#reduce employee overtime

[toniko]

Disaster Management Bureau = Lesser of 2 evils ?

thoughts on work themes of gsgw

uhh let’s say up to c194, that’s when I last read

by the way, it’s really funny how the title’s legitimacy is kept even with the change of setting anywho

oh but honestly as workplaces (even beyond what they deal with) both Daydream & Disaster Management Bureau are representative of abusive and high burnout type workplaces

Let’s look past the morality aspects of what both institutions are trying to accomplish for a bit and look at employee human rights

Daydream is one step away from a black company ((it’s a Japanese term) black company = a company abusive to just short of illegal/basically is/sweatshop esque) (No isn’t it???). There’s an ever amount of abusive superiors. Director Ho. Go Youngeun for example, though it was described briefly, had a boss that seemed openly dismissive of her & ditched her and that seems to the standard rather than the sweet Team D Kim Soleum experiences. I don’t think I need to give more examples. Existence of the finishing teams, it’s a real human rights case. Work is obviously not rewarding and overtime is comically bad when you’re stuck in a ghost story for a few days.

However, the notable thing about Daydream is that good performance seriously gets you somewhere in the company & the employee benefits are legitimate. Housing… honestly a neat, company covered, close to work apartment. And since it’s a pharmaceutical company, health is rather well covered. Don’t forget that high base salary, the reputation of working at a famous company… There’s such an extreme amount of things you can buy with points, it’s the ultimate high risk high reward trade off.

Disaster Management Bureau is the perfect place to send upstanding people who want to help and support people so they get overworked and underpaid. It’s amazing that Kim Soleum who had enough to spend hundreds of millions of won on the alien store. And if I am to recall, Disaster Management Bureau work is so, so frequent. Especially since there’s a reduced number of teams at this point (reason = death!) and you can imagine why Soleum ran into Agent Bronze so often. Forgive me for doing 0 citation ever on these, I type these on a phone to unload fandom thoughts & not to write academic essays, if I’m wrong about how much he works please 🙏 comment or anything else for that matter.

And absolutely no disrespect, but Disaster Management Bureau ghost stories are real spontaneous. There’s a reason why the stories aren’t ranked within the Disaster Management logs. They just respond to most calls and there’s (checks scribbles on hand) three whole rescue teams right now? Is that right? Kim Soleum joined a currently 2 person team? You’re sending a newbie to a place where agents went missing already? Let’s hire more people and have more professional guides… If Daydream wasn’t as deeply corrupt as it is and swapped to saving civilians while collecting the solution, then I would believe them to be ridiculously successful in doing so. (Well that’s just a what-if, I don’t think it’s actually feasible to happen at all). Anyway, it’s difficult. When I see the sullen faces of the agents who lost their coworkers and work such long hours at crazy call requests earning a meager salary… yes this is the principle of society isn’t it? A good person who wants to work at a public institution doing good deeds, help & save people have less personal benefits than working at a private company with scummy ethics!

Doesn’t the government prey on the goodwill of people to solve ghost stories and operate using a trolley problem? The general public is kept safe one step at a time at the sacrifice of the wellbeing & lives of a couple of good people. So while it’s inherently socially upright to work for the Disaster Management Bureau, it’s also a lifetime employment to sacrifice for the people.

It all sucks really.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Craig Harrington at MMFA:

The economic policy provisions outlined by Project 2025 — the extreme right-wing agenda for the next Republican administration — are overwhelmingly catered toward benefiting wealthier Americans and corporate interests at the expense of average workers and taxpayers. Project 2025 prioritizes redoubling Republican efforts to expand “trickle-down” tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation across the economy. The authors of the effort’s policy book, Mandate for Leadership: A Conservative Promise, recommend putting key government agencies responsible for oversight of large sectors of the economy under direct right-wing political control and empowering those agencies to prioritize right-wing agendas in dealing with everything from consumer protections to organized labor activity. [...]

Project 2025 would chill labor unions' abilities to engage in political activity. Project 2025 suggests that the National Labor Relations Board change its enforcement priorities regarding what it describes as unions using “members' resources on left-wing culture-war issues.” The authors encourage allowing employees to accuse union leadership of violating their “duty of fair representation” by having “political conflicts of interest” if the union engages in political activity that the employee disagrees with. [Project 2025, Mandate for Leadership, 2023; National Labor Relations Board, accessed 7/8/24]

Project 2025 would make it easier for employers to classify workers as “independent contractors.” The authors recommended reinstating policies governing the classification of independent contractors that the NLRB implemented during the Trump administration. Those Trump-era NLRB regulations were amended in 2023, expanding workplace and labor organizing protections to previously exempt American workers. [Project 2025, Mandate for Leadership, 2023; The National Law Review, 6/19/23; National Labor Relations Board, 6/13/23]

Project 2025 would reduce base overtime pay for workers. The authors recommend changing overtime protections to remove nonwage compensatory and other workplace benefits from calculations of their “regular” pay rate, which forms the basis for overtime formulations. If that change is enacted, every worker currently given overtime protections could be subject to a slight reduction in the value of their overtime pay, which the authors claim will encourage employers to provide nonwage benefits but would effectively just amount to a pay cut. The authors also propose other changes to the way overtime is calculated and enforced, which could result in reduced compensation for workers. Overtime protections have long been a focus of right-wing media campaigns to reduce protections afforded to American workers. [Project 2025, Mandate for Leadership, 2023, Media Matters, 7/9/24]

Project 2025 proposes capping and phasing out visa programs for migrant workers. Project 2025’s authors propose capping and eventually eliminating the H-2A and H-2B temporary work visa programs, which are available for seasonal agricultural and nonagricultural workers, respectively. Even the Project 2025 authors admit that these proposals could threaten many businesses that rely on migrant workers and could result in higher prices for consumers. [Project 2025, Mandate for Leadership, 2023]

Project 2025 recommends institutionalizing the “Judeo-Christian tradition” of the Sabbath. Under the guise of creating a “communal day of rest,” Project 2025 includes a policy proposal amending the Fair Labor Standards Act to require paying workers who currently receive overtime protections “time and a half for hours worked on the Sabbath,” which it said “would default to Sunday.” Ostensibly a policy that increases wages, the proposal is specifically meant to disincentivize employers from providing services on Sundays as an explicitly religious overture. [Project 2025, Mandate for Leadership, 2023]

[...]

International Trade

Project 2025 contains a lengthy debate between diametrically opposed perspectives on international trade and commerce.Over the course of 31 pages, disgraced former Trump adviser and current federal inmate Peter Navarro outlines various proposals to fundamentally transform American international commercial and domestic industrial policy in opposition to China, primarily by using tariffs. He dedicates well over a dozen pages to obsessing over America’s trade deficit with China, even though Trump’s trade war with China was a failure and as he focused on China, the overall U.S. trade deficit exploded. Much of the rest of Navarro’s section is economic saber-rattling against “Communist China’s economic aggression and quest for world domination.”In response, Kent Lassman of the conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute promotes a return to free trade orthodoxy that was previously pursued by the Republican Party but has fallen out of favor during the Trump era.

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 agenda would be a boon for the wealthy and a disaster for the working class folk.

See Also:

MMFA: Project 2025’s dystopian approach to taxes

[kandlewick]

ace trappola and deuce spade; the company's new hires and your new underlings office au, aged up au, gn reader

ace trappola - the lucky kouhai

It was unbelievably unfair how good Ace was at doing his job. It was frustrating watching him pull solutions out of his ass like they were simple answers that nobody was smart enough to come up with. He had just started this job and your boss was already singing his praises! And of course, Ace Trappola couldn't have been a humble guy, oh no, this guy was cocky. He soaked up all the praise like a damn kitchen sponge and walked around the office like he was a lucky charm.

