The new year is underway. As an employer, what challenges should concern you in 2019? While there are things specific to your line of business, there also are topics every employer should address to make this year smooth and productive.
Federal, State & Local Compliance
Some legislation passed last year came is now in effect. For example, employers are no longer allowed to keep tips given to employees. Tip pooling is allowed when all employees are paid the minimum wage. This lets non-tipped employees – such as dining support staff but not supervisors – get tips even if they don’t come directly from customers. Employers who violate this law are subject to hefty fines.
Except for federal updates, Nebraska employment laws are little changed this year. Employers should assure they prominently display the updated 2019 Labor Law poster. Since an older poster doesn’t comply, failure to display the latest version can result in fines.
Address Generational Diversity
Baby Boomers are still in the workplace but are readying to retire. A good number of Boomers continue to work part-time well into retirement – some out of financial necessity and some because they want to. These “encore careers” let retirees explore options they couldn’t when they worked full-time. “Encore careers” also bring in much-needed income while providing structure to the lives of retirees.
As Millennials and Baby Boomers work side by side, it’s evident generational diversity can be both good and a source of difficulties. Toss Generation X workers into the mix, and the workplace becomes a veritable salad bowl. This diversity can be valuable as Boomers teach younger generations by example while youngsters help Boomers embrace technology.
The typical work ethic of each generation is distinctly different, so employers must find a way to help all generations work well together and be productive. A generationally diversified workplace can yield great results.
Prepare for Emergencies
Employers can take precautions, but there’s no way to guarantee emergencies won’t occur. Every workplace should be prepared for emergencies, including natural disasters, power outages and workplace violence.
As the saying goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Workplaces should have plans in place for emergencies that aren’t just understood by everyone, they’re repeatedly rehearsed.
Planning for specific emergencies can help keep your staff working when the unexpected occurs.
Manage Fake Reviews
Reputation management is crucial in an era when anyone can attack your business online without viewers knowing if such “testimonials” were posted by real customers.
Consumers trust online reviews almost as much as personal recommendations. Monitor reviews – both positive and negative – and respond promptly. Don’t let an angry review slip past you and be the first thing people see online about your business.
Staying active online and proactively maintaining a social media presence can combat many issues associated with fake negative reviews. When customers feel they can openly communicate with a business, they’re less likely to escalate a negative experience into the realm of fiction.
Google accepts requests to remove fake reviews, just like Facebook lets page administrators delete them. Know, however, that the screen shot of a negative review you removed implies your business hides its mistakes and can’t be trusted.
Manage Proactively
Successfully running a business is not a spectator sport. To maintain a successful business takes planning, preparation and active maintenance.
Make this year the best year ever for your company.