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3 Tips to calculating employee hours around the holidays

holidays and employees

As a business owner, you are required by law to provide workers with a specified amount of leave over the course of a year and to pay them accordingly. All of your employees are also entitled to holiday pays which are based on their current wage rates. Computing for an employee’s entitlement to annual leaves and holidays is not that complicated if one has a fixed salary rate and is working for the same number of hours for each day. Calculating their salary gets a little more complicated if an employee does overtime work, completes a variable number of hours each day, and receives bonuses and commissions on top of their regular wages.

If you are still confused about how to calculate an employee’s holiday pay, then the concise guide below should help you out. Check out these three tips for calculating your employee’s entitlement around the holidays and get the job the done faster and easier.

 

  1. Calculate holiday entitlements based on the daily number of hours worked.

As stated before, employees who are paid at a fixed rate and are working for the same number of hours for each week shall receive the same wage amount for the holidays. So for example, you are working for forty hours a week at a rate of $10 per hour, you will be getting $400 for a week of holiday.

Calculating holiday pay for zero hours contracts will be a slightly different. Zero-hour contracts are those contracts where an employer is not required to provide a minimum amount of working hours and the employee can either accept or reject the offer. The average number of hours worked and the average hourly pay for the past 12 weeks will be used for the computation. A week’s worth of holiday is equal to the average number of hours worked per week multiplied by the average hourly rate. If an employee skips a week of work, then the reference period will be adjusted back to a week where an employee has completed a certain number of working hours.

 

  1. Know how overtime hours are incorporated into holiday pay computations.

There are three types of overtime: ‘guaranteed’ wherein the employer is required to offer and the employee is required to accept, ‘non-guaranteed’ wherein the employer is not required to offer but the employee is required to accept if extra hours are offered, and ‘voluntary’ overtime wherein both parties have no obligation. The first and second types constitute a portion of an employee’s regular working pattern and must be included in the holiday pay. Regarding ‘voluntary’ type, the guidelines set by the law is unclear; and as long as no new instructions have been released on this type, employers are not required to include overtime pay to the holiday pay.

 

  1. Learn how commissions and bonuses are applied to holiday pays.

Commissions and bonuses are required by the Tribunal to be included into the holiday pay. These are basically based on the performance, productivity, and amount of sales that an employee achieves over a certain period of time. The reference period depends on the employer’s decision but it should be based mainly on how often bonuses are paid to the employees.

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5 Things you should know about mesothelioma

You have probably come across memes making fun of Mesothelioma on the internet. This might have led you to think that mesothelioma is a joke however this is not the case. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lungs linings. It’s so rare that there are very few specialists who can manage this condition. To give you a better understanding, let’s look at 5 things you should know about mesothelioma.

 

  1. It is caused by asbestos exposure

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. In fact, in most medical journals, it is defined as an asbestos related lung cancer. There is no other medically known cause of mesothelioma. That’s because, the condition in itself develops when asbestos fiber are lounged on the lung walls. This makes it quite different from lung cancer which has a varied causes and affects different lung cells, not just the lung fiber.

  1. You have a right to reparation if diagnosed with Mesothelioma

If you or somebody you know is diagnosed with this condition, you should not worry about the medical bills. You are legally entitled to compensation. That’s because the condition you or your loved one are suffering from is not due to a personal mistake or negligence, but rather due to exposure to a dangerous mineral, which the government is yet to ban. As such, it is up to the government to ensure that people who develop this cancer due to asbestos exposure are fully taken care of.  

  1. There is a genetic element to Mesothelioma

While exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this condition, there is a genetic element to it, which makes some people more vulnerable to this condition than others. People whose genetic makeup does not pre-expose them to this condition may not develop it, even if they are exposed to asbestos. Therefore, if there is no one in your family who has developed this condition even after being exposed to asbestos in the past, then you have nothing to worry about, even when you fear that you may have been exposed to asbestos. People whose genetic makeup predisposes them to Mesothelioma can get this cancer even by washing clothes of someone who has had contact with asbestos.

  1. This condition has a long dormancy period

It can take a long time before someone who is exposed to Asbestos gets to know that they are suffering from Mesothelioma. In fact, it can take up to 50 years before a person who is exposed to asbestos gets to know that they are suffering from Mesothelioma.

  1. Diet can help a mesothelioma patient feel better

While a good diet may not do much towards curing Mesothelioma, it can go a long way in helping the patient feel better. For instance, a diet of fruits and vegetables can help slow down the progression of this cancer, hence reducing the level of pain that the patient has to endure. Besides, diet improves the patient’s immune system, which helps minimize the effects of cancer medicine.