The only lucky he was was lucky that nobody in the office wanted him DEAD.

Ahem.

Anyways, while you both were rarely ever in the same social circle in the office, it was only a matter of time before wires crossed and you two were slapped together on a project. A big project. Something the boss wanted to be absolutely perfect. And what was perfect for the job? His Ace (ha ha, get it! He would belly laugh with beer in hand at the faculty drinking parties) and you, his most trusted advisor. It would've been a fine assignment if Trappola hadn't completely screwed up his half of the job!!!!

"What do you mean it was sent in an email!" He screamed, eyes wide as he frantically dove in to his seat, fingers quickly typing on his keyboard. You could feel the panic and tension rise in the room with every passing second.

"I told you, Ace!" You grabbed the back of his chair and shook it, the wheels groaning in protest, "I told you yesterday over email that your numbers were wrong! What made you think you could use last year's quarters for this years budget! Do you know how much has changed the past few months!!"

Ace quickly hid his head in his hands, too embarrassed to look as you pulled up the email, gesturing at it wildly with your hands, "How are we supposed to turn this in!!"

"Overtime...?"

"UNPAID OVERTIME!!!"

deuce spade - the unlucky kouhai

...sometimes you wonder how Deuce Spade had managed to get hired here. Not that there was anything wrong with his work ethic or his personality but if anything went wrong in the office, it was usually Spade's fault. It was rather heartbreaking actually because you could tell that he worked hard! really hard!! but things just never seemed to work out for him... so for the most part, your colleagues would reduce him to the office gopher, sending him out to get drinks or file paper work, the stuff usually reserved for interns. You could tell that while he appreciated everyone's patience, he was feeling a little upset and bitter about being treated as someone so bottom of the ladder.

And today was one of those days.

It was a humid summer day and it was only exasperated by the office's AC breaking down which left everyone a sweaty and miserable mess. Honestly, you were about to call it quits for the day, more then ready to jump into your shower to wash away all the sweat and grime, but the sound of your boss screaming and the frantic apologies of Deuce were loud enough to startle everyone in the office. You cringed and watched as the man nearly chased the young employee out of this office, slamming the door shut as soon as he managed to slip out. Deuce nearly tripped over his own feet in his effort to get away, dropping his manilla folders and scattering them across the floor.

"There he goes again..." Someone said in a low whisper, "but today of all days? He has the easiest job here and he still manages to screw it up."

"What do you think it was this time? You think he spilt the boss's iced coffee on his paperwork again?"

"I bet he filed something wrong...Seems like an easy enough thing for him to mess up."

You frowned at your coworkers harsh criticisms and watched as the youngest employee bent down to pick up his work. You could tell he was shaking. From tears? or was it anger?

You were quick to drop your things and rushed over to him, ignoring your deskmates as you bent down and began helping, picking up the papers that had managed to scatter out of his arms reach. Deuce watched in barely contained surprise as you handed them over to him, a small smile on your face as you gestured for him to take them.

"Here," You smiled as Deuce reached for the documents in your hand, "Why don't I help you out a bit?"

Deuce's eyes widened at your offer but he was quick to shake his head, his cheeks dotted with a light flush, "Oh no, senpai! I can't ask that of you! I have to work overtime today to make up for the mess I made and I'd feel horrible if you had to be stuck here all night with me..."

You were quick to wave him off although you appreciated his thoughtfulness, "No, really! It's ok! What kind of senpai would I be if I left you by yourself?"

[multitrackdrifting]

LobCorp Recommended Mod Guide (One-step install modpacks now linked below 1 for QoL but close to vanilla, and one to smooth over the progression curve/reduce grind)

As someone who played LobCorp vanilla (and strongly adovcate aganist it unmodded even for the theme of the story) these are my mod recommendations. I don't have the time to actually test these but these are what I think would help a lot of people play this game.

Basemod is a mod management platform that allows LobCorp to be modded - and because the game has a lot of jank that don't really speak to the game's actual difficulty curve a lot of it is worth modding out or adjusting even if you don't want to reduce the difficulty bad QoL is not an actual difficulty curve so some of the time you spend in this game is a result of jank and not actual mechanical depth or challenges. More below.

Original Basemod 5.1.1 guide (explains in simple terms how to install it in 2nd paragraph, unlinked mods are in here. This is the most popular mod guide afaik). A lot of the mods are translated/adapted from the forum DC Inside from the original BM creator abcdcode. Basemod 5.2 (unofficial) guide (maybe check this if some older ver. mods don't work) NexusMods (for most English mods that might help).

Make the game playable [QOL Focused, does not actually functionally change anything about the game's actual mechanics] (the game will still be hard as nails but without the jank that should be in the game):

Infinite Rerolls (95% of lategame difficulty is being trolled by RNG, if you don't want to use this mod, you can hit "return to menu" in the vanilla game to retry from last day without repo rewinding). [Checked]

Employee Group Select (the base game makes it really hard to micro departments unless you really like RTS) [Broken For Me]

Detailed Work-Related Stats (see discrete success chances as opposed to vague wording). [Checked]

Work Macro (holding Shift Auto-repeats work, great for mindlessly farming when all ordeals for a day are over). [Checked]

Agent List (Hitting TAB shows department select as opposed to an ordeal being required to do this). [Checked]

Shield Health Viewer (Shields actually show how much mitigation is remaining, notably absent from vanilla). [Checked]

Agent Recustomization (no longer costs 1 LOB to make your OCs or friends). [OLD] Have not found a working version.

Make the game approachable for all to enjoy [Removing constraints but still keeping MOST difficulty in but respecting your time because the game is absurdly grindy]:

Full-Time Employees (Your units remain if you go back to day 1) <== super good if you dont want to re-grind units every time you rewind. This means yo uwon't have to go through the bs of re-farming stats and can focus solely on gear-farm & doing the story while optimizing your Abno picks with infinite rerolls). [checked]

Overtime Pay (stat-grinding now gives extra points) [checked]

Instant Stat Gains (don't have to end a day to get rewarded with stat increases) [arguably a QoL mod too not gamebreaking]

Rewarding Ordeals (boosted EGO gift odds and stat growths after ordeals killed) [untested]

Extra Justice Attribute (justice now scales DPS) [works somewhat]

Increase Max EGO to 5 (reduces the re-roll grinding substantially) [Checked]

Speedup (increase game speed to 5 if you want) [OLD]

Suppress Leveling (suppressions actually give XP for combat). [Unsure but it seems to work for me]

Sticky Agents (agents no longer wander back & forth, caution this may make certain animation dodges very precise but will more often than not be helpful if you hate the wandering idle anims). [Checked]

Better Central Command Architecture (this department just has a bad layout imo) [Checked]

Flatten the curve to make the game reasonable [I just want to read the cutscenes but still play the game]:

Unsure if Super Agents works because it is old but if it does you will basically be invulnerable to ordeals/suppressions [OLD, replies seem to suggest it doesn't work but worth a try].

"Casual Mode Mod", a 2023 mod that makes daily energy lower and substantially reduces meltdowns to cut down the time of the grind. +100% exp rate, and LOB rewards increase. This mod alone doesn't make the game free but it cuts down the bizarrely high time requirement to play LobCorp which is one of the most substantial barriers to entry. (I'm about to beat it at around 150h). Combine this with the red and green mods and you'll basically have a great time.

