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Developing an Employee Reward Program

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In this competitive business world, more business owners are searching for quality improvements while reducing costs. While companies need to get more from their workers, employees will expect more in terms of gratitude as well.

One mechanism by which workers are inspired to change work habits and ethical behavior is through incentives and appreciation.

Many employers nowadays show their appreciation to their people by implementing recognition programs for their variety of achievements, through rewards software like Redii which can build a culture of recognition by giving your employees the autonomy to recognize each other rather than simply taking a “top-down” approach to recognition. Other ways to implement an Employee Reward Program include:

Common Programs That Companies Implement

  • Many companies give Loyalty Awards. It is done through the duration of the company’s service, mostly in intervals of five years.
  • Outstanding one-time performance awards often coincide with a cash bonus or additional paid time off.
  • Being the best performer over a period of time awards, on the other hand, is usually for workers who bring consistency to the work process or product, or who have an excellent customer or client service.

Successful workplace compensation and appreciation approaches are based on the belief that nothing is better than a heartfelt “thank you” or “job well done.” In this context, the introduction of a well-managed recognition system can provide significant support to employers to recruit high-quality employees to keep them motivated and efficient.

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Constructing an Employee Rewards Program

The key to creating a reward program are as follows: [Read more…] about Developing an Employee Reward Program

How to Fund a Personal Injury Lawsuit to Get the Settlement You Need

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If you’ve been injured in an accident or by someone’s negligence, you may have decided to consult an attorney to get legal relief. This could include compensation to cover expenses stemming from your injuries, such as lost wages, medical services and treatments, hospital costs, physical or occupational rehabilitation, repairs to your vehicle if impacted, and other possible monetary considerations.

Personal injury attorneys will file a lawsuit to protect your rights and secure a court judgment. However, even if the attorney agrees to wait on getting paid until the case is resolved there will be costs along the way for witnesses, documentation and other things. Unfortunately, you may have to pay for these out-of-pocket expenses. Here are some ways for you to cover the expenses you may be expected to pay.

Take Out a Personal Loan

You may be eligible to be approved for a personal loan, or signature loan, that will finance your legal expenses. This type of loan does not require collateral like a car title or a second mortgage. Typically, the prevailing interest rate will apply as you make payments until the lawsuit is concluded.

[Read more…] about How to Fund a Personal Injury Lawsuit to Get the Settlement You Need

Workplace Rights in 2020

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Your Workplace Rights: Tips for Workers in 2020

When you’re working hard to earn a living and raise a family, you need to be on top form if you’re to make the career progressions you wish to, in order to be successful in your career. Nonetheless, while you also concentrate hard on your work, you should also be aware of the rights that the country and your state bestow you with when you’re working within an organization that you trust. Sometimes, knowing these rights can be incredibly useful.

Redundancy (Lay-Offs)

In the U.K. “redundancy” refers to “no longer employed because there is no more work available” in the U.S. this is often referred to as a “Layoff”. People are made redundant for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your company is shrinking, and cannot afford to maintain your role within the organization. You may be seeing your company automate, and leave you out of a job. Or, you may be being unfairly sacked for an offense that you’re not responsible for. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remain abreast of redundancy packages, and what you can expect from your employer if they tell you they need or want to let you go. Normally, this will mean you’re due a payment package and support for a period of time in order to be able to find a new job – an adequate period of transition to avoid worst-case debt-building scenarios. If you are laid off through no fault of your own you will usually be eligible to collect under your state’s unemployment insurance.

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Great Employment Benefits You Should Look For

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It isn’t uncommon for employers to offer health insurance, a 401(k) plan or other perks in addition to an annual salary. While benefit packages may be largely the same regardless of where you work, it is still a good idea to know what a prospective employer could provide.

A 401(k) Match Is Essentially Free Money

If your employer is willing to match your 401(k) contributions, you are getting the equivalent to a 100% return on your investment. The match usually isn’t unlimited i.e. you couldn’t double your entire salary by contributing all of it but whatever the maximum is you should definitely try to take advantage of all of it.  Best of all, this money will grow exponentially and tax-free for many years or decades to come. As an employer match can make it easier to retire comfortably, it is important that you understand how it works and how to best take advantage of it.

Health Savings Accounts Can Accrue Interest

Money kept in a health savings account (HSA) could [Read more…] about Great Employment Benefits You Should Look For

Injury at Work? Know Your Rights to Compensation and FMLA

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Workers in the American workplace have certain protections under the law. Two of the most important are the right to a safe workplace and the right to leave for medical conditions. It’s your job as a worker, though, to know your rights to compensation and under the FMLA.

Know When an Injury Counts

One of the most important things you’ll need to know is if an injury counts as happening at work. Generally speaking, an injury that occurs during the regular commission of your job – whether on-site or off will count as a work-related injury. So long as you are on the clock or doing something as part of your duties, your injuries should be covered.

Who is Eligible for FMLA

Not every employee is eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act  (FMLA). You must be employed by a company that is not exempt (that is, has fifty or more employees) and you must have worked for the company for at least a year before you become eligible. There is also an hourly requirement – you must have worked for at least 1,250 hours during the course of those twelve months. If you meet all of these criteria, you are covered under the FMLA.

What to Do If You Don’t Get What You are Owed

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How to Handle Your Pay Being Withheld at Work

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It’s payday, but your check is missing. Instead of your hard-earned wages, you get a letter stating that your paycheck is being withheld. While there are many reasons that your company might withhold your pay, only a handful are fair and legal. Here are four strategies to deal with your pay being withheld at work.

