Cloud computing is simply utilizing services on the Internet to conduct business such as document file sharing, contact management, and other Internet-based programs. All working documents and relevant information is stored securely online (in the “cloud”) rather than living physically on your local computer hard drive. Cloud computing has become a big trend in business. Here are five reasons to take it seriously:
 Mobility The main advantage of cloud computing is mobility. Using a web-based service means that your documents are available wherever you have Internet access, making it easy to work from home. You can also take advantage of many central information sites to collaborate with colleagues and clients. Immediate Updates Cloud-based services are also updated immediately. Programmers work behind the scenes to make small fixes and enhance functionality, meaning you don't have to wait for a new version release. With your program in the cloud, you eliminate the need for downloading versions, upgrades and other fixes directly to your personal computer. Cost-Effective Another attractive element of cloud computing is the cost. Traditional boxed software ...
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 Social Security taxes officially went up on New Year's Day as the withholding rate returned to 6.2 percent for employees. This action officially ends the 2 percent payroll tax holiday in effect for 2011 and 2012.
Social Security tax, along with Medicare tax, is a mandatory contribution under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA). Employers deduct fixed amounts from employee's paychecks to fund Social Security and Medicare, and traditionally match the amounts deducted. However, for the past two years, employers contributed 6.2 percent to Social Security while employees contributed 4.2 percent. The Medicare tax remained at 1.45 percent. The payroll tax holiday was a temporary measure designed to stimulate the economy, but was allowed to expire for 2013. The IRS advises that employers start using the 6.2 percent rate for employee withholding as soon as possible and no later than Feb. 15, 2013. Employers should make any adjustments to correct under-withholding no later than March 31, 2013 (the end of the first quarter). For more information on withholding, refer to Notice 1036 from the Internal Revenue Service. This article was provided by Patriot ...
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Big Data has become the latest buzzword to hit the HR world. Experts say it’s going to revolutionize business. But what is big data? Can it really change the way human resources works? What can you expect from it? Are there risks? What Big Data Is, and Why It’s Invading HR In short, big data is any type of analytical software program that can track and analyze small actions on a large scale. At such scales, conventional statistical programs do not have the computing power to draw valuable conclusions in short time scales. For HR, big data represents the decline of spreadsheets and classical databases, and a renewed emphasis on the value of minute changes at an individual level.  Big data: Hard to process with classic methods. Flickr/Kent Bye Whereas old data systems could identify obvious trends—perhaps that engaged employees are more productive—big data is better able to make specific recommendations—like how long a lunch break should be in order to maximize positive recognition. There’s now more data available to employers than ever before. Big data can make it easier to sort through everything from salary trends to ...
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In the past couple of weeks we have seen and heard from a number of business owners who have tried to put a price tag on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act cloaked in the argument as to why they have to add costs to their ultimate end users- the customer. Whether it is the owner of Papa John's Pizza or the franchise owner of Denny's they seem to be forgetting one very important piece of the picture. In each case where would these organizations be if their human capital made the concerted decision that since we have been categorized in such a low number, we are going to go where we are more appreciated? The demographics of our businesses have changed. The old adage that the proof is in the profit has morphed into how can we show that our human capital asset are a vital part of our organization. Telling the world that we have to raise our prices $.15 because we have to provide the benefits to our employes to make them more productive for the organization leaves the wrong impression in that regard. According to a presentation at the 2010 SHRM conference in San Diego, a study sponsored by Kronos and conducted by Mercer found that unplanned absences cost ...
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The Real-Time Imperative The business environment is no longer a closed, easily controllable ecosystem. For the first time in history, we have four generations in the workplace at the same time. Many of these workers make a habit of publicly sharing personal information in ways that have never previously been possible. And most employees are connected to friends, family, co-workers, and the world, 24 hours a day Creating a high-performance culture amid such complexity and connectivity requires new tools and new approaches that work in harmony with this new fluid environment. Not only will compliance, control and enforcement fail to produce the exceptional culture you need to remain competitive, they simply don’t work in today’s workplaces.  Don't waste time! The real-time imperative demands that you act on what you learn from feedback as quickly as possible. Photo by Ben Dodson. This is what we call the Real-Time Imperative. Competing in Real-Time Change is happening now, not later: If things are not going well in your organization, your employees are searching for the next opportunity as you read this article; When your company makes a mistake with ...