Guaranteed Gifts (abno gifts will 100% trigger)

Overlapping Gifts (gifts no longer are 1 per slot)

There are mods to boost stats and EGOs, I suggest you find working ones on Reddit or NM.

I recommend looking around on Nexus Mods or even on reddit for other useful mod recommendations, but be careful, some mods will spoil you. The ones I suggested and recommended here do not contain any - but some on Nexus Mods definitely will.

If any mods don't work please check the Nexus Mods link for any similar mods that are from 2020, the 2019 ones seem to not be working as consistently or at all.

I can't attest that all the mods listed play nicely with each other but please give them a try if you find the base game too daunting, trust me, I went through the grinder and vanilla is fundamentally missing the green mods I listed here at the very least. The ones in the 1st document indicate which Basemod versions and above it will work with so if you have compatibility troubles just use the google doc that is first.

STEAM VISUAL GUIDE FOR MOD INSTALLATION:

The TL;DR for installing Basemod into the "Basemods" folder is that you need to make sure every mod has its own dedicated folder if the download itself doesn't come with one. This is an example layout where none of the mods have files outside of the folders they have dedicated to them. If they don't have an included folder, just name it after whatever the dll file is so you can tell what's in there. It will work nonetheless.

I have added the tag #lobcorpguide to make this post easier to find if it updates since tumblr hates proper-clickthroughs now. So you can find the updated details.

One-click installations (drag the files to the steam installation location and drop the minside the folder called LobotomyCorp_Data).

QoL only & Progression focused. Let me know if it works! The guide/readme file is in the "Basemods" with an s folder along with each mod. I explain what each does, and you can delete or add more at your leisure to that folder, just make sure it has a dedicated folder for each specific mod.

[corruptedcaps]

Mirrored Goals

This story for was written for @lsat (discord: thedivergence, Twitter: LSAT1886) as a thank you for generating the images used here and in other stories. Enjoy!

Within the sleek confines of the executive suite at Sterling Dynamics, Cherie Randall, the benevolent and beloved CEO, was searching for a pen stood when she found a previously hidden button in the drawer of her desk.

Despite being promoted over a month ago, Cherie was still getting her bearings around her opulent new office and hadn’t explored it much. In fact she had been considering getting a construction crew in to split her office, to make more room for the staff. Her office was far too big for just her, she couldn’t fathom why her predecessor needed such an ostentatious space.

Then again knowledge of her predecessor seemed to be in short supply around the building. Her staff seemed almost afraid to say much so it was with great trepidation that Cherie pushed the hidden button. She feared that it may reveal a filing cabinet full of embezzlements or a bank of monitors showing hidden cameras around the office.

To her surprise and relief it simply slid open a panel on a wall, revealing an ornate mirror. Standing up she walked over to her t, curious as to why something as simple as a mirror would be hidden. However as she gazed longer and longer at the mirror it became clear why it was secret and why she alone could use it.

The next day in walked a woman that few recognized instantly but none would soon forget. The ebony beauty walked with confident strides through the sea of cubicles as head after head popped out to see her.

She walked in 6 inch heels leopard print boots and wore a sleek open breasted leather jacket to show off her impressive cleavage and to match the practically painted on leather pants. Her hair was in thick black braids that looked more like weapons than like hair. What struck people the most was her old confident demeanour as she walked to the CEO’s office and turned around.

By now she had amassed a large group of the workers and they were in no doubt that this woman, somehow was their boss, Cherie Randall. The room turned silent as they waited for her to address them.

“Starting today, all employees are expected to do overtime. Vacation time will be approved once quotas are met and lunch has been reduced to 10 minutes down from one hour. Understand?” Cherie said matter of factly with a smirk on her perfect lips. Her voice, once warm and reassuring, had transformed into a seductive purr that could charm anyone within earshot. It had become deeper, bolder, and undeniably sexier.

When she spoke, it was as if every word was wrapped in velvet, a soft hum that reverberated with a magnetic allure. The resonance of her voice carried a commanding authority that demanded attention and obedience. Employees who had once seen Cherie as a kind-hearted leader now found themselves spellbound by her words. She watched as a sea of heads nodded along, entranced by her words.

“Good. And finally you will refer to me as Mistress Cheetah going forward.” She said and felt an overwhelming sense of pleasure as her workers replied back to with “Yes Mistress Cheetah.”

Within a week Cheetah had boosted productivity ten fold. Cheetah watched from her grand office as her employees filed in and out each day exhausted but docile, they would do anything she said. It was practically orgasmic for Cheetah to see.

The board of executives couldn’t have been happier with the progress and Cheetah hadn’t even entranced them. She suspected that she wouldn’t be able to either. They were much more confident and strong willed than her lowly employees, their spirits would be harder to break so Cheetah had to play ball with them but it was an easy task to do so.

One thing they did want was a higher output and so gave her authorization to hire more staff. Of course they didn’t have the space in the office for more people but Cheetah was only too happy to cram 3 to a cubicle or make them work out of a janitors closet. Anything to increase profits and the staff were happy to obey her. Everyone except Lena.

Lena was a new addition to the company, a bookish redhead who was unassuming and plain but what she lacked in looks she made up in having a keen intellect and a strong-willed nature. But what really set her apart was her immunity to Cheetah's charms.

Lena couldn't fathom why her coworkers were so fervently dedicated to the nasty and demanding Cheetah, who seemed to be a slave driver disguised as a CEO. She observed the way Cheetah's voice held others in thrall and how they blindly followed her every command.

Cheetah, usually accustomed to effortlessly ensnaring the loyalty of her employees, found herself unable to bend Lena to her will. The redhead's resilience was a stark contrast to the rest of the staff, and it piqued Cheetah's interest and frustration.

Lena began to break the spell that Cheetah held over some of her colleagues, and gradually, they began to question the unrelenting pursuit of Cheetah's desires. This didn't go unnoticed by the CEO, who grew increasingly furious as her control over the corporate landscape began to slip.

Lena's influence within the company continued to grow as she skillfully began to unionize the workers, uniting them against the harsh demands of Cheetah. Employees who had once been under Cheetah's spell were now rallying behind Lena, seeking fair treatment, better working conditions, and an end to the CEO's heartless ways.

The executive board, noticing the unrest and dip in profits grew furious with the CEO. They feared that the Cheetah may have lost her edge and warned her she was on thin ice.

Desperate to regain control, Cheetah extended an unexpected invitation to Lena to discuss the ongoing matters. Lena, wanting to fight for better conditions for her fellow employees, accepted the invitation and entered Cheetah's luxurious office, where an air of tension hung heavy in the opulent surroundings.

Cheetah extended a cordial greeting, a practiced smile gracing her features as Lena entered her office. "Lena, it's wonderful to finally meet you. I've heard so much about your talents."

Lena's response was frosty, her emerald eyes locked onto Cheetah. "Cut the pleasantries, Cheetah. I know why you've brought me here. You’re going to fire me, well if you do I-"

Cheetah chuckled, the sound like honey over gravel. "You have quite the imagination, Lena. I wouldn't dream of letting go of an employee with such potential."

Lena arched an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "Potential for what, exactly?"

Cheetah leaned in, her voice a sultry whisper. "The potential to lead, to be my right-hand woman. I see something special in you, Lena. I see myself."

Lena scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "Join you? You're evil, Cheetah. I'll never become like you."

Cheetah's response was a chilling silence, her gaze locked onto Lena's with a sinister smile that sent shivers down the redhead's spine. It was a look that spoke of an underlying darkness, a willingness to do whatever it took to maintain her power.

