Work Hard, Play Hard
Whenever I mention the word “fun” to a group of business owners, they tend to roll their eyes and think work it just work, it’s not suppose to be fun. The new generation of workers will challenge this idea in a big way.
Did you know that laughter actually creates a bond that brings others together? Imagine a place where employees enjoy one another and share a laugh or two. It may be hard to do but employees who enjoy their time at work will excel. In fact, a fun workplace is not only more productive but it attracts people, profits and customers who like to work with happy people.
2011 Tax Rates
“What will happen to tax rates in the future?” is one of the most popular questions tax accountants get from our clients. The question is even more crucial in the very turbulent time we are in when it comes to taxes right now. Substantial legislation is needed for both personal income taxes and estate taxes in the next year. Although we know Congress is working on resolving these issues for 2011 and beyond, we aren’t sure what the ending outcome will be: Will tax rates go up? Will only the top two brackets go up? One thing is for sure, changes are coming.
New Employee Orientation
A few months ago, my son called to inform me that he had accepted a new position with a different company. He was so excited about his new opportunity and anxious to start his new job. As his first day arrived, I couldn’t help but think about him all day and wonder how things were going. When he called me that evening, I could tell immediately that his day had not gone Well. As our conversation went on, I learned that his new company had not prepared for his arrival. His paperwork wasn’t ready, they had no plan for training him, he had no assignments and they didn’t even have a place for him to sit. In fact, they excused him early. This eager young man left his first day on the new job feeling deflated, unwelcomed and undervalued.
This is precisely why solid orientation programs are so critical. Imagine being invited to a dinner party and upon arrival, they did not have any refreshments, the food wasn’t prepared and there was no place for you at the dinner table. Being unprepared for new hires makes them feel just like a dinner guest without a seat at the dinner table.
Health Care Reform Legislation – What are the immediate impacts to businesses?
I think that the recently passed Health Care Reform Act may be the most profound legislation of our lifetime. The Act contains numerous provisions that will affect you and your employees. Several of the provisions are now in effect or will be in effect this year.
The following are changes taking effect in 2010 that you and your business should be aware of and acting on now:
Conducting An Effective Meeting
If you’re like me, I attend a lot of meetings. And, if you’re like me, I don’t always look forward to them. After leaving a meeting the other day, I was puzzled as why this meeting and others are so often ineffective. After some thought, I realized that not a lot of people have been instructed on how to facilitate an effective meeting. Many individuals call a meeting, show up with a few topics in mind and hope that all communication barriers are lifted. Instead, people often leave more confused and frustrated than they were prior to the meeting. I have been guilty of conducting those ineffective meetings and I have learned that preparation is the key to success.