Discuss the Issue With Your Supervisor

The first step to resolve your withheld wages and get the pay you’re owed is speaking with your supervisor. He or she can inform you of why your wages are being withheld, let you know when you can expect to be paid and address your grievances with the higher-ups. Your supervisor may have little or no control over the situation, so try to be polite and understanding in your conversation with him or her.

Keep Track of Everything

When you’re involved in any type of workplace dispute, it’s important to keep track of all the details and evidence. Make a log of all the money owed to you and the reasons your supervisor provided as to why it’s being withheld. Save or print any relevant emails in case they get deleted. Consider asking permission to record relevant conversations with your supervisor, human relations or the finance department.

Obtain Legal Counsel

If your efforts to get your withheld wages through company channels have been unsuccessful, you may need to seek legal counsel. Experts from local law firm services can help inform you of your rights, attempt to reach a settlement with your employer or take the company to court if necessary. Employers will often back down and agree to pay your withheld wages in a prompt manner once you have a lawyer on your side. [Read more…] about How to Handle Your Pay Being Withheld at Work

Why You Shouldn’t Lose Sight Of Your UK Pension

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Pension Tree

Whether you’re currently unemployed, hunting or just starting a new job, it’s easy to forget the idea of a pension ticking over in the background. Saving for your retirement is vital for ensuring security in old age. While it might seem insignificant at the moment, it’s worth considering what options you have when it comes to saving for it and looking after it. Luckily, the pension experts at Portafina have created a list of crucial reasons why you shouldn’t lose sight of your pension.

You’ll be Automatically Enrolled

If you’re currently employed in the UK, over 22 years of age and earning over the threshold of £10k, then you will have automatically been enrolled on your workplace pension scheme. When you factor in your contributions, your employer’s and the tax relief you’ll receive as a bonus, it totals to 8% of your annual salary. There’s also no reason to stick to the minimum amount – adding more will only do more to boost your overall pension pot. By not even investing in the minimum, or not automatically enrolling yourself, you could be losing out in thousands of pounds to support yourself after employment.

As mentioned, tax relief is something you are entitled to, so ensure you are receiving the full amount. This is claimed back from the government by both employers and personal pension providers. If you’re enjoying a higher or additional tax rate, you may need to claim this back yourself via HMRC’s self-assessment form.

Advice Could Earn You Much More

Those who are receiving professional advice on their pension savings could be earning much more. Investing in a [Read more…] about Why You Shouldn’t Lose Sight Of Your UK Pension

Running out of Sick Days? How to Balance Chronic Illness and Work

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Most companies today allot a certain number of PTO (Paid Time Off) days or hours for their employees. However, many employees may suffer from a chronic illness that requires them to miss more work days than normally allowed. If you’re running out of paid sick days for the year, following these tips can help you balance chronic illness and work and may keep you out of financial hardship.

Get a Proper Diagnosis

You may assume that you’ll be fine with time, but you could be suffering more than you have to if you don’t get the correct diagnosis from a doctor. Your doctor may even be able to write a note to your employer explaining your situation if you have a proper diagnosis, and this may help you get extended sick pay. The information that you receive about your diagnosis from your doctor can also be used to let your employer know exactly how much more time you expect to miss from, and this can be effective in bridging better communications with your boss. Not only that, but getting an official diagnosis can make it a great deal easier to get the care you need to fully recover.

Track Your Triggers

Certain triggers may be behind your symptoms, and eliminating these triggers can allow you to recover faster. Allergies caused by certain foods and environmental factors often lead to chronic illnesses, and an allergist can test you to determine if you’re suffering from allergies. Food allergies and intolerances that aren’t life threatening are often overlooked as being symptoms of something completely unrelated. Because of this, it’s important to be aware of any history of auto-immune disorders or food intolerances in your family history. On the other hand, environmental factors such as workload and even flickering lights can trigger debilitating effects. If your chronic illness is related to stress, methods like yoga, meditation or counseling can help you maintain your mental and physical health. No matter what the cause, however, tracking the factors surrounding episodes of illness are important to help your doctor make a proper diagnosis. [Read more…] about Running out of Sick Days? How to Balance Chronic Illness and Work

Lost Wages? How to Get the Compensation You Deserve

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Missing time at work could put you at a serious disadvantage when it comes to being able to pay your bills. If you’re missing work due to an injury or an accident, you may be entitled to receive some compensation. Here are some of the ways that you can go about getting the compensation that you deserve.

There are a variety of different types of accident and unfortunately each one may require a different approach to getting compensation. For instance an injury sustained on the job will require that you proceed with a “worker’s compensation” claim. In this case it is important that you give both your employer and the Doctor that this is a work related injury.

If it is another type of injury such as an auto accident then you must take slightly different steps. Of course you still need to notify your employer that you are injured and can’t work but you must document different things. [Read more…] about Lost Wages? How to Get the Compensation You Deserve

Long-Term Disability Benefits: How to Manage Finances after an Injury

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When you’ve been injured, life can change dramatically, temporarily or permanently. A decreased income can often lead to a lot of financial stress, making recovery more difficult. There are a few things you can do to ease the stress.

Create a Budget

There are two steps to this. First, create a budget that outlines all of your current expenses. Then, create a budget that works for your new, reduced income. Look at the first budget to see which, if any, of your current expenses can be immediately cut.

Refinance or Ask for a Forbearance on Your Mortgage

If you own your own home, [Read more…] about Long-Term Disability Benefits: How to Manage Finances after an Injury