"I want to show you something." Cheetah purred, her voice dripping with intrigue as she pressed the hidden button on her desk. The nearby wall panel slid open revealing the orange mirror and Lena looked at it with confusion. With an enigmatic smile, Cheetah gestured for Lena to follow her to the mirror.

Cheetah stood behind Lena, her presence imposing, as Lena peered at her own reflection in the mirror. She met her own eyes in the glass, uncertainty evident in her expression. "Tell me, Lena," Cheetah whispered in Lena's ear, "what do you see?"

Lena looked at her reflection and, in a plain and matter-of-fact tone, described herself, “I see a plain, bookish redhead with glasses and freckles.”

Cheetah, standing behind Lena, leaned in and whispered, “And tell me, what would you like to see?”

As Lena gazed into her own reflection, she started to feel slightly lightheaded. It was as if the mirror had a subtle, hypnotic effect on her. She found herself drawn into a trance, and her voice took on a dreamy quality.

"I... I would like to see someone confident and poised," Lena began, her voice distant yet filled with longing. "A woman who commands respect and isn't afraid to speak her mind. She would have a strength that empowers others, and people would look up to her with admiration."

Cheetah, still standing behind Lena, could see the subtle change in her posture and expression. The mirror's enchantment was taking hold, guiding Lena's desires and aspirations towards a new, captivating vision of herself.

Cheetah, her voice dripping with intrigue, leaned in closer to Lena, her breath warm against Lena's ear. "Empowers others? Or empower yourself?"

Lena hesitated for just a moment, as the mirror’s enchantment worked its magic on her. A selfish desire began to take hold. “Empower… just myself,” she whispered, her voice growing bolder and more confident.

As she made her choice, Lena’s reflection in the mirror began to change. Her plain, bookish appearance transformed into something entirely different. Her hair became a fiery shade of red, her glasses vanished to reveal sparkling, confident eyes, and her freckles seemed to fade away. Her posture straightened, and she appeared poised, exuding an air of self-assuredness.

And yet something felt off to Lena, this wasn’t right. She cared about people, she wanted to help them and stop people like Cheetah exploiting them. Didn’t she?

Cheetah, sensing Lena's rising doubt, leaned in closer and asked, "And what would you do to get this power?"

Lena continued to gaze at her own reflection, her eyes locked onto the more attractive image she had become. A wicked smile played on her lips, and she spoke with a seductive confidence, "Anything."

The mirror's magic, having heard Lena's unequivocal response, intensified its transformation. Lena's body and appearance underwent a final change, her beauty now rivaling Cheetah's, but with a unique appeal of its own. She radiated a captivating charm that was impossible to resist, and the air around her seemed to shimmer with a newfound presence.

Her lips, once plain and unremarkable, transformed into a sensual, deep crimson, appearing plump and inviting. They had a subtle gleam that caught the light just right, giving her a mysterious allure. Her makeup, previously minimal, became bold and seductive, emphasizing her eyes and lips with a dark, smoky glamour that highlighted her newfound confidence.

Lena's figure underwent a remarkable change. Her once-bookish frame now featured the inviting curves and contours of a model, with a slim waist and sculpted hips that made her silhouette captivating. Her clothing shifted from plain office attire to sleek, form-fitting ensembles that accentuated her newfound beauty. She wore sharp, tailored suits that exuded power and authority, yet also embraced the appeal of her sensuality.

Her tits became fuller and more inviting, her cleavage commanding attention and admiration. The previously demure redhead now radiated a seductive charm that was impossible to ignore. The transformation had made her the embodiment of both dominance and allure, qualities that had once been solely associated with Cheetah herself.

The transformation was not merely cosmetic; it ran deep, infusing Lena with newfound charisma and a commanding presence. She felt a surge of self-empowerment coursing through her, and it was exhilarating. The mirror’s magic had granted her a profound transformation, and Lena could hardly believe the change she was witnessing.

Cheetah watched with a triumphant smile as Lena’s new persona emerged, fully embracing the desire of power and self-empowerment. She knew that Lena was now a formidable force in the corporate world, and their partnership would reshape the destiny of Sterling Dynamics.

Cheetah, her sinister smile widening, continued to watch Lena's transformation with satisfaction. "Now, my dear," she purred, "what are your thoughts on the other workers?"

Lena's gaze remained fixated on her own beautiful figure, her new aura of power almost intoxicating. With a cold smirk, she responded, her voice dripping with contempt, "Pathetic worker bees. They'll soon learn their place, and I'll whip them back into obedience."

Cheetah's approval was evident as she observed Lena's newfound ruthlessness. Her influence had taken hold of Lena's very essence, turning her into a mirror image of the CEO herself. Together, they now embodied the essence of dominance and beauty.

Cheetah’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she heard Lena’s cold assessment of the other workers. She nodded approvingly and then leaned in closer to Lena, her voice a sultry whisper. “Excellent, my dear. But now that you are here, we can combine our skills on more formidable targets. Like the executive board.”

Lena, her voice now laced with the newfound confidence and depth she had embraced, responded with a wicked smile, “Together, we can bring them to their knees.”

[partisan-by-default]

The workers said their schedules had been increasingly inconsistent since February. Some said they had been sent home early on multiple occasions.

In February, the Austin factory began cracking down on overtime hours, the workers said. Two said they were told by management that if they clocked overtime hours, they could eventually face disciplinary action.

A Tesla spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

In April, BI reported that Tesla had reduced production targets for the Cybertruck and moved some of its workers off the line. The carmaker also shut down Cybertruck production for three days in December.

Earlier this month, Trigo, a company that contracts workers for the Tesla factory, laid off 50 employees who worked at the Austin facility, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice issued by the Texas Workforce Commission.

A spokesperson for Trigo did not respond to a request for comment.

[sankhla]

Understanding the Importance of Labour Audits & Inspections Services

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, ensuring compliance with labour laws and regulations is more critical than ever. Labour audits and inspections services play a pivotal role in helping organizations maintain fair, safe, and legally compliant workplaces. These services not only safeguard employees' rights but also protect businesses from costly penalties and reputational risks. In this blog, we’ll explore what labour audits and inspections entail, their benefits, and why every organization should prioritize them.

What Are Labour Audits & Inspections Services?

Labour audits and inspections involve a systematic review of an organization’s employment practices, policies, and records to ensure compliance with local, national, and international labour laws. These services are typically conducted by specialized professionals who assess various aspects of workplace operations, including wage records, working hours, employee contracts, health and safety measures, and anti-discrimination policies.

The goal is to identify gaps or non-compliance issues and provide actionable recommendations to address them. Inspections may be conducted internally by a company’s HR team or externally by third-party auditors or government agencies, depending on the regulatory requirements.

Why Are Labour Audits & Inspections Important?

Ensuring Legal Compliance

Labour laws vary by country and region, and keeping up with these regulations can be challenging for businesses. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, legal disputes, and operational disruptions. Regular audits help organizations stay aligned with laws related to minimum wages, overtime, employee benefits, and workplace safety, reducing the risk of penalties.

Promoting a Fair Workplace

A thorough labour audit ensures that employees are treated fairly and equitably. This includes verifying that wages are paid on time, overtime is compensated appropriately, and there is no discrimination or harassment in the workplace. By fostering a fair work environment, businesses can boost employee morale and productivity.

Enhancing Workplace Safety

Inspections often focus on workplace safety standards, such as proper equipment maintenance, hazard identification, and adherence to occupational health regulations. Identifying and addressing safety risks not only protects employees but also minimizes the likelihood of workplace accidents and associated liabilities.

