benefits of Accurately Tracking Time and Attendance
October 25, 2017
Time theft is a very real problem for many businesses, large and small alike, and is said to be an act frequently committed by up to 80% of the current workforce. Over time, such theft can have a real impact on a company’s bottom line and it brings to light how simple it can be for employees to be dishonest about their time spent doing the job they are paid...
Stay Tax Law Compliant by Outsourcing Payroll
October 24, 2017
Penalties for late filing of taxes or incorrect payments are a common cause of concern among many businesses, particularly smaller companies who tend to prefer to tackle their payroll duties singlehandedly. This may work well for some business owners who have enough time to devote to payroll, but without specialist knowledge of the many state and federal rules,...
Pre-Employment Screening Guidance for New Businesses
October 23, 2017
Screening applicants to determine who you invite for an interview or who you may wish to hire, is a sensible step taken by most companies and can prevent problems in the future with employees who may have questionable backgrounds. Many employers outsource this process to third parties that specialize in conducting background checks.
Choosing The Right Payroll Software For Your Small Business
October 18, 2017
If you’re the owner of a small business, you’ll know just how important finances are in measuring your businesses success. Most financial considerations are kept within the company, and often strictly so, but payroll is one part of the business in which every company member has a vested interest. Often the biggest expense for companies, too, it’s...
3 Reasons Why Payroll Is Best Left To The Experts
October 3, 2017
Finding a reliable and budget friendly payroll provider can take time and effort, not to mention the work that will be involved in the transition to working with a third party, so is it worth it? We think so, and here are 3 reasons why payroll is best left to the experts:
- It allows you the time to focus on your core business:...
What’s New In The World Of Payroll?
October 3, 2017
Payroll still is, and quite possibly always will be, an integral part of many businesses, especially if they have employees to pay salaries to, and taxes to withhold. However important they remain though, there are always new regulations to abide by, payroll software updates and changing tax codes, meaning that it’s important to stay on top of what’s...
Getting To Grips With The Minimum Wage
September 30, 2017
The minimum wage laws of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) must of course be complied with by every U.S. business. Here is some useful information if you’re thinking about taking on employees in your business, and need to know a bit more about the minimum wage.
What is the current minimum wage?...
Payroll Law Basics
September 14, 2017
Salaries, bonuses and deductions (such as transit or health insurance) are the financial obligations paid by an employer to their workers, and these are covered by payroll.
All businesses should have a fully functioning payroll system, whether this is managed in house, or by an outside provider, and to avoid costly penaltiess...
Hurriane Irma - Office Hours
Ralf F.Heyer
September 8, 2017
Dear Friends,
Due to the approach of Hurricane Irma, our office will be closed on Friday (9/08) as of 5:00 PM (or sooner depending on the weather condition), but we expect to resume business as usual on Tuesday (9/12) pending the outcome of Irma.
We are very aware of the corporate tax...
5 Reasons Why Pre-Employment Background Checks Are Essential For Your Business
August 28, 2017
When you begin the search for new employees, there are certain steps that must always be taken, such as publishing the job description online, sifting through the candidates and setting up interviews
Background checks can make the hiring process a little longer, but to give you peace of mind and to protect your business and...
Protecting Your Business And Employees With Workers Compensation
August 15, 2017
As a business owner, you’ll naturally do what’s in your power to create a safe work environment for your employees, but some accidents simply cannot be prevented, no matter what preventative measures you take. When an accident does happen, you want to be sure that your business and your employees are protected as far as possible, and having a sound...
5 Payroll Mistakes That Could Affect Your Business
August 2, 2017
As the owner of a business, it is your responsibility to make sure that payroll runs smoothly and efficiently, for your sake, that of your business and of course, your employees.
Making mistakes in payroll can easily result in costly fines and penalties, and your employees will quickly begin to lose trust in you if their...
What Are The 3 Most Important Aspects Of Payroll?
July 25, 2017
Payroll is a vital aspect of any business’s financial accounting, whether it be large or small, and it can affect every aspect of a business, too, from its financial stability, to the morale of its’ employees.
Many companies deem payroll to be so important that they outsource it to a professional company, who go on...
5 Tips To Help You Choose The Right Payroll System
June 29, 2017
The world of payroll systems can be a bewildering one, but there is no doubt that once you’ve selected a good one, it can be extremely beneficial for your business. They can simplify payroll, offer you flexible administration and even help you save money.
There are several factors to look at when trying to find the...
Getting The Most From Your Payroll Solutions Provider
June 14, 2017
Payroll can seem like nothing but a financial hindrance to a company’s success, especially if it’s performed manually and is a time-consuming affair. However, viewing payroll as an asset to a company, rather than merely an added cost and exercise that takes up valuable time, can help bring financial insights that may ultimately bring a company more...
The Importance Of Payroll – Getting It Right
May 24, 2017
If you’re the owner of a small business, you’ll know that there are many roles to be fulfilled, and you may have been tempted to take all of them on, yourself. That may even prove workable if your company is very small and you have no employees, but the minute you take on a workforce – even if it’s only one or two individuals –...
Explaining Payroll Systems
May 17, 2017
In basic terms, a payroll system incorporates everything involved with the paying of employees and the filing of employment taxes. The number of hours worked must be tracked, wages must be calculated, taxes and other deductions must be withheld, pay checks printed and delivered to staff, and all appropriate taxes must be paid to the government.
How Untimely Pay For Employees Could Result In Legal Action
April 27, 2017
If you are an employer of any workforce, you have a moral and legal obligation to pay them regularly and according to state regulations. If you do not – no matter what the reason – you could see yourself having to pay costly fines and jeopardising the relationship between employer and employee.
Read on to discover...
5 Ways To Keep Your Employees Content And Motivated
April 14, 2017
Having a workforce that is not only content, but motivated enough to be productive, can be a real profit booster for any company, large or small. Making your employees feel engaged with the company and valued as individuals, should see them less inclined to shirk their responsibilities or take days off unnecessarily. They may even work harder than they would if...
The Top 5 Most Important Employee Benefits
March 25, 2017
It’s true to say that many (if not all) employees place as much importance on their benefit packages, as they do on their salaries, and to ignore this would be detrimental to any business.
Of course, not all employee benefits may be equal and some are valued more highly than others, but finding out what the most valued...
Outsourcing Non-Core Functions Such As Payroll
March 14, 2017
Non-core functions are classed as activities that are not chargeable to your customers, and which do not affect your competitiveness with other businesses. A prime example of a non-core function would be payroll.
While business consultants will undoubtedly recommend that all businesses outsource their payroll, do you know for...
Choosing An Online Payroll Service
February 22, 2017
Have you just started your own business and are about to take on a set of employees, or perhaps you’re the owner of an established business but are struggling to keep on top of your payroll? Whichever applies to you, here is a short guide to choosing an online payroll service that will do everything you need it to:
Workers Compensation Insurance; what is it and do you need it?
February 13, 2017
Insurance is something that can seem a little puzzling, with longwinded policies that are often hard to make sense of, and if you’re a new business owner, it can be particularly tricky to know what types of insurance you should have. One type of policy is known as ‘workers’ compensation’, but what is it exactly, and does your business need...
What Your Company Should Know About Employee Background Checks
January 24, 2017
Employee background checks have become part and parcel of the hiring process for many companies, big or small, and whether potential employees relish the prospect of having their backgrounds delved into or not, it certainly gives company owners greater control and peace of mind, over who they employ. That isn’t to say that someone you take on with a clean...
How Not Tracking Time And Attendance Can Cost Your Business
January 13, 2017
Cost cutting and profit making are high on the agenda of most companies the world over, and while much effort is put into seeking ways in which to encourage both these aspects of a business, tracking time and attendance is often overlooked.
One of the primary functions of any business is to track the time and attendance...
Online Payroll and HR Management For Your Small Business
December 19, 2016
For most small business owners, their company is their livelihood, and so it’s important to get every aspect of it right, even down to payroll and human resources. Once you’ve got a set of employees (or even just the one employee!), your business could depend on how satisfied they are with the way in which they are paid; are the hours correct and is...
Do I Need Group Health Insurance For My Employees?
December 12, 2016
Group health insurance coverage for employees, is offered by companies to those staff members who are eligible, and close family members may also be included. This is naturally seen as a benefit of working for a company, and many employees will consider the health insurance package on offer, before they accept a position within a company.
Does Your Small Business Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
March 19, 2016
Owning a small business means that you have a lot to protect, and choosing the right insurance coverage can be the difference between your business succeeding, or failing. It can often be hard to determine exactly what kind of insurance coverage your business actually needs, and when it comes to workers’ compensation insurance, many small business owners don’t even fully...
