Business jargon. Some people think it makes them sound important or intelligent, while others use to “fit in.” Not only is it boring, but it can also make people think you are lying. Research from New York University and the University of Basel in Switzerland shows that if you want people to trust you use plain old simple English — not a bunch of business buzz words.
A recent ruling by the National Labor Relations Board may have significant consequences for businesses of all sizes. In a ground-breaking case, the NLRB accused a company of illegally firing an employee for comments she made about her supervisor on Facebook. The Board considered her criticisms of the company and her bosses as being “protected activity” under the National Labor Relations Act. The Act provides for a number of protections, among them it gives workers a federally protected right to form unions, and it also prohibits employers from punishing workers — whether union or nonunion — for discussing working conditions or unionization.
Many Americans today are starting their own businesses — some by design and others by default. Along with the increasing popularity of entrepreneurship comes the age old question: “Are entrepreneurs born or made?”
During this cold and flu season, everyone is focused on ways to keep their teams healthy. According to new research from Gallup, employee engagement may be the best medicine. The study found employees who are engaged lead healthier lifestyles — exercising more and eating healthier.
If you have employees and/or you worked with independent contractors last year, you have until January 31, 2013 to issue W-2 and 1099 forms. That’s a deadline you don’t want to miss. The IRS closely monitors W-2 and 1099 returns to ensure accuracy and compliance, and the agency is strictly enforcing penalties for those who don’t comply. A little procrastination could hit your bank account hard. Should you fail to file or file inaccurate information, the penalties are more severe. For small businesses — companies with gross revenues of under $5 million the past three years — the maximum failure-to-file penalty is $500,000. You can find additional information and assistance via the IRS website.