Health and Wellness in the Workplace  Wellness in the workplace does not only include physical health; it also includes mental and emotional health, as well as financial well-being.  How can employers promote health and wellness in the workplace?  Think outside the box!  Do you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? If yes, do your employees KNOW you have an EAP?  Have you considered Unlimited Sick Leave so your employees don’t have to worry about eating at their PTO for preventive care, doctor appointments OR come to work sick?! Have you brought financial planners or wellness instructors in for a Lunch & Learn? Prioritizing an employee’s wellness is a must new essential benefit in the workplace.  There is plenty of research out there showing a healthy employee will have higher productivity, higher engagement, a better company culture and guess what? – Lower turnover like we discussed last week!  Two Hearts in a Pod Guest:  Debbie Dendigner.  Debbie works at Juice Plus+ and lives a life of passion and God given purpose – inspiring and teaching others to take control of their health and finances.  To reach Debbie to learn more about Health and Wellness, you may call her at 239-671-8687.   Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier.  If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training and Presentations.  You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com.   Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL.  Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management.  You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com.    Join Karen and Yaussy next week as they discuss Onboarding and Processes. THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!)  CRUSH YOUR WEEK!

Did you know that employee turnover costs 1.5 – 2 times an employee’s salary, depending on the seniority level?  Costs can be anything from lost productivity until a new employee is fully onboarded to a depleted team morale from additional workload from the loss of a co-worker.  Tackling turnover costs starts with recruitment!  It isn’t about just hiring top talent in your industry; it’s about those soft skills.  Are they driven?  Motivated?  Or Have a great work ethic?   Our Top 10 Questions to ask yourself in order to retain top talent:  Do you know what is important to your employees and what motivates them? Do you SHOW you care? Does your company have growth opportunities? Is there 2-way communication? Are you transparent with your employees? Are you flexible with the employees’ schedule? Do you celebrate and recognize employees? Does your PTO or work from home policy scream they are raving fans? Does your company have a wellness program? Is your company involved with Community projects? If you answered “NO” to most of the questions above, you need to add employee turnover costs to your budget!  If you answered “YES” to most of the questions above, CONGRATULATIONS!  Sounds like you know the “magic,” as it is all about the little things and engaged employees stick around! Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier.  If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training and Presentations.  You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com. Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL.  Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management.  You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com.  Join Karen and Yaussy next week as they chat with Debbie Dendinger on Wellness in the Workplace. THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!)  CRUSH YOUR WEEK!

Recordkeeping Requirements:  What to track and 3 Separate Employee Files For Each Employee, Employers Owners Must Track: Full Name & SSN Date of Birth  Full Address Sex & Occupation  Hours Worked on a weekly basis Total Overtime Earning for a workweek  Additions & Deductions from Wages and More...  Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier.  If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training and Presentations.  You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com.   Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL.  Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management.  You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com.    Join Karen and Yaussy next week as they chat about the Cost of Employee Turnover!   THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!)    CRUSH YOUR WEEK!  

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Nonexempt vs. Exempt Employee Last week, Yaussy and Karen shared how important it is to identify the difference between Employee vs. Independent Contractor and the penalties that go along with that.  Classifying your employees are just as important and the penalties are just as big!  An Exempt Employee must fit into one of the following Exemptions:  Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, Computer Employees, Creative Professional and Highly Compensated.  In addition, the Duties Test must be met under each Exemption.  Still have questions, you may click this link for more information:  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/17a-overtime or just reach out to Yaussy and Karen! Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier.  If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training and Presentations.  You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com. Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL.  Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management.  You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com.    Join Karen and Yaussy next week as they chat about Recordkeeping Requirements, What to Track and I-9’s!  THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!)  CRUSH YOUR WEEK!  

It is so important to classify your employees properly or there will be BIG penalties.  An estimated $3.4 Million Employees are misclassified as Independent Contractors.  The Chart above shares the differences between an Employee and an Independent Contractor.  Still unsure?  Use the “IRS Right to Control Test” below:  It is not a matter of IF you get caught…it is HOW you will get caught!  Some examples: Worker files a complaint they have been misclassified with the DOL (Department of Labor)…UH OH Worker has been classified as an Independent Contractor and files for unemployment…OOPS OR worse…injured while working and tries to file a workers’ compensation claim…OH NO Still have questions, you may click this link for more information:  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa/misclassification or just reach out to Karen and Yaussy! We hope everyone had a fun and safe Cinco de Mayo yesterday.  Also, TODAY is National Nurses Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day – thank you for ALL you do! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!  Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier.  If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training and Presentations.  You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com. Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL.  Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management.  You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com.  Join Karen and Yaussy next week as they chat about Exempt vs. Nonexempt!  THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!)  CRUSH YOUR WEEK!  

National Superhero Day was yesterday!  Real or fictional, it doesn't matter, National Superhero Day is all about celebrating the heroes who make us want to do good, and inspire us to be better people.  Heroes are people we look up to, who inspire us and keep us safe!  They are role models; those who go above and beyond to do good for others.  Anyone can be a hero if they make their goal to do good in the world.  Listen to Yaussy and Karen as they share who their Superheroes are.  Does your hero wear fancy capes, suits, uniform, or just extraordinary people like us?  Some people look up to those in their lives, like a teacher, parent, doctor, or first responder; and some may look up to a more fictional superhero that they relate to and may empathize with.   Real or fictional – who sparked YOUR imagination to want to be a good person, fighting evil and protecting others?   REMINDERS:  Sunday, May 1 is World Laughter Day, so spread positivity and cheerfulness and let’s all do our part in promoting world peace through laughter!  Tuesday, May 3 is Teacher Appreciation Day – thank you teachers for the positive impact that you have in our future workforce!  Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier.  If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training and Presentations.  You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com. Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL.  Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management.  You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com.  Join Karen and Yaussy next week as they chat about Employees vs. Independent Contractors!  THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!)  CRUSH YOUR WEEK!  

