How to Develop a Business Continuity Plan

When your business must close or suffers a disruption due to any kind of natural or man-made cause, a good business continuity plan can ensure it can survive until repairs are made and operations return to normal.

If a facility is damaged, production machinery breaks down, a supplier fails to deliver or information technology is disrupted, Continue reading “How to Develop a Business Continuity Plan”

Marijuana and Your Insurance

In some states, policy on marijuana has turned a full 180 from the “reefer madness” scares of the 1950s and 1960s. But have your insurance coverages kept up? Now 23 states, plus the District of Columbia and Guam, allow the medical use of marijuana. Four states, plus the District of Columbia, allow recreational use by adults. Continue reading “Marijuana and Your Insurance”

529 Savings Plans: Great Benefit at a Low Cost

For years you’ve been encouraging your employees to save for retirement. But what about other savings programs? The growing popularity of 529 College Savings Plans provides employers the chance to offer employees a valuable benefit at virtually no cost.

 

529 College Savings Plans are education savings plans designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs. Named after section 529 of the tax code, these plans are generally sponsored by individual states. Continue reading “529 Savings Plans: Great Benefit at a Low Cost”

Temporary Employees, Full Time Risks

Using contingent workers can relieve your organization of some human resource functions, but it can create liability exposures.

When you hire temporary or leased employees, the agency acts as the employer. The agency is responsible for screening employees, paying employment taxes, providing workers’ compensation and, in some instances, providing employee benefits. Continue reading “Temporary Employees, Full Time Risks”

The Costs of Not Having Health Insurance

It’s open enrollment: time to select your health insurance plan for the coming year.

If you were thinking about skipping it this time around, get ready to pay regardless. Fines for not having coverage are increasing. For 2016, they will be $695 for each adult and $347.50 for each child, up to $2,085 for a family. Or it could be 2.5 percent above the filing threshold, says the IRS (individuals $10,150, couples filing jointly $20,300), whichever is higher. Continue reading “The Costs of Not Having Health Insurance”

What to Do in Your Annual Insurance Policy Review

Scheduling regular policy reviews can ensure your business has the coverage it needs, when you need it. If you haven’t reviewed your coverage lately, the beginning of the year is a great time to take care of this important housekeeping matter. Continue reading “What to Do in Your Annual Insurance Policy Review”

Staying Warm –and Safe

Many of us use supplemental heaters, or space heaters, to heat an ordinarily unoccupied space such as garage or workshop, to provide additional heat during cold spells or to minimize heating bills. However, incorrect use of these heaters leads to about 120,000 residential fires annually. With colder weather on the way, use the following checklist to ensure safe use of space heaters. Continue reading “Staying Warm –and Safe”

How to Avoid (and Costly) Immigration Mistakes

When it comes to complying with provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), you may find yourself forced into two roles seemingly at odds with each other — verifying the employment of every employee while at the same time avoiding discriminatory practices. To help you walk the tightrope, here are nine common IRCA mistakes and solutions to help you avoid them: Continue reading “How to Avoid (and Costly) Immigration Mistakes”

Risk Management for Small Business

Every organization’s business plan should include a section on risk management. If your business plan doesn’t address your risks, take a look at the following areas to start. Continue reading “Risk Management for Small Business”