The Art of Keeping Workers Engaged

By James Pruitt, Senior Staff Writer

Employee retention is one issue, but closely related is worker motivation. Many bosses take their workers for granted. Such an attitude may stem from aloofness and or necessity, or even desperation. Remember, though, good people are hard to find, and with the recent trend of “quiet quitting,” keeping good people motivated becomes its problem.

The top priority in running a business is the bottom line. However, no business can succeed while ignoring the needs of its staff. Achievement-driven mindsets come at a cost. The employer-employee relationship runs both ways. Not only may unengaged workers quit, but even the most talented may lose their fizz in an overly harsh, unrewarding environment.

So how can employers ensure their workers maintain the emotional health they need to keep performing? 

1) Make one-on-one meetings about more than just performance.

As we have previously stated, normalizing one-on-one meetings does more than simply inform workers of their strengths and weaknesses. The one-on-one gives a chance to build rapport and get to know the quirks of each employee. These meetings can build up the comfort level on both ends. Greater comfort leads to greater honesty. Workers may feel better admitting mistakes, disclosing special needs, and making recommendations. 

2) Feel free to use your creativity to lighten the mood of your office.

The ambiance of a workplace can deliver a message. A cramped office that scrimps on the extras can elicit a cold response from workers and job applicants. On the other hand, factors such as décor, ergonomics, and temperature do more than demonstrate that the management cares about their workers. Consideration of the office environment sends the message that the workspace functions as a home away from home. After all, full-time employees spend approximately half their waking life in their workspace. A comfortable environment lets everyone know the leadership wants a contented staff that will stay for the long haul.

3) Bosses and managers can make everyone feel more comfortable by showing their vulnerabilities when appropriate.

Supervisors may be the face of the company, but no one’s life can revolve exclusively around the workplace. Managers should encourage multi-faceted relationships with their employees. One-on-one sessions can provide such an opportunity. However, in the spirit of balance, supervisors can let their outside personalities shine through on a more everyday level as well.

The benefits of this approach are two-fold. Number one, a personal connection tends to motivate workers. Employees care more about their work. Number two, a more congenial environment improves employer retention. 

Finally, never forget the importance of mental health. In years past, our industrialist predecessors would have scoffed at any consideration of mental health in their interactions with their staff. However, burnout has snuffed the flame of many a high-achiever, and bosses and employees alike should see it coming before it affects company operations. Accommodations can make a world of difference when necessary. On a more basic level, a simple “How are things going?” could break the ice and lead to a productive discussion. However, ignoring the importance of staff mental health could lead to a toxic fog that snuffs enthusiasm. In other words, a healthy environment prevents quiet quitting.

By Debbie Gregory.

New changes to the US tax laws have made certain expenses no longer deductible.

Here is a quick list of 15 things you cannot write off on your taxes:

1.) Entertainment

Companies used to be able to deduct the costs of entertaining clients or employees, this is no longer the case. Now, you may not deduct any portion of items such as tickets to the theater or sporting events is deductible.

2.) Meals

Meals for clients and employees, such as entertainment, used to be deductible on business taxes. Now, only 50% is deductible and even that is only allowable in specific cases. There are still a few exceptions, such as company picnics or break room snacks, where you can deduct the entire cost.

3.) Commuting

No matter what form of transportation you use to get back and forth to work or how lengthy or difficult it is to get to your business and home again, you are not permitted to write off the costs of commuting.

4.) Work Clothing

In the past, purchases of business appropriate attire were deductible. Now, only clothing not suitable for any possible street use, such as company specific uniforms, hardhats, etc., can be deducted.

5.) Gifts

The deduction for giving gifts to business associates, vendors, customers, etc. is now capped at $25.00 per gift/person, even if it makes good business sense, in certain situations, to give a more expensive gift.

6.) Medicare Taxes

If your income is high enough, you cannot deduct the 0.9% additional Medicare tax paid on net earnings from self-employment or employee wages and the 3.8% net investment income tax paid on income from any business investments.

7.) Club Dues

Participating in a golf or tennis club, social club, or fitness center may be a great way for you to meet and network with possible clients and customers. However, the dues you pay to be a member aren’t deductible.

8.) Exploratory Costs

A lot of people spend money researching business opportunities before starting their new company. This money is no longer tax-deductible. Though, once you start the business, those exploratory expenses can be treated as start-up costs and then can be deducted in the first year of business.

9.) Property Purchases

Legal fees paid to assist with property purchases cannot be deducted on their own. Instead, these fees are added to the cost basis of the property. A portion of the fees can potentially be recovered through depreciation.

10.) Fines and Penalties

Generally, government-imposed fines and penalties are nondeductible, regardless of the amount or reason for the fine.

11.) Excess Business Losses

Excess business losses for non-corporate taxpayers are treated as a net operating loss carryover and cannot be deducted.

12.) Interest on Tax Underpayments

Sole proprietors and owners of pass-through entities (non-corporate taxpayers) that pay interest on tax underpayments cannot deduct them. The interest is viewed as personal interest even if it relates to business income.

13.) Interest Expense Payments

If your annual gross receipts for the three prior years exceeds $25 million dollars, you cannot deduct any of your interest expenses on borrowing.

14.) Certain Employee Expenses

Reimbursements for employees’ commuting costs or moving expenses are not deductible.

15.) Net Operating Loss Carrybacks

Only farmers can deduct carrybacks. All other business entities are only allowed carryforwards and they can only be used to offset 80% of the taxable income.

All these tax law changes can affect your bottom line. Working with a CPA or a good tax or accounting service can help you better adapt to these changes and offset some of their potential impact. Always consult with professionals if you have questions or need guidance with any federal, state, or local law changes and tax issues.