Building Trust and Reputation

Companies that prioritize labour audits and inspections demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices. This builds trust among employees, customers, and stakeholders, enhancing the organization’s reputation as a responsible employer. A strong reputation can also attract top talent and foster long-term business success.

Key Components of Labour Audits & Inspections

Documentation Review

Auditors examine critical documents such as payroll records, employee contracts, attendance logs, and benefits agreements to ensure they comply with legal standards. This step helps identify discrepancies, such as unpaid wages or incorrect overtime calculations.

Workplace Observations

Inspections often involve on-site visits to assess working conditions. Auditors may check for proper lighting, ventilation, ergonomic workstations, and the availability of safety equipment. They may also interview employees to gauge their satisfaction and identify potential issues.

Policy and Procedure Evaluation

Auditors review company policies to ensure they align with labour laws and industry best practices. This includes evaluating anti-discrimination policies, grievance mechanisms, and employee training programs.

Compliance Reporting

After the audit or inspection, a detailed report is provided, highlighting areas of compliance and non-compliance. The report typically includes recommendations for corrective actions and a timeline for implementation to ensure ongoing adherence to regulations.

Benefits of Partnering with Professional Labour Audit Services

While some organizations conduct internal audits, partnering with professional labour audit and inspection services offers several advantages:

Expertise: Professional auditors have in-depth knowledge of labour laws and industry standards, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate assessment.

Objectivity: External auditors provide an unbiased evaluation, identifying issues that internal teams might overlook.

Time and Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing audits saves time and resources, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.

Tailored Solutions: Professional services offer customized recommendations to address specific compliance gaps, helping organizations achieve sustainable improvements.

How to Prepare for a Labour Audit or Inspection

To ensure a smooth audit or inspection process, organizations should take proactive steps:

Maintain Accurate Records: Keep up-to-date records of employee contracts, payroll, and attendance. Use digital tools to streamline documentation and ensure easy access during audits.

Train HR and Management: Educate your team on labour laws and compliance requirements to foster a culture of accountability.

Conduct Internal Reviews: Perform regular self-audits to identify and address potential issues before an official inspection.

Engage Employees: Encourage open communication with employees to understand their concerns and ensure a positive workplace environment.

Conclusion

Labour audits and inspections services are essential for any organization committed to ethical practices and legal compliance. By proactively assessing workplace policies, safety standards, and employee treatment, businesses can mitigate risks, enhance their reputation, and create a supportive work environment. Partnering with professional audit services can streamline the process, providing expert guidance and tailored solutions to meet regulatory requirements.

Investing in labour audits and inspections is not just about compliance—it’s about building a workplace where employees thrive, and businesses succeed. Make it a priority today to ensure a brighter, more compliant future for your organization.

[azurelightsmith09]

Idea for a Story #5

Idea for a webcomic/youtube series: one of those analog horror monster stories where the monster looks human but isn't, but, it's from the perspective of the monster.

Premise: protag is part of an unspecified species of monsters that can shapeshift to look like humans and have lived underground for thousands of years. a couple of centuries ago, small groups of these monsters (which I'll call "lookalikes" as their generic analog horror monster name given to them by the humans; doesn't really matter what they're called given the focus of the story) emerged from the underground to begin preparations for what the lookalikes have come to call "The Great Emergence", where millions, possibly tens of millions, of lookalikes from across the world will emerge from the underground to join human society and gradually take over the world by simply eating the humans until they outnumber them.

The plan for The Great Emergence is as follows: 1.) a first generation of lookalikes will study the humans for several years/decades, learning all they can about how to look and act human, including human language, appearances, habits/mannerisms, etc., integrating themselves into human society as completely as possible to sell the illusion. --This will be the part of the plan considered most likely to fail, as the lookalikes haven't mastered how to look and act human, hence why only a small group are doing it to reduce suspicion. 2.) a second, slightly larger generation of lookalikes will emerge to act as the "children" of the first generation, learning everything that their "parents" learned in order to blend in more seamlessly, while the "parents" will eventually return to the underground to teach the rest of the lookalikes how to be human once their "children" are sufficiently integrated. --an example of one of the trickier things they needed to learn is that they have to start out small and gradually grow bigger overtime to normal human size, but only for a couple of decades or they will grow too big and arouse suspicion. another tricky one is "adding more loose skin" after about half a century on the surface, and acting frailer when they've spent almost a full century on the surface 3.) a third, even larger generation of lookalikes will later emerge and integrate themselves into human society on their own, to prove that the first generation's teachings to the underground would work effectively enough that, at the time of The Great Emergence, they'll all be able to integrate effectively, and eventually replace the human race as their numbers dwindle. --this is the generation that our protag is part of, and theirs will be generation that will herald The Great Emergence. And of course throughout all three generations of lookalikes, they've been killing and eating humans, but doing so only on rare occasions to avoid suspicion, and usually only going for people society won't miss. Humans have plenty of other meats that can be consumed in the meantime, but eating them raw with the skins still on is considered abnormal (humans are such picky eaters).

This is the state of the world that our protag is in, living a simple but fulfilling life; at least, they assume humans would consider it fulfilling: living in an apartment, hanging out with friends (both human and fellow lookalikes), even working a job at the local town's meat processing factory (which is also run by a lookalike, so the lookalike employees there get to "sample" the meats they process whenever their hunger would risk them getting exposed). Despite the latter benefit, protag still likes to kill humans, as do many others of her generation of lookalikes, and society is starting to take notice. Despite this, with The Great Emergence on the horizon, protag's generation aren't caring too much about it.

So the story would follow protag's life before, during, and after The Great Emergence occurs, and how their life and the world around them changes as a result.

Not sure about individual details at the moment, but the story could go many different ways, depending on the desired tone of the story: --maybe protag made a human friend that they decide they don't want to see killed during the emergence transition --maybe protag doesn't care about the humans, and we just follow their monstrous life going from place to place as the analog horror scenario goes on around them (and they are actively part of it) --maybe this third generation brought too much attention to the lookalikes, and The Great Emergence either meets resistance or fails entirely, and now the roles are reversed with protag being the victim and the humans being the monsters

Lots of options.

[insert-witty-user-name-here]

50+ Good Things from the Biden Administration

Just a list of 50+ good things the Biden Administration has done in the last 4 years because I’ve been hearing too much rhetoric that it doesn’t matter who you vote for. It does make a difference. 

Increased access to healthcare and specifically codified protections for LGBTQ+ patients against discrimination. (x) 

Strengthened women's reproductive rights by increasing access to reproductive health care, improving confidentiality to protect against criminalization for patients receiving reproductive care, and revoked Medicaid waivers from states that would exclude providers like Planned Parenthood, and more. (x)

Expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans through the PACT Act (x)

Cemented protections for pregnant and postpartum workers through the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. 

