The Trump administration’s success in pushing through the new tax legislation marks a major achievement of it’s first year. But, according to one source, “the hurried, largely furtive drafting, and rush to passage at the end of 2017, have helped obscure the new tax regime’s real impact.” Focusing on the politics has muddled the sweeping repercussions of the Tax Cuts … Read More
Workplace Wellness -Part 1
As the exploding wellness industry demonstrates, healthy customers are happy customers. And because employees are the “internal customers” of every organization, it stands to reason that workplaces should focus on employee wellness. Healthy employees contribute to and draw support from a healthy workplace. It’s not just about reducing sick days or absenteeism—although that matters, too. It’s also about fostering a … Read More
Owning It!
“Keeping talented people engaged involves some form of ownership.” –Forbes.com What motivates your employees to “give their best” at work, collaborating with a sense of purpose and passion, instead of just showing up and stewing till quitting time? The traditional answer–straight-up salary increases or equity stake–are rarely feasible in today’s culture of budget constraints, and research shows the temporary … Read More
#MeToo and Women in the Workplace
The hashtag #MeToo has unified millions of people, empowering them to come forward with their stories. In December, TIME magazine made these “silence-breakers” their Person of the Year, placing five on the cover—a range of backgrounds and ethnicities, from an anonymous migrant worker to superstar Taylor Swift . Fortune reports the #MeToo movement has caused an abrupt shift in acceptable workplace … Read More
Culture of Happiness
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That sentiment endures in fortune cookies, but otherwise flies in the face of society’s attitude toward jobs, bosses, and the hours “trapped” in the office. For too many workers in our culture, from laborers to leaders, work is not a “happy place.” Most … Read More
Sitting is the new smoking
How much do you sit on a typical day? If you drive to work, remain at your desk, drive home, eat dinner and then watch TV, you’re likely sitting for more hours than you’re sleeping. In today’s culture of always remaining available for clients or colleagues, eating lunch at our desks, clicking through emails rather than meeting face-to-face, grabbing take-out … Read More
Meals and Entertainment Changes Under Tax Reform
In general, the new tax Act provides for stricter limits on the deductibility of business meals and entertainment expenses. Under the Act entertainment expenses incurred or paid after December 31, 2017 are nondeductible unless they fall under the specific exceptions in Code Section 274(e). One of those exceptions is for “expenses for recreation, social, or similar activities primarily for the … Read More
Building a Dream Team: Part 2: Hire Your Weakness
Let’s continue to explore the DISC concept, a feature of employee recruitment and training in businesses from government agencies to Fortune 500 companies. The “DISC” aspect stands for the four traits addressed by this model: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness. The concept of “DISC-Flex” introduces the idea that we can dial up or dial down certain behaviors to adapt to … Read More
Building a Dream Team: Part 1
The workplace code of conduct often outlines the unacceptable or “zero-tolerance” behaviors that employees must avoid. But what about the other side of the coin: a list of behaviors to strive for or cultivate in order to achieve excellence; or guidelines on how to play up your strengths, habits, and motivators? Rarely do job descriptions, resumes and employee training address … Read More
What You Need to Know About Tax Reform
The House of Representatives voted on a significant tax reform bill. For many in Congress, the stakes of tax reform have soared after lawmakers failed to repeal and replace Obamacare, with healthcare reform failing to garner enough support. Tax reform would create a palpable impact for Republicans before next year’s midterm elections. Still undergoing a flurry of changes, the House … Read More
How will changing healthcare laws impact small businesses?
Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order to provide “Obamacare relief” from the Affordable Care Act, relaxing rules regarding enrollment in short-term health insurance and health coverage offered by small businesses. Among the mandates he issued is to “consider proposing regulations or revising guidance” on options for plans that small businesses may offer and sell—including “association health plans” … Read More
Business Succession: Planning for the next phase of your company
Even in this age of conglomerates and chains, the family business still functions as the backbone of the American economy, representing 50 percent of the GDP and creating 60 percent of jobs in America. But the family owned business isn’t always a “mom and pop” model of simplicity and warm, fuzzy feeling; as Forbes points out, they often harbor “intimate … Read More
Why Performance Metrics Matter
“Can I have your number?” The age-old question acquires new meaning when it describes performance metrics, which have become a key aspect of the data driving the business world. Beyond basic tracking of revenue or expenses, the careful study of employee performance is now a guiding principle for industries ranging from hedge funds to hospitality to health care. Tracking and … Read More
Employee Incentives
Employee incentive programs don’t have to take the form of “Employee of the Month” mug shots or birthday cake in the break room. Nor do they need to include cash bonuses or even tangible rewards to drive results, which is good news for companies strapped for cash. In fact, the best programs to keep employees “engaged, productive and invested,” according … Read More
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