Teenagers can be a valuable asset to your company. In addition to their youthful energy, teens bring their fresh perspectives and financial incentives to the table. Before you hire teens, consider these and other benefits that help you decide if teen employees are a good fit for your company.
Meet Seasonal Demand
When is your company’s busy season? Hire teens to help carry the load. They’re often eager to make extra money and can work flexible hours as they fill in where you need them and help you meet deadlines.
Gain a Tax Credit
Depending on where you live, you might qualify for a tax credit because you hire teens. You also may receive a tax break if you hire your teenage children to work for you.
Pay Fewer Benefits
Many eager teens willingly work for lower pay and fewer benefits than older employees, making them financially attractive for your company. You can even follow a Labor Department loophole that allows companies to pay workers under 20 years of age a subminimum wage of $4.25 an hour for the first 90 consecutive days of their employment.
Follow Teen Employment Law
Despite the financial savings, hiring teens does require you to follow protective federal and state laws. Check with your attorney for the details, but in general:
- Teens must be older than 14 to work in non-agricultural jobs.
- Teens who are 14 or 15 must work less than three hours a day, no more than 18 hours a week and no later than 7 PM while school is in session. In the summer months and on school holidays, they may work eight hours a day, 40 hours a week and no later than 9 PM.
- Teens who are 16 or 17 may work unlimited hours at a non-hazardous job.
Your company can benefit from teen employees. Simply follow the laws and enjoy the benefits of your young hires.
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When it comes to workplace safety, especially in big cities, have you thought about the company parking lot or garage? Your co-workers use it at least twice a day to stow and shelter their vehicles, but beyond that it’s fairly invisible. A closer look reveals that predators might easily be lurking there.
To minimize this threat, experts recommend ensuring that workers (as well as visitors) take these precautions:
- Stay alert for cruising vehicles, whose drivers can stop suddenly and jump out to rob or assault you.
- If you’re using a parking lot, park near the building in a visible, lighted area.
- In a parking garage, park near the parking attendant (if there is one) or near a well-lit exit. Women should avoid using stairs and elevators, if possible.
- Use the main exit/entrance rather than a side or secluded one.
- Lock any valuables (including GPS, shopping, other bags, etc.) out of sight. If you’re walking to your vehicle after hours, ask a co-worker or security officer to accompany you.
- If you have to walk alone, ask someone to watch from inside, if possible. Turn around frequently to make sure you’re not being followed and pretend that you’re waving to someone ahead to give the impression you’re not alone.
- Don’t talk on your cellphone or listen to music with ear pods — predators are looking for victims who seem distracted or unaware.
- Have your car keys and personal alarm or whistle ready as you approach your vehicle.
- If someone nearby looks suspicious, keep walking and get to a safe place where you can call for help.
- Before you unlock the door, take a good look around, inside, and behind the vehicle.
- Once you enter the vehicle, lock all doors promptly and keep your windows up until you’ve exited the lot or garage.
Be safe.
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Your life insurance policy provides financially for your family, but you obviously want to live as long as possible. Pet ownership can help you achieve that goal.
Improve Heart Health
Your blood pressure and cholesterol could drop when you own a pet. Care for a cat, and your heart attack risk could drop by one-third. With these benefits, you improve your heart health and may prolong your life.
Reduce Obesity
Obesity remains a top health concern because it can cause heart disease, diabetes and other health concerns. Your pet could help you maintain a healthy weight as you walk it, spend time cleaning its cage and perform other pet-related tasks each day.
Move More
Because your pet likes to exercise, you will move, too. Whether you walk your dog outdoors, play ball with your cat or chase your goat around the barn, the movement helps you reach your daily exercise goals and stay active. Plus, exercise boosts your immunity, decreases anxiety and improves your overall mood.
Decrease Stress
Erase the effects of a bad day when you spend time with your pet. A friendly greeting and social interaction can decrease your cortisol level and calm your nervous system.
Improve Immunity
Your body can fight off germs and illness thanks to your pet. As you laugh with your pet and groom it, your immunity gets a boost, and your body produces antibodies that fight germs.
Detect Illness
Trained dogs can detect epilepsy, certain cancers and other illnesses in their owners. You can rely on your pet to provide an alert that allows you to seek medical help right away and address ongoing health problems.
Receive Disability Support
If you suffer from a disability, a pet can offer life-saving support. Use your seeing eye dog or another pet to improve your mobility and mental health.
Gain a Purpose
Feeding, walking and caring for your pet gets you out of bed each day. With a purpose, you’re more likely to avoid depression and choose to stay active and engaged in your life.
Cope With Trauma
If you face a serious illness or other trauma, turn to your pet for support. Your furry friend will listen to you, love you unconditionally and remain loyal throughout the ordeal.
Alternatives to Pet Ownership
Pet ownership improves your health. However, you may not want the financial or time obligations that accompany pet ownership. In this case, volunteer at an animal shelter, pet sit for friends or walk dogs after work.
Pet ownership can help you live longer. Whether you adopt a dog, cat, fish or snake, consider adding a pet to your home as you improve your health and quality of life.
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