Improved access to nursing homes for those who receive Medicaid services and established, for the first time, a national minimum staffing requirement for nursing homes to ensure those in their care receive sufficient support.  (x) 

Lowered healthcare costs for those with Medicare which capped insulin for seniors at $35 a month, made vaccines free, and capped seniors’ out of pocket expenses at the pharmacy through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

Fully vaccinated 79% of American adults against COVID-19 (I know this is old news now this is a big deal) 

Banned unfair practices that hide housing fees from renters and homebuyers when moving into a new home (x) 

Reduced the mortgage insurance premium for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages and clarified that inflated rents caused by algorithmic use of sensitive nonpublic pricing and supply information violate antitrust laws. (x) 

Increased protections for those saving for retirement from predatory practices. (x)

Helped millions of households gain access to the internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. (x) 

Restored net neutrality (net neutrality is a standard which ensures broadband internet service is essential and prohibits interna providers from blocking, engaging in paid prioritization, and more.) (x)

Increased protections for loan holders as well as increased access to loans (x)

Cut fees that banks charge consumers for overdrawing on their accounts. (x)

Reaffirmed HUD’s commitment to remedy housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act (which was– surprise, surprise– halted under the Trump administration). (x)

Rejoined the Paris Climate Accords.  

Listed more than 24 million acres of public lands across the country as environmentally protected and has channeled more than $18 billion dollars toward conservation projects. (And revoked the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline amongst others). 

Invested $369 billion to reduce greenhouse emissions and promote clean energy technologies through the Inflation Reduction Act. Through the tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, renewable energy (such as wind, solar, and hydropower) has surpassed coal-fired generation in the electric power sector for the first time, making it the second-biggest source of energy behind natural gas. (x)

Strengthened protections against workplace assault through the Speak Out Act. (x) 

Increased protections for workers during the union bargaining process (x)

Is making it easier for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their bags, or fail to provide extra services when purchased. (x)  

Invested $1.2 trillion into roads, waterlines, broadband networks, airports and more allowing for more bridges, railroads, tunnels, roads, and more through the Inflation Reduction Act (which also added 670,000 jobs). (idk about you but I like driving on well maintained roads and having more rail options).  

Strengthened overtime protections for federal employees (x)

Raised the minimum wage for federal workers and contractors to $15. (x)

Strengthened protections for farmworkers by expanding the activities protected from retaliation by the National Labor Relations Act and more. (Previously anti-retaliation provisions under the National Labor Relations Act applies mostly to only U.S. citizens) (x)

Invested $80 billion for the Internal Revenue Service to hire new agents, audit the wealth, modernize its technology, and more. Additionally, created $300 billion in new revenue through corporate tax increases. (x) 

Lowered the unemployment rate to 3.5% — the lowest in 50 years. 

Canceled over $140B of student debt for nearly 40 million borrowers. (x)

Strengthened protections for sexual assault survivors, pregnant and parenting students, and LGBTQ+ students in schools through an updated Title IX rule. This updated rule strengthens sexual assault survivors rights to investigation– something that had been gutted under the Trump administration, strengthens requirements that schools provide modifications for students based on pregnancy, prohibits harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and more. (x)

Revoked an order that limited diversity and inclusion training. (x)

Cracked down on for profit colleges. (x)

Reaffirmed students’ federal civil rights protections for non-discrimination based on race, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender in schools. Specifically, the Department of Education made clear students with disabilities’ right to school, limiting the use of out of school suspensions and expulsions against them. (x) (x) 

Enhanced the Civil Rights Data Collection, a national survey that captures data on students’ equal access to educational opportunities. These changes will improve the tracking of civil rights violations for students, critical for advocates to respond to instances of discrimination. 

Provided guidance on how colleges and universities can still uphold racial diversity in higher education following the Supreme Court decision overturning affirmative action. (x) 

Issued a federal pardon to all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. Additionally, the DEA is taking steps to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance instead of a Schedule I, limiting punishment for possession in the future. (x) 

Changed drug charges related to crack offenses, now charging crack offenses as powder cocaine offenses. This is a big step towards ending the racial disparity that punishes crack offenses with greater severity than offenses involving the same amount of powder cocaine. (x) 

Lowered the cost of local calls for incarcerated people through the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act as well as increased access for video calls (especially impactful for incarcerated people with disabilities). (x) 

Enacted policing reforms that banned chokeholds, restricted no-knock entries, and restricted the transfer of military equipment to local police departments. (x)

Established the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD) which will better track police officer misconduct. This database will vet federal law enforcement candidates who have a history of misconduct from being rehired and will make it easier and faster to charge police officers under the Death in Custody Reporting Act. (x) 

Added disability as a protected characteristic alongside race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. Under the law, police officers are prohibited from profiling people based on these characteristics. …It sadly happens anyway but now there’s an added legal protection which means a mechanism to convict police officers should they break the law. (x) 

Required federal prisons to place incarcerated individuals consistent with their chosen pronouns and gender identity. (x) 

Expanded gun background checks by narrowing the “boyfriend” loophole to keep guns out of the hands of convicted dating partners, strengthening requirements for registering as a licensed gun dealer (closing the “gun show loophole”), and more through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.  (x) 

Increased mental health programs within police departments to support officers experiencing substance use disorders, mental health issues, or trauma from their duties. (x)

Lifted Trump era restrictions on the use of consent decrees. The Justice Department uses consent decrees to force local government agencies (like police departments) to eliminate bad practices (such as widespread abuse and misconduct) that infringe on peoples’ civil rights. (x) 

Improved reporting of hate crimes through the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (x) 

Nominated the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court 

Confirmed 200 lifetime judges to federal courts, confirming historic numbers of women, people of color, and other judges who have long been excluded from our federal court system. (64% are women, 63% are people of color) 

Designated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) status for immigrants from Cameroon, Haiti, ​​El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Sudan, and more. (x) 

Ended the discriminatory Muslim and African bans (x). 

Provided a pathway to citizenship for spouses of U.S. citizens that have been living in the country without documentation. (x) 

Expanded healthcare to DACA recipients (x) 

This one is… barely a win but not by fault of the Biden Administration. The Department of Homeland Security as of Feb 2023 has reunited nearly 700 immigrant children that were separated from their families under Trump’s Zero Tolerance Policy. From 2017-2021, 3,881 children were separated from their families. About 74% of those have been reunited with their families: 2,176 before the task force was created and 689 afterward. But that still leaves nearly 1,000 children who remain tragically separated from their families from under the Trump Administration. (x)

(okay this one is maybe only exciting for me who’s a census nerd) Revised federal standards for the collection of race and ethnicity data, allowing for federal data that better reflect the country’s diversity. Now, government forms will include a Middle Eastern/ North African category (when previously those individuals would check “white”). Additionally, forms will now have combined the race & ethnicity question allowing for individuals to check “Latino/a” as their race (previously Latine individuals would be encouraged to check “Latino” for ethnicity and “white” for race… which doesn’t really resonate with many folks). (x) (I know this sounds boring but let me tell you this is BIG when it comes to better data collection– and better advocacy!).

Rescinded a Trump order that would have excluded undocumented immigrants from the 2020 Census which would have taken away critical funds from those communities. 

Required the U.S. federal government and all U.S. states and territories to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial civil marriages by passing the Respect for Marriage Act, repealing the Defense of Marriage Act.

Reversed Trump’stransgender military ban. 

Proposed investments in a lot of programs including universal pre-k, green energy, mental health programs across all sectors, a national medical leave program for all workers and more. (x) 

Last… let’s also not forget all the truly terrible things Trump did when he was in office. If you need a reminder, scroll this list, this one mostly for giggles + horror, for actual horror about what a Trump presidency has in store, learn about ‘Project 2025’ from the Heritage Foundation. I know this post is about reasons to vote FOR Biden but let’s not forget the many, many reasons to vote for him over Trump. 

So, there it is, 50+ reasons to vote for Biden in the 2024 Election. 

Check your voter registration here, make a plan to vote, and encourage your friends to vote as well. 

All in all, yeah… there’s a lot of shitty things still happening. There’s always going to be shit but things aren’t going to change on their own. And that change starts (it certainly doesn’t end) with voting. 