Choosing A Background Check Service For Your Small Business
March 14, 2016
Nowadays, part of the hiring process for employers often involves conducting background checks on applicants, but knowing how to choose the right service is not always obvious.
There are two main types of services that you can use: full service background check companies - who do all of the...
Advantages To Direct Deposit Of Employee Wages
February 11, 2016
Nowadays, the majority of employees in the United States are paid via direct deposits into their bank account, and these numbers are growing due to the increased benefits for both employers and their workforce.
What is a direct deposit of wages?
Direct deposits are...
Automated Versus Manual Timekeeping
February 2, 2016
Timekeeping is a crucial aspect of every business, and failure to oversee and maintain punctuality among employees can be the downfall of any company. Manual timekeeping systems used to be the only way of recording the hours an employee worked, but with so many advances in modern technology, businesses are increasingly opting for automated timekeeping systems… but why,...
Steps To Set Up Your Small Business Payroll System
January 20, 2016
If you own a small business and haven’t already set up a payroll system, then you may be looking to do so. Listed below are 9 steps to help you set up the right system for your business needs:
- The first step is to decide whether you manage it yourself, or hire a payroll service provider. A good software...
Importance of Employee Benefits Insurance for Your Small Business
January 12, 2016
If you’re the owner of a small business, you’ll know that for the most part, the key to success lies in having a good workforce. However, it could be said that you only get out what you put in, and if your employees don’t feel valued and appreciated, then your business just may not become successful.
The Importance of Payroll Integration
December 26, 2015
The world of software is constantly changing for business owners, and selecting the right combination of payroll integration software to suit your needs, is crucial for the smooth running of your company.
In theory, it would be ideal to find a solution that fits every business, but this is often easier said than done, and...
Calculating and Managing Payroll
December 9, 2015
As the owner of a small enterprise, you’ll probably know just how strictly regulated the legal system is with regards to many aspects of running a business, and this can prove especially complicated when dealing with the employee payroll accounts. There are myriad state and federal regulations with regards to pay, and ensuring that you comply with each of...
How Employee Time Theft Hurts Small Businesses
November 23, 2015
What exactly is time theft?
Time theft is when an employee receives pay for time that they haven't spent doing their job, and this can manifest itself in a variety of ways, each of which, over time, can affect small businesses financially.
What are the different...
Common Payroll Mistakes
November 16, 2015
The success of any small business can be dependent on how well its payroll system operates; discontent and low morale among staff due to payment issues could quickly result in a decrease in the success of your company. So how exactly do you ensure that your staff is being paid correctly?
Ensure that your payroll...
Importance of Having Time and Attendance System for Your Small Business
October 24, 2015
Inaccuracy in timekeeping can be disastrous to a small business, particularly one in services sector as workforce is its largest expense. Without accurate time and attendance information, issues like employees being not paid properly, non-compliance and decreased employee morale will arise. Managing employees, the biggest asset for a small business, becomes easy...
Performing Small Business Employee Background Checks
September 23, 2015
As with any big business, small businesses need to make sure that their business and their reputation is protected. Hiring a right candidate for the job is very crucial for small businesses. Even a single wrong hire can be devastating. It can hinder productivity, reduce team morale and can also impact customer relations.
Small businesses cannot bear the consequences of hiring a wrong...
Choosing a Payroll Services Provider for Your Small Business
August 20, 2015
Do you know that one in every three businesses gets penalized by IRS for errors in payroll? Delegating important but time-consuming payroll tasks to a third party can give enormous boost to your business as you will be spending more time on important and strategic activities. Many business owners save time, effort and prevent costly errors by outsourcing their small business payroll...
Why Outsource Your Small Business Payroll Activities
Ralf Heyer
July 20, 2015
Many small business owners, in the initial years, process payroll themselves with the help of manual in-house bookkeeping staff. They consider in-house processing cost-effective and think their wage information would be safe. While you can do it yourself, processing payroll without proper knowledge of the procedure can result in mistakes, which in turn can be devastating for your small...
Our New Website!
Apollo Payroll is excited to announce the recent launch of our firm’s new website. We’ve been working very hard to enhance our website and give our firm a fresh look. We’ve also continued to research and identify the latest and greatest technologies to improve the services we provide and ensure we continue to meet your needs.
Take a moment to look around our new...