On Earth Day, it is a time to remember the environment in our busy lives.  A day that reminds us to continue to do the little things that help our environment:  turning the lights off, plant trees and recycle, reduce, and reuse.  Earth Day may not sound like it has anything to do with HR; however, when recruiting and retaining Gen Z and Millennials, they will want to know how their employer stands on important climate change issues and how their employer is protecting our environment!  How is your company making a world a better place?!  REMINDER:  Administrative Professionals Day is on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.  Remember, when you take care of your employees, they will take care of you and your ROI!   Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier.  If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training and Presentations.  You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com. Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL.  Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management.  You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com.    Join Karen and Yaussy next week as they honor all Heroes.    THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!)  CRUSH YOUR WEEK!

TAX DAY! Yami Suyi joins us today from Suyi CPA and Associates to share the importance of reconciling your books monthly and having clean books for your accountant. Yamirka Suyi,CPA, MSAT,  was born in Cuba. She came to the United States at the age of 18. At 21, she started her first business in Miami and she also got involved in Real Estate Investments. She started her accounting education to apply it to her businesses, however, she fell in love with the profession and decided to pursue it as her career. She currently owns several businesses and her passion is to help other business owners succeed. She founded Suyi CPA and Associates in February 2019. A CPA practice dedicated to helping business owners, self-employed, and wealthy individuals through proactive planning and business advisory services achieve their goals and minimize their tax liability. Suyi CPA's unique business model has gotten a great response from local business owners. The firm exponential growth is the best testimony to the service levels offered by the team. Currently, the firm is going through a rebranding phase. The goal of this rebranding is to make it about the entire team and the uniqueness of the services offered. Suyi CPA team is dedicated to our community and it is always looking for opportunities to give back to it. Yamirka is invested in helping the Hispanic community of SWFL and currently serves as the treasurer for the Hispanic Council of Business Professionals.   Click on the link: For a copy of The Self Employed Worksheet   We want to wish everyone HAPPY X4 today: Happy Good Friday today; Happy Passover, which starts this evening; Happy Husband Appreciation Day tomorrow; and Happy Easter on Sunday! No matter what you celebrate and how, BE HAPPY! Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as the President of HR Collier. If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training, and Presentations. You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com.   Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL. Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management. You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com. Join Karen and Yaussy next week when they discuss the Importance of Earth Day when recruiting and retaining Gen Z’s and Millennials! THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!) CRUSH YOUR WEEK!

Obstacles We Face When Growing a Business Mark LeBlanc, author of Growing Your Business, shares 9 common obstacles businesses face when growing: Fear Lack of Motivation Level of Belief No Money Little Support Family Obligations Education Focus No Plan All businesses are faced with these obstacles. How we turn those obstacles into opportunities and change our mindset to believe in our abilities are key. Your Podcast Co-Hosts, Karen Shepherd and Yaussy Casmartino, share their fears, and how they overcame and conquered them. They will share 3 key points to keep in mind: Remember, Life Happens FOR us…not TO us Trust your circle Always move forward with momentum and apply the “5-minute Rule” Many thanks to our shoutouts this week: Brian Solt, Realtor  - 239-770-2288  [email protected]  -  www.southwestflahomesforsale.com Serena Shoup https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/ You may also purchase Growing Your Business! on Amazon at this link:  Or visit Mark LeBlanc’s website at: https://www.markleblanc.com/ Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier. If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training, and Presentations. You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com. Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL. Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management. You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com. Join Karen and Yaussy next week when they discuss the Importance of Reconciling Monthly and Having Clean Books for Your Accountant with a special guest, Yamirka Suyi, CPA, Owner of Suyi CPA and Associates, LLC. THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!) CRUSH YOUR WEEK!

The number one asset in your business is your people!  If you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers and/or clients and your ROI organically will grow!  Meet your Two Hearts in a Pod Co-Hosts, Karen Shepherd and Yaussy Casmartino, as they share best practices to interface HR and Accounting functions, such as attracting top talent in coming up with a competitive compensation plan; costs and budgets in determining employees’ well-being and recognition; and audits.    Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP is the Owner of HR by Karen, LLC in Naples, FL, as well as President of HR Collier.  If you are seeking tailored HR Solutions based on your company’s strategic goals and objectives, Karen offers a unique quality experience by providing expert onsite, remote and interim Human Resources Services with compassion, empathy and heart, including, but not limited to, Recruitment, Employment Handbooks, Training, and Presentations.  You may contact Karen at 239-776-5919 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.hrbykaren.com.   Yaussy Casmartino is the Owner of Sourcelyn, LLC in Estero, FL.  Sourcelyn provides small business owners with remote bookkeeping, payroll, and HR services, which will allow you to save time, money, and energy while getting efficient financial and human resource management.  You may contact Yaussy at 786-250-1522 or [email protected] or learn more on her website at www.sourcelyn.com.   Join Karen and Yaussy next week when they discuss the Obstacles in Growing a Business.     THANK YOU for joining Two Hearts in a Pod, where we make HR and Accounting F.U.N. (Functional ~ Useful ~ Noteworthy!)     CRUSH YOUR WEEK!