Go vote in November. 

[lunarsilkscreen]

Efficiency Doctrine

In many places; and I'm not saying this is entirely a bad thing; finding places to "Trim the Fat" has become standard practice.

Well; unless you include the wages of people hired to implement these policies ... (Is that a Correlation or a Joke? I'm not sure.)

Efficiency Doctrine is at every level of our collective infrastructures. Both corporate and Government.

And every year; politicians campaign on "Trimming the Fat" in order to pay down the debt and *that* will somehow make a better environment for people to thrive.

And for some reason; every year; they fail to do it effectively. Why do you suppose that is?

Briefly; Trimming too many costs is more expensive on the backend, because we've slashed budgets as far as they go, things get missed, and systems fail. Which becomes a costly repair.

Which makes this practice kind of detrimental.... As we have grown accustomed to it so far anyway.

As less people get paid from these cuts, employees lose wages and jobs and sometimes their lives, the economy takes a hit.

And bit by bit the whole thing decoheres.

Which leads us to the same solution "We need to tighten our belts and reduce costs"... Somehow.

Why is that the case tho? Why are we adamant on it being an effective tactic and fooling ourselves *everytime* about it?

Common Sense dictates that it's a good idea, after-all.

Well, How does cutting costs work in practice?

We compare overall cost with the mean (sometimes average) cost; if the cost is above the average/mean, then it looks on paper that we've identified something that aligns with "Fraud, Waste, or Abuse"

Mathematics has perfect averages... People don't.

So what happens is "Fraud, waste, or abuse" in reverse.

How, you might be asking?

As the "Effect Cost" or "Fair Market Value" becomes known (or sometimes *advertised*) people start to lie about certain things.

Maybe it's about your home's actual value.

Maybe it's about a task you need to complete.

Maybe that task requires 120 hours, but your employer wants it done this week in your forty hour week...

So, you cut corners, rush your work, maybe you work a lot of overtime because you absolutely believe in the Job that you've been hired to do.

But on Paper ... A work-week is 40hours. And your manager isn't gonna lie to his boss that some random employee did 120 hours of work in a single week...

And so that means gets "fudged" a little. It's not a lie if you said you finished it in a week; but on Paper... That week is *only* 40 hours.

And little things like this happen all over; like the anesthesia issue. Which is supposed to be in the patient's best interest; you don't want to accidentally overdose a 80lbs twink with the same anesthesia you might give to a seasoned old lady.

So the healthcare who is trying to work both in the patient's and their businesses best interest with these averages does their job.

And the Healthcare providers are forced to find loopholes in order to get the funding they need to help patients.

Maybe they charge extra on a rich patient and used that extra for Joe Shmoe in the E.R.

Maybe they tell the insurance agency they used less of a certain drug when in reality they used more, because it was in the patient's best interest to do so.

Maybe they wrote on their records the *maximum* allotted times that the insurance will allow on everything they can just to get the resources they need to do their job.

And that window gets smaller and smaller and smaller and smaller.... Until it doesn't even suit the needs of the average patient anymore.

There's examples like this everywhere.

One of my previous workplaces had a Mission Statement of "Conspicuous Compliance".

Basically; Mandatory Malicious Compliance.

And the purpose of this was to correct the averages the bean counters had come up with; Because we were half of a maintenance squadron doing the job of two.

And the reason we had gotten that way was in support of what the leadership thought was dire need.

So as the leadership pushed more and more and more to "Get the Job done" they also noticed that all the Analysts were tuning their data sheets to a "High Alert Emergency" type working environment that we had been on for years during Congressional budget cuts to the same units they were overloading with work.

And the Commander of that Squadron pushed as hard as he possibly could because he *saw* that it was essentially "Fraud, Waste, and Abusive" behavior being done; not only to military equipment... But to the military members themselves.

And that "The Data" was supported by an environment that we cannot always be operating in. Not for Decades at a time anyway.

It should be noted that my records will show that I pushed for compliance in EVERYTHING. Because I cared about the safety, the Mission, and my fellow Employees.

We *CAN* cut corners for greater profits ... *BUT* somebody ends up paying that added price in the end.

[paystubgeneratorfree]

Boost Your Payroll Efficiency with Free Payroll Check Stubs

Efficient payroll management is crucial for any business, especially as it directly impacts employee satisfaction, accuracy in accounting, and the overall productivity of administrative teams. But what if you could streamline this process using free payroll check stubs? For small businesses, startups, and even established companies, free payroll check stubs offer a no-cost solution to help enhance payroll accuracy, reduce errors, and save time.

Here’s how you can leverage free payroll check stubs to boost your payroll efficiency without breaking the bank.

1. Why Payroll Efficiency Matters

Payroll processing is more than just a routine administrative task; it’s an integral part of your business operations. Timely and accurate payroll boosts employee morale and trust in the company. Additionally, a streamlined payroll system minimizes the chances of costly mistakes, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and protecting the company from penalties. Efficient payroll processes also save time for your HR and accounting teams, allowing them to focus on other crucial aspects of the business.

However, the process of calculating hours worked, tax deductions, and other variables can be complex. This is where free payroll check stubs come in as a powerful tool. They simplify payroll tasks, reduce manual errors, and provide a professional look for your business without any added cost.

2. What Are Payroll Check Stubs?

Payroll check stubs, also known as pay stubs, are essential documents that provide employees with a detailed breakdown of their earnings for a particular pay period. A typical pay stub includes:

Gross wages: Total earnings before deductions.

Net pay: Earnings after deductions, including taxes and other withholdings.

Tax deductions: Federal, state, and local taxes withheld.

Other deductions: Healthcare, retirement plans, or other benefits.

Year-to-date (YTD) totals: Accumulated earnings and deductions up to the current pay period.

For businesses, pay stubs serve as a record for tax purposes, payroll audits, and employee inquiries. For employees, these documents provide transparency and insight into their earnings, taxes, and other deductions.

3. Benefits of Free Payroll Check Stubs

Using free payroll check stubs offers a wide range of benefits that can help businesses streamline payroll processes and improve efficiency.

Cost Savings

The most obvious benefit of free payroll check stubs is the cost savings. Instead of investing in payroll software or paying for check stub generation, you can access reliable, free solutions. This is especially beneficial for small businesses that may not have the budget for costly payroll services.

Time Efficiency

Free payroll check stub generators are often designed to be simple and user-friendly, enabling you to create pay stubs in just a few clicks. By reducing the time needed to generate check stubs manually, you free up time for HR and payroll staff to focus on other strategic tasks.

Error Reduction

Manual payroll calculations are prone to errors, especially when factoring in varying work hours, overtime, and deductions. Free payroll check stub tools often come with built-in calculators that automatically compute wages and deductions, minimizing the risk of human error and improving accuracy.

Record Keeping and Compliance

Generating payroll check stubs ensures you have a digital or physical record of all payments made to employees, which is crucial for compliance with labor laws and tax reporting. If you’re audited or need to reference payroll information for tax purposes, having clear, organized records will save you time and prevent headaches.

Professional Presentation

Even if you’re running a small business, it’s essential to maintain professionalism in all areas, including payroll. Providing your employees with professional-looking check stubs instills confidence and enhances your brand image. It shows your employees that you value transparency and are committed to high standards in every aspect of your business.

4. How to Create Free Payroll Check Stubs

There are several online tools available that allow you to create payroll check stubs for free. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Payroll Stub Generator

Begin by selecting a free check stub generator. Look for reputable websites that offer customizable templates. You’ll want a tool that provides a clear, professional format and allows you to input all necessary payroll information.

