Welcome to our Spring Issue!

The 411 on...

Mitigating Rising Postal Costs

In many small businesses, even a few cents here and there add up—even on mailings. The latest U.S. postage cost hikes from 37 to 39 cents, 5.4 percent, on first-class mail can have a major impact on the bottom line of companies that mail high volumes of transactional bills and statements.

A Taxing Ordeal

No company enjoys paying taxes and as the filing date comes closer it becomes more stressful. HR Connect is here to help with some last minute tips. Of course, the number one tip is “Do it now!”

Blogging

Businesses evaluating their marketing plans should take the time to look at all available avenues and decide which best suit their needs. For some, a local billboard is an excellent option; for others, an ad in a national magazine may be the answer. The Internet has opened up a new batch of options, including advertising with blogs.

Dealing with Workplace Violence

As needs change within our nation’s workforce, the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) analyzes these needs to determine whether additional standards are required. One of OSHA’s present concerns is violence in the workplace, which is becoming a serious safety and health issue.

Spring HR Calendar

4/14 - Good Friday: CTHRR's annual Employee Benefits Survey shows that 64% of Connecticut employers will close for a paid holiday

4/21 - HIPAA Compliance Deadline: For smaller plans to comply with HIPAA security standards

4/26 - Administrative Professionals Day (previously known as Secretaries Day)

4/27 - National Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day It's a good idea to check your organization's liability coverage first

5/15 - Medicare Part D: Eligible individuals that do not sign up for Medicare's prescription coverage when first eligible or by May 15, 2006 may pay a penalty. After that date, their next opportunity to enroll is November 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006.

In Every Issue...

Your stop for information you can count on, plus monthly "extras," tips, tools, and resources. Suggestions? Let us know. Want to contribute? Please do. Need Advice? Ask here.

Coming in Summer 2006

The 411 on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA)