HRIS News & Blog
Read up on all things Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). Optimum Solutions’ team of HRIS/HRMS experts offer tips, tricks, and other valuable information to help you streamline your HRIS processing, while navigating payroll, HR, and time & attendance updates.
Learn more about human resource management, as well as specifics like managing or processing employee information, federal and state law updates, employee training and more.
Have a specific HRIS software question? Email us at info@optimum-solutions.com and your question may be featured on the blog.
HRIS News, Articles, & Information
Six Ways to Minimize FMLA Abuse by Employees
February 22 2012
Employees have started to develop a new skill in the office…the mastery of missing work days, and you are paying the price. Employees are learning how to abuse FMLA policies, particularly when it comes to using intermittent leave, and the company is paying the price.
With this increasing issue,…
Avoiding Job Discrimination Lawsuits
February 15 2012
In 2010, the United States saw nearly 100,000 employment discriminations filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Did you know that according to some laws, as a manager, you can personally be sued for employer lawsuits?
There is no way to eliminate the chance that a disgruntled employee will file…
Are You a Disciplined Saver?
February 8 2012
The recession taught us more than a few lessons, but one of the most important is to always be financially prepared. This means always being diligent in managing your expenses. The question arises, are you a savvy saver?
Take the time to plan ahead, start buy asking questions about…
2012 American Payroll Association Legislative Issues
February 1 2012
In 2011, the American Payroll Association supported multiple pieces of legislation that were introduced, but not accepted into law. In 2012, we should expect to see the APA fighting to have some of these bills reconsidered at both the state and federal levels.
Automatic IRA Act:
The S 3760…
2012 Tax Deduction, Exemption, and Exclusion Increases
January 25 2012
The IRS has announced increases in 2012 for the Standard Deduction, Personal Exemption and Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. See how these changes may apply to you.
Benefits of Direct Deposit
January 18 2012
Although direct deposit has become a widely used payroll solution, questions regarding the payment option still arise. If there is a direct deposit debate in your office, the following advantages will help you eliminate questions and concerns on both the employer and employee side.
More Convenient Deposits
Using direct deposit, employees…
Payroll Tax Cut Temporarily Extended: 5 Important Facts You Need To Know
January 11 2012
In December, the payroll tax cut was extended to keep the two point reduction on the Social Security Tax. Learn how the tax cut may affect you.
Tips To Help With Time Management At Work
January 4 2012
Do you feel like you are already behind before you even arrive at work? If the answer is yes, you may not be managing your time at work as efficiently as you could be. Between emails, calls and other employees stopping by, it is easy to get behind. Implementing some…
Prevention Methods to Stop Electronic Data Breaches
December 28 2011
Case sensitive passwords, firewalls, encrypted USB drives, biometric scans - these are all different methods companies will use to prevent electronic data breaches. However, these sophisticated prevention technologies are insignificant if your company does not have basic data security policies in place. Here are a few areas where your company…
Maintaining Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 Forms
December 21 2011
There has been a recent crack down by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on enforcing Employment Eligibility Verification Forms (I-9s). The USCIS has increased enforcement and harshened penalties on employers in an effort to try and target illegal immigration.
USCIS Penalties
If there is an issue, the USCIS is no longer filing cases as civil penalties, they are now being brought under criminal
code. Standard penalties are:
State Payroll and Tax Updates for 2012
December 15 2011
With the new year around the corner, there are many upcoming federal and state changes that are being released by the government. To stay ahead, see if your state has any upcoming tax changes.
California Tax Changes For 2012
- Employers Guide for 2012 Released: A Resource for on compliance…
2012 IRS Updates for Tax Forms, Tables, & Calendars
December 14 2011
The holidays are quickly approaching, and for Payroll and HR Managers this means more than just the normal chaos of shopping and wrapping gifts…its year end. With the added commotion surrounding year end, it is easy to miss other important tax updates that will affect you in 2012.
The…
December 10 Deadline to Register with Vermont Tax and Wage System for 2012 Wage Payments
December 8 2011
The December 10th deadline for employers to register with the VITWS is quickly approaching. Employers who are required to use the VITWS for the report due January 31, 2012 must register by tomorrow. Employers who do not comply will be subject to a $100.00 fee.
All…
How Employers Can Take Advantage of Open Enrollment Season
November 30 2011
During this time of the year, the media creates a constant buzz around health care reform and the threat of rising health care premiums. This seasonal attention, gives employers the opportunity to take advantage of open enrollment season to educate their employees on health care to assure they are enrolled…
Federal Government Mandates Changes for Health Care Summary of Benefits Coverages
November 18 2011
It is rare to find an employee who completely understands his or her health care plan. Due to this, many employees choose a plan that does not satisfy their medical needs or their budget. A newly released Aflac survey of 2,200 U.S. workers revealed that 42% of employees waste money…
The IRS Gives Advice for Companies That Outsource Their Payroll
November 11 2011
After a series of scams involving third-party payroll providers, the IRS offers advice for companies who outsource their payroll. Avoid these risks with an in-house payroll solution.
IRS Releases Draft of Form 940
November 2 2011
Learn the differences between the old Form 940 and the new Form 940 released by the IRS for 2011. Download the new form here.
Daylight Savings Reminder: Payroll Calculations
October 26 2011
If you are in payroll, you know that the end of daylight savings time means more than moving your clock back an hour. Read this quick blog to learn what you must do to correctly pay your shift workers.
Government Changes for Payroll in 2012
October 17 2011
Find out what the Payroll, Accounting and Tax departments have in store for changes for 2012. Before you finish year end read this article to find out Federal IRS, Federal Social Security Administration, State Unemployment and State Withholding changes.
Best Practices of Terminations and Layoffs for employers
September 28 2011
Terminating an employee is not a satisfying experience, but if you follow these steps it can help minimize distress for both the employee and employer.
Overview of USERRA Policies
September 26 2011
Similar to FMLA, the Military Family Leave act allows employees to take unpaid leave. Read this overview to learn what USERRA is and who it applies to.
Policies and Procedures of Family and Military Leave Act (FMLA)
September 22 2011
Read this brief overview to refresh your memory about FMLA policies and procedures for the employer and the employee.
Tips to Help Prevent Government Audits
September 14 2011
Learn helpful hints and tips to prevent government auditing. Discover what triggers an audit and how to prepare.
Payroll Checklist for a Smooth Year-End
September 14 2011
Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure that 2011 year end payroll processing runs smoothly.
Pay Cards and Termed Employees
August 18 2011
Learn best practices for paycards, especially with terminated employees. Find out how pay cards can save you money now, and when they’re appropriate.