Step 2: Input Employee Information

Enter basic details for each employee, such as their name, employee ID, and address. This information is crucial for accurate record-keeping.

Step 3: Input Earnings and Deductions

The next step is to enter gross earnings, any applicable tax deductions, other withholdings (such as retirement or healthcare), and net pay. Most free check stub generators have fields for these entries and will automatically calculate totals for you.

Step 4: Review for Accuracy

Always double-check the information to ensure accuracy. Errors on pay stubs can lead to confusion, dissatisfaction, and may require time-consuming corrections. Ensure all figures are correct, including deductions and net pay.

Step 5: Download and Distribute

Once the check stub is generated, you can download it as a PDF or print it. Many companies provide digital copies directly to employees, but some still opt for physical copies for those who prefer them.

5. Choosing the Right Free Payroll Check Stub Tool

With so many free payroll check stub tools available online, it’s essential to choose the right one. Here are some key features to look for:

Customization Options: Look for tools that allow you to customize fields according to your payroll needs.

Automatic Calculations: Choose tools with built-in calculators for automatic deductions and net pay calculations.

Security: Ensure the tool uses secure data encryption to protect sensitive employee information.

Format and Design: Opt for a tool with a clean, professional design, as the final product reflects your company’s image.

Reviews and Reputation: Research user reviews to confirm the tool’s reliability and accuracy.

Some popular free options include PayStubs, Stub Creator, and Check Stub Maker. These tools provide customizable templates and user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to generate accurate, professional payroll check stubs at no cost.

6. Integrating Payroll Check Stubs into Your Payroll Process

To fully reap the benefits of payroll check stubs, it’s important to integrate them smoothly into your overall payroll process. Here are some tips to optimize the process:

Set a Schedule: Establish a consistent schedule for generating and distributing payroll check stubs. Whether you pay weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consistency reduces confusion and builds trust with your employees.

Automate Where Possible: If your business has a small team, you may handle payroll manually. But if you have more employees, consider automating the payroll process. Many payroll systems integrate with free check stub generators, saving even more time.

Encourage Employee Access to Digital Stubs: In today’s digital world, providing employees with digital access to their payroll information improves efficiency and reduces paper waste.

Train HR Staff: Make sure your HR and payroll staff understand the process and tools available. Training ensures smooth implementation and consistent results.

7. Addressing Employee Concerns

Some employees may have questions about their pay stubs or deductions, especially if they’re new to the company or if there’s a change in payroll structure. Encourage open communication by offering to explain any details on their pay stubs, such as tax withholdings, overtime calculations, and benefits deductions. Providing a resource (such as an FAQ or quick guide) can also help address common questions and alleviate concerns.

Conclusion

Free payroll check stubs can be a game-changer for businesses seeking to improve payroll efficiency without a hefty price tag. These tools streamline the payroll process, reduce errors, and save valuable time for your HR and accounting teams. By implementing free check stubs, you’re not only saving costs but also ensuring a professional, accurate, and transparent payroll experience for your employees.

[missafricauae]

Improving the mental health of the working class is crucial for overall well-being and productivity. Here are some tips to help support mental health in the workplace:

1. Encourage work-life balance: Promote flexible working hours, encourage employees to take breaks, and discourage overtime to prevent burnout.

2. Provide mental health resources: Offer access to counseling services, mental health hotlines, and employee assistance programs to support those struggling with mental health issues.

3. Foster a supportive work environment: Create a culture of open communication, where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of stigma or discrimination.

4. Promote physical health: Encourage regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep to improve overall well-being and reduce stress.

5. Offer training and education: Provide mental health awareness training for managers and employees to recognize signs of distress and offer support.

By implementing these strategies, employers can help improve the mental health of the working class and create a more positive and supportive work environment.

[unisonglobususa]

Top Reasons Why Hiring a Seasonal Tax Preparer Boosts Productivity for CPA Firms

As the tax season approaches, CPA firms brace themselves for a period marked by increased workloads, tight deadlines, and client demands for accuracy and timely filings. For many firms, the solution to maintaining quality and efficiency during this peak time lies in hiring seasonal tax preparers. Leveraging skilled professionals on a temporary basis has become an effective strategy for CPA firms looking to balance workloads, manage resources, and provide optimal service.

This guide explores the key benefits of hiring seasonal tax preparers and offers insights on how this approach can help CPA firms remain competitive and productive in the busy tax season.

Flexibility in Managing Workloads

Seasonal tax preparers offer CPA firms the flexibility to adapt to fluctuating demand. During tax season, firms can experience a surge in workload, requiring extra hands to manage tasks such as data entry, tax filing, and reviewing client documents. Seasonal preparers provide support without long-term commitment, allowing firms to maintain a lean workforce during off-peak months and scale up when needed.

By bringing in experienced seasonal professionals, firms can meet client demands efficiently without overburdening their core team. This strategy also enhances job satisfaction, as full-time staff are less likely to face burnout or excessive overtime.

Boosting Productivity Through Specialized Expertise

Seasonal tax preparers are often highly skilled professionals with specialized knowledge of tax regulations, filing procedures, and compliance requirements. They come prepared to jump into the tax season’s high-volume tasks with minimal training, helping firms manage complex returns and deliver prompt, high-quality service.

Additionally, many seasonal tax preparers stay up-to-date with the latest tax laws, which can help firms ensure compliance and avoid costly errors. By leveraging their expertise, CPA firms can enhance productivity and minimize the risk of errors or missed deadlines.

Cost-Efficiency and Resource Optimization

Hiring full-time employees to handle seasonal workloads can lead to underutilized resources and increased costs once tax season ends. With seasonal tax preparers, firms pay only for the time and expertise needed during peak periods. This approach reduces expenses associated with hiring, onboarding, and providing benefits to full-time staff.

Moreover, temporary hires allow firms to allocate their budget towards additional resources or technology, optimizing overall operations and improving service quality. For CPA firms seeking to reduce operational costs without sacrificing quality, seasonal tax preparers are a cost-effective solution.

Read Also: Step by Step Process for Outsourcing Tax Preparation Services to Unison Globus

Minimizing Burnout Among Full-Time Staff

Tax season is synonymous with long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations, often leading to burnout among full-time staff. Overworking employees can have long-term consequences, such as decreased morale, reduced productivity, and increased turnover. By hiring seasonal tax preparers, CPA firms can distribute the workload more evenly, alleviating pressure on their core team and promoting a healthier work-life balance.

Reducing stress among full-time employees also enhances team morale, as they can focus on higher-value tasks without feeling overwhelmed by volume-driven responsibilities. Ultimately, a balanced workforce during tax season leads to better retention rates and a more positive work environment.

Enhancing Client Satisfaction with Timely Service

CPA firms’ clients depend on accurate and timely tax preparation to avoid penalties, ensure compliance, and maximize tax savings. By hiring seasonal tax preparers, firms can maintain shorter turnaround times, handle larger volumes of work, and meet deadlines with ease. This not only demonstrates reliability but also enhances client trust and satisfaction.

Seasonal tax preparers enable firms to deliver exceptional client service by handling routine tasks and ensuring all filings are completed accurately and on time. For clients, knowing their CPA firm has the resources to manage their taxes, even during peak periods, adds significant value.

Access to Fresh Perspectives and Diverse Skill Sets

Seasonal hires bring a variety of experiences and perspectives from working with different firms, industries, and client profiles. This diversity can be advantageous for