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Owning a small business is no easy venture. There are always bills, expenses, and staff that need to be paid. For these reasons and many more, it’s important that small business owners pay particular attention to which expenses are tax-deductible. Here are eight expenses that may be tax-deductible for your small business. 1. Auto Expenses: Many small business owners feel they work half the time from their office and the other half from their car. This has some truth to it, considering that you can deduct mileage, parking fees, and tolls for your business use of the car. 2. Startup and Expansion Fees: You can deduct many of the costs associated with starting your business. However, you must make an election to amortize or deduct these expenses in the first year. This form should be attached to your tax return. 3. Interest on Business Loans: You can deduct interest on your business loans. But if your arrangement is part of an agreement with family or a friend, the loan must follow IRS rules. 4. Professional and Legal Dues: If your business is part of a professional organization to which you pay dues, you can deduct those fees. Examples include Public Relations Society ...
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 Many states, including Ohio, have instituted state-wide bans on texting and driving. Do you know what your state says?
According to Workforce, drivers are 23 times more likely to crash when they are texting while driving. Thirty-nine states now have a texting ban in place, while five other states have a partial ban. Some cities have even enacted their own laws about the use of cell phones and other devices while driving. To find out more about the restrictions in your state, click on the following interactive map from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. As an employer, make sure that you update your company policy so that it addresses your company rules about texting and driving, or even the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving. Read over your business insurance policies to make sure you understand their rules. This article has been provided by Patriot Software, Inc., developer of online small business software for U.S. employers. For more information, visit www.PatriotSoftware.com.
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Having a friendly relationship—or even a friendship—with your co-workers can make the day much more enjoyable. But what happens if that co-worker happens to be your boss, or one of your employees? Properly managed, supervisors can be friends with their employees just like with anyone else. Few things could change. Yet it's important to draw the line somewhere between your social life and your professional one. Fulfilling relationships are very important for everyone. But there are significant differences being professionals and friends, and being professional friends. Nowhere is this line more important to maintain than in an office setting. Think of it this way: it would feel unnatural for someone you trust as a close friend to evaluate your job performance, and it would be heartbreaking to terminate a person who has attended your daughter’s dance recital.  Hiding your phone calls at the office? Your friendship is probably too close for work. Flickr/Leonardo Ferraguzzi Professionalism is key to any relationship in the workplace. Your life outside of work should be considered fully separate from your life at the office. That means no ...
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Return on Investment (ROI) is a management tool used to measure how effectively a business uses resources to generate income. The calculation compares net operating income to average operating assets for a defined period of time. The higher the percentage rate, the better the investment.
Net Operating Income is defined as revenue, minus the cost of goods sold, minus regular operating expenses such as office supplies. For the purpose of this calculation, we do not subtract interest or income tax payments.
| Revenue | $100,000 | | Cost of Goods Sold | - $45,000 | | Operating Expenses | - $20,000 | | Net Operating Income | $35,000 | Average Operating Assets are the resources used by a business to generate operating income. Assets can include available cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment. The average can be determined by comparing asset value from the beginning of a year to the end of the same year.
| Operating Assets January 1 | $31,000 | | Operating Assets December 31 | +$57,000 | | Operating Assets | $88,000 | | Divided by 2 | ... |
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In celebration of the 2012 Summer Olympics, for the next 3 weeks all of our HR blog posts will have a decidedly athletic theme. We hope you enjoy; please comment and share! "There's no more playing games, kids; this is the big time. We're up against the best of the best, and I don't just mean from your local neighborhood, either. Or city or country, for that matter. These are the best archers in the world. Your job is to beat them." This year, in hundreds of different languages, coaches from across the world will repeat their version of this motivational speech, preparing their teams to hit the target that is Olympic gold. Of course, for those wise enough to recognize the challenge set before them, the same encouraging words are resounding through the halls of business. We live in the days of a global economy. Whatever product or service your company might offer, there are hundreds of competitors waiting for you from China to India to Europe and the United States. Right now, every one of them is in training, and is targeting your customers with their service. It's time to step up to the big time.  Will Im Dong-Hyun and the South Korean men's archery team win their ...
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