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5 Basic tips for interior design

interior Design

Have you recently bought a house or maybe renovated your old one? Now you’re itching to turn your house into a haven for you and your family. Because you want to make it your own project, you’ve decided to take the task of doing the interior design of your house and not hire an interior designer anymore. But you’re still not sure how to go about the process, as you want to make sure that you do not make mistakes and turn your house into a tacky place. For a more in-depth tutorial, check out this interior design guide for beginners, or you can also check out some basic tips for interior design below.

  1. Think of the house in its totality and not per room – maybe you’ve done a few room design before, but now that you have to tackle the whole house, do not make the mistake of thinking that you just need to do the design per room. Each room is linked together, so it is important that there should be a unifying theme or element to tie all the rooms together. You do not have to make sure that all elements be placed in each room, but each room should complement each other. To make it easy for you, you can use the same color schemes for the rooms in your house.
  2. Use lighting to elevate the room – a well-thought-out lighting can go a long way in design. You can change the mood and ambiance of a room by just changing the lighting. Designers will say that it’s important that you do not have just one source of lighting. DO not just put a fluorescent light overhead, instead have the light come from multiple sources. Be creative with where those can come from. You can add a table lamp, a wall sconce or a floor lamp placed strategically at the empty corner.
  3. Don’t forego function for design –you can still buy that art piece or that huge sculpture that you’ve been eyeing for awhile, but if your house does not have enough space, do not sacrifice form for function. Look for pieces that can double as both. That piece may have a great visual impact, but if it takes up too much space, it can just be clutter.
  4. Always measure your room –this is very important when you start buying your furniture. Never buy anything without measuring the room where you will put it. If you do not measure, you may end up with a beautiful bed, but not enough space to put the side table you bought with it. Map out the furniture you would like to put in a room,  put the bigger pieces first, then start adding details such as rugs and the like.
  5. Determine focal points for attention – you want some pieces in your room to draw the eye of your guests. You can do that by highlighting certain maybe a piece of furniture, or even an artwork. Examples of focal points are huge televisions or a fireplace.
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How to Avoid Becoming a Flu Statistic This Winter

Annually, on average, between 5 and 20% of the US population gets the flu with tens of thousands being hospitalized and thousands dying from it. This costs the USA an estimated $10.4 billion a year in direct medical expenses and an additional $16.3 billion in terms of lost earnings every year. Each winter, flu-related infection put millions of people out of commission yearly, necessitating the need to take stringent preventative measures.

Immunity is a magic word as far as winter is concerned. When the temperature drops and windows and doors are kept close, viruses tend to thrive indoors and if your immune system is compromised you are likely to catch the newest flu strain doing the rounds. It is vital to ward off the early signs and symptoms of flu and to boost your immune system as much as possible in order to protect yourself from getting ill this winter. Being financially prepared for unforeseen medical expenses will give you peace of mind and will make facing the dreaded winter months a lot less harrowing.

Get a flu shot

A flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the illness by as much as 60% in the general population as well as decreasing the severity if you do get sick. The flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.  The quadrivalent vaccine which includes a nasal-spray version inoculates against 4 different viruses and is said to offer better protection than the standard trivalent shot. The best time of year to get vaccinated is in October or November, a few weeks prior to when flu season is expected to peak.

Flu Weather

Take a daily multivitamim

Multivitamins can go a long way towards boosting your immune system. Make sure to get one that offers as close to the recommended daily values of vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D as well as the minerals chromium, folic acid, copper, zinc, calcium and selenium. The best time to take your multivitamin is after a meal that contains some fat as this will enable you to absorb the nutrients better.

Stock up on hand sanitizer

Researchers at the Children’s Hospital in Boston studied 292 families for a period of 5 months and found that those who carried hand sanitizer with the, fell ill 59% less than those who didn’t.  The reason for this is because, when used correctly, a good-quality hand sanitizer will eliminate nearly all germs.

Move more

The University of South Carolina conducted research that concluded that men who engaged in 3 hours of mild activity a day were 35% less likely to catch a cold, compared to those who were only active for 1 hour.  Even better news is that you don’t have to participate in strenuous activity every day. Tai Chi, for example, reduces the release of catecholamine, a neurotransmitter that suppresses the immune system, reducing the risk of contracting flu and other illnesses.

By making small changes to your lifestyle such as eating healthy and sleeping you can significantly reduce your risk of falling ill this winter. Take the necessary precautions and avoid becoming just another American flu statistic this festive season.

