In our recent webinar Navigating the Summer Shift: Strategies for Payroll, PTO, and Compliance hosted by payroll experts Michael Halford and Jerika Holton, we explored critical strategies for improving payroll accuracy and managing Paid Time Off (PTO) effectively. The session was packed with insights on setting up robust payroll solutions, establishing clear PTO policies, and utilizing technology to streamline operations.
Watch the full webinar here:
Here’s a detailed recap of what we covered:
We began by discussing the importance of developing clear and effective PTO policies. The webinar highlighted the need for well-defined PTO policies that comply with legal requirements and foster a positive work environment. We emphasized that clear communication of these policies can help attract and retain talent, boost productivity, ensure compliance, and foster a positive company culture. Clear PTO policies are essential for reducing burnout, increasing job satisfaction, and maintaining legal compliance.
Our presentation included interesting statistics about PTO in the United States. For instance, 51% of Americans say they will travel in July, making it the most popular month for time off. However, 4 out of 10 employees do not utilize all their paid time off. We discussed how many employees feel a sense of guilt for taking time off and often work during their vacation time. These insights emphasize the importance of having effective PTO policies and encouraging employees to take their allotted time off.
We shared practical tips for managing increased vacation requests during peak times. Planning ahead with a vacation calendar, encouraging early requests, and prioritizing requests fairly are key strategies. Ensuring adequate coverage through cross-training and temporary staffing, and utilizing technology for efficient submissions and approvals, were also highlighted as best practices.
The session covered how to integrate PTO policies into your payroll system effectively. With Greenshades, you can create unlimited payroll codes to support unique PTO policies, select appropriate accrual methods, and set up time-off tiering based on employee tenure. These features help automate calculations and ensure accurate accounting for time off.
We discussed the importance of preparing payroll for the busy season. Case studies, such as Parks Marina,, demonstrated how Greenshades' in-house payroll solution saved significant costs—such as the $50,000 salary of a payroll administrative assistant—while also improving efficiency. Keeping payroll management in-house allows businesses to tailor processes to their specific needs, swiftly address discrepancies, and maintain high levels of employee trust and satisfaction.
In-house payroll offers enhanced flexibility and control, especially during seasonal shifts. Advantages include the ability to run multiple pay runs, support various pay schedules, and handle off-cycle payments. With in-house payroll, organizations have greater control over their data and can quickly adapt to changes without relying on external providers.
We explored techniques for adjusting payroll during busy seasons, such as creating custom earnings codes to address seasonal changes in pay rates, providing self-service tools, and ensuring timely processing of final paychecks for offboarding employees. Accurate time and attendance tracking were also emphasized as critical for managing seasonal workers.
Effective scheduling solutions like Celayix are vital during peak times. We recommended allowing employees to swap shifts, reflecting PTO on schedules, and ensuring compliance with complex work shift regulations. This helps maintain adequate coverage and minimizes disruptions for dynamic scheduling needs.
Maintaining compliance is crucial during seasonal shifts. We covered the importance of correct employee classification, adhering to FLSA guidelines, monitoring overtime, and staying updated on state-specific labor laws. Accurate W-2 and 1099 reporting for seasonal workers were also highlighted as essential compliance tasks. Additionally, be aware of state-specific PTO laws related to paid sick leave, jury duty, and PTO payout regulations.
Key takeaways from the webinar:
By following these strategies, organizations can enhance payroll accuracy, improve employee satisfaction, and streamline operations during peak seasons.
For more information or to see a personalized demo of Greenshades, please contact us today!