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11 Quick Ways to Make Your Bedroom Healthier

allergy free bedroom

Cleaning your room might not be high on your priority list but did you know that people whose homes are cluttered are more stressed out, tired, and depressed than those whose homes are neat and tidy? What’s even worse, your bedroom could be behind your constant headaches, sore throats, or allergies.

 

Luckily, there are some steps you can take to ensure your bedroom stays clean and in tip-top shape for sound, restful nights.

Improve Air Quality

  • Change the air in your bedroom by opening windows and keeping them open for a couple of hours each day. It will refresh the room and eliminate harmful gasses that may build up over time.
  • Get a couple of green potted plants and decorate your bedroom with them. The plants will add life and color to your room, and will also serve as natural air purifiers, filtering out compounds and chemicals emitted by everyday items.
  • Invest in a good quality air purifier that will clean the air from harmful pollutants and allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

Clean Often

  • Get rid of all the stuff you don’t need for rest. Not only does clutter collect dust (which can be hard to remove), it can also be stressful and distracting. Remove all gadgets, excessive decorations, and all work-related items before going to sleep.
  • Even if you have an air cleaner, you should dust and vacuum regularly. Dust mites are the number one cause of indoor allergies and asthma, so a sore throat and congestion you keep experiencing could be a result of too much dust in your room. Dust and vacuum at least once a week and deep clean your carpets at least every month.
  • Change your pillowcases, sheets, and duvet cover every one or two weeks to get rid of dead skin cells and dust mites that collect on your bedding.
  • Clean your mattress every couple of months by sprinkling baking soda on it and waiting 15-20 minutes before sucking it up with a vacuum.

Eliminate Hidden Dangers

  • Many everyday detergents and cleaners emit harmful chemicals that can cause headaches, respiratory issues, or eye irritation. Instead of using store-bought cleaning products, opt for those made with natural, organic ingredients or make simple DIY detergents at home.
  • While burning scented candles sounds like a great way to get rid of bad smells in your bedroom, they can actually do more harm than good. Some scented paraffin candles are known to emit harmful chemicals as they burn and the fragrance itself can cause irritation for sensitive individuals. Opt for natural soy or beeswax candles if you must have them in your room.
  • Some memory foam pillows are known to outgas VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can cause nausea, headaches, and eye irritation. Swap your regular pillows for those filled with natural, organic materials, like feathers or wool.
  • As cute as pets are, they are likely to disrupt your sleep and their fur is full of allergens like dust, dander, pollen, and bacteria. If possible, keep them out of your room and definitely out of your bed. If you can’t resist them sleeping in your bedroom, get them separate beds next to yours – that way you can all sleep better.
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The top 3 things to look for in a company that can install replacement tracks on your equipment

track repairs

If you are an equipment owner, then you know how important it is to have a reliable parts partner. That’s because, equipment needs to be at work for them to generate income, and any delays in parts replacement would be a loss of income. That’s especially the case with equipment tracks, which can cripple your operations if you need to replace them. To protect yourself from delays and faulty replacements, let’s go through 3 things you need to look for in a company that can install replacement tracks on your equipment.

 

  1. Their product return policy

Equipment tracks don’t come cheap. That’s why you need to look for a company that allows you to return the tracks if they don’t fit or are faulty. Some of the best equipment companies like Fortis Replacement Tracks allow you to return the tracks provided they are returned within a reasonable period, and are in the original packaging.  A good product return policy gives you a safety net in case you buy equipment replacement tracks, and they are not good enough. On top of that, a good return policy gives you a quality assurance guarantee. That’s because, if a company is willing to take back its tracks, then there is a good chance that they believe in their quality. It also points to a company that has good customer relations management, and that’s definitely a company you can partner with and succeed in your business.

 

  1. Average shipping time

For maximum efficiency in your business, you need to go for a tracks replacement company that has short delivery times. That’s because, any delays in delivery would mean that your equipment will have to stay grounded for longer. This can be especially catastrophic if you hire out your track equipment on an hourly basis. Besides, fast shipping says a lot about the management of the equipment track replacement company you are engaging with. The faster the shipping times, the higher the chances that it is a well-managed company with good investments in logistical operations. This can give you confidence that such a company is also good in other aspects of its operations such as product quality as well as customer relations management, both of which are important for you to succeed in your equipment business.

 

  1. Their refund policy

This is one of the imperative things to look out for in an equipment tracks replacement company. It would be ruinous to engage a company that does not offer refunds. That’s because, equipment tracks are expensive and at one point or the other, you may need to cancel an order for a variety of reasons. You need to engage a company that allows you to cancel your orders without punishing you for it.  A company that allows you to cancel orders for a full refund also speaks volumes about their financial standing, as well as their strong emphasis on customer relationships above all else. That’s the kind of partner you need as you look to grow your business.

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5 Christmas home improvements to try out this year

With December just around the corner, it’s time to start unpacking your decorations and get ready for the Christmas season. But if you want to make more significant changes this year – that is, more than putting up a tree and some festive bunting – then check out these home improvement ideas to get your home ready for the year ahead.

 

  1. Build an extension

Do you want to unlock more space in your home for entertaining, working and welcoming guests? You could consider building an extension or outhouse to give you more room to play with, either at the rear of your property or as a two-storey. Doing so will not only make your home more spacious, but it could increase the value of your property by an average of £33,000. Of course, an extension can be an expensive investment, but its added value can future-proof your home and help you get a better price when it comes to selling.

 

  1. Update your living areas

Your living room is one of the most important rooms your home – it’s where you socialise, eat, spend time with your loved ones and unwind after a stressful workday. So you should update your living areas before Christmas day arrives so that you can entertain guests and wake up on December 25 to a comfortable, modern living room. Check out this guide from HouseBeautiful, who have put together thirty inspirational living room ideas.

 

  1. Give your kids a new playroom

If you’re expecting Santa to be bringing lots of presents for your youngsters in December, then perhaps a new children’s playroom could be an option? Opening up a spare bedroom or dining room into a playroom will give your children a place to relax and have fun – and it will keep the rest of your home tidy and free of clutter and mess.

 

  1. Replace your roof

When was the last time you thought about your roof? If you’ve noticed leaks, drafts, or that the exterior of your property is looking shabby, then you consider replacing your roof. If you work with a roofing contractor in the North East, like Findley Roofing & Building, you will be able to take advantage of 0% APR finance and get a new roof just in time for Christmas.

 

  1. Do some landscape gardening

December may not be the warmest time of the year, but there’s no excuse not to put on a pair of wellington boots and make some improvements to your garden and outside areas. If you want to reduce the amount of time you spend on garden maintenance, then consider replacing grass and flower areas with decking or stone paving. Getting your garden ready just in time for Christmas makes sense, especially if you’re expecting lots of visitors.

We’ve put together five Christmas home improvements that you should consider this year, but there are, of course, more. For example, you could decorate your garden and turn your shed into Santa’s Grotto, or you could install a wood-burning fire in your living room so you can snuggle up with marshmallows, hot cocoa and a good old-fashioned Christmas movie.

 

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The top 3 tips to renting a great office space in Seattle

seattle

You could be in the early stages of planning to start your business or maybe you are looking for a new place for your company. Maybe you are in need of office space and you do not know where to begin. Well, it is not always easy to settle for the first time. If you are looking to rent great office space in Seattle, there are a number of things that you have to consider. Before you sign the lease for your new office space in Seattle, here are 3 top tips that you need to consider:

 

  1. Seek the Help of Tenant Brokers

A tenant-broker is a very crucial person to contact during your office space lease. The office for rent seattle tenant brokers will provide you with the sound analysis of office locations, availability of offices to rent as well as be in a position to negotiate with the landlord. The tenant-broker is a professional who knows what is to be done when you are seeking office space.

We have heard of a number of horror stories of tenants who bypassed the experts and signed an office lease agreement only to find terrible things about the office. You do not want to go this route. If you are a startup, this process could be more complicated than you thought. It is better to pay the tenant brokers to smoothen the office search process for you. They know the best landlords, the “hidden costs” that are included in the commercial lease and all the terms and conditions to be agreed upon signing the office lease. With a professional consultant, you can be sure your office search and lease process in Seattle will be a walk in the park!

 

  1. Your Budget

You need to beware of the costs involved in renting space. The monthly rent payment is not the only cost that you will incur. You need to consider other expenses such as internet charges and electricity provision, furniture, office equipment and even security costs. Depending on the kind of work you will be doing in the office, the cost of running it could sour with time.  This calls for you to find a suitable way to control these expenditures, especially if your business is new.

You could consider leasing furniture and office equipment. One of the advantages of leasing office equipment and furniture as opposed to buying is that you will easily obtain financing. It is also better to lease so that when this equipment becomes obsolete in the long run, you won’t have to worry about it.  

 

  1. Convenience for Your Employees and Your Clients

You may also need to think about the accessibility of your office. How convenient is it for your employees and your clients? For small businesses, renting an office in a commercial center would make it easy for you to find employees. It would also be much more convenient for your clients to access an office in the commercial center as opposed to offices in the outskirts of the city.

As such, the proximity of your Seattle office should be a very important factor to consider. Ease of access will make your work enjoyable and your clients and employees would be happier with the right location of the office.

 

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How to change your mailing address in the USA without sharing your information

Changing residences is a part of life. But moving isn’t all about hauling your things off and settling down at a new location. It also requires changing your mailing address. You want to ensure that all of your important letters and packages are sent to the right doorstep. You can do this by updating your information with USPS and other government agencies. US postal services address change is a simple process that lets you update your mailing address in a fast and convenient way. Read more to learn how to change your mailing address without sharing your information:

 

  1. Let USPS know

It’s easy to update your mailing address with USPS. You can do it online, by phone, or by filling out a form personally. When doing it online, just visit the US Postal Service website and fill out a Change of Address (COA) form. You will be asked to indicate whether your move is a permanent or a temporary one. You will also be asked to provide the full names of family members who are moving with you. When submitting online, your debit or credit card will be charged a small verification fee. If you want to avoid this, you can file a request personally by going to your local post office.

Changing your address over the phone requires calling your local post office and requesting a form 3575 to be mailed to you. This method also charges you a service fee, and only works if you haven’t moved yet.

The cheapest way to change your address with USPS is to go your local post office and file a form 3575. This waives you of any verification and service fee that’s required by using the online and phone method.

 

  1. Let SSA know

If you’re a beneficiary of any federal grants, it’s important for them to know about your move as well. This ensures that all important mail are delivered to the correct doorstep. If you’re a recipient of social security income, retirement, survivor’s benefit, and medicare, you should report your change of address to your nearest Social Security Administration office.

Updating your address with the SSA is the best way to ensure that your government benefits are being sent without delay. You may either change your address online or visit the nearest social security office. If you go online, you may key in your zip code to find the nearest office around you.

 

  1. Let IRS know

The Internal Revenue Service must be updated about your personal information all the time. This includes your current mailing address. Changing your address via USPS and SSA doesn’t guarantee a crossover to the IRS database.

There are several ways to update your mailing address with them. You can submit a written statement by downloading and printing a Form 8822 and supplying the necessary information. This includes your full name, your old address, your new address, and your social security number.

You can also call the nearest IRS office and make the update from there. Again, always be ready with your full name, birth date, address, and your social security number. If you’re not in a rush and want to be spared from any additional paperwork, you can simply change your address when you file your next tax return.

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How to teach kids electrical safety

As technology continues to develop, and we own more and more appliances and devices, our dependence on electricity grows. With so many electrical products in the average household, it is essential that our kids understand the dangers of electricity from an early age.

There are a large number of electrical accidents every year in the UK, which can range from minor shocks to much more serious injuries, and even household fires. Fortunately, most of these accidents are easily preventable by teaching our kids the basics of electrical safety.

 

Be careful with plug sockets

For young children who are at their most curious and adventurous, plug sockets are a big potential danger. From an early age, kids need to be told not to poke their fingers or other objects into plug sockets with clear and easy instructions.

Parents can do their bit to reduce this risk by securing unused wall sockets where possible. Plastic inserts are a cheap option, although kids can still pull them out, making them potential choking hazards.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other safety plugs on the market, and even using electrical tape to cover sockets is an option. You could also try arranging furniture so that it blocks plug sockets too, even the most curious child is probably not going to be able to shift a sofa!

 

Don’t mix electricity with water

An essential and straightforward lesson in electrical safety for kids is to avoid mixing water and electricity. As mobile devices become more and more prominent, children need to learn where and when they can use their electrical equipment safely.

A nice, simple rule for kids to remember is to never use anything with a plug around water. Remember, you don’t have to be graphic with the details, and children respond to simple and concise instructions.

In addition to rules around electrical equipment, kids should also be told not to touch light switches with wet hands. Make sure your children dry their hands thoroughly after washing until it becomes habit!

 

Electricity outside of the house

While electrical safety is important around the home, there are a few risks outdoors as well that children should be aware of. If your kid is a good climber, you need to make sure they stick to trees, and avoid climbing on power poles.

Children should also be warned as to the dangers of power lines, particularly if you live in an area with high winds. Fallen power lines are a risk, while flying a kite should be in a nice open area and away from overhead lines.

If you live in an urban area, you may have transformer boxes or other public electrical works around your home. If so, then your children should also be taught to obey warning signs, and to be extra careful where they play.

Teaching our kids about electrical safety is important in our increasingly electricity-fueled world, and following a few easy steps to teach children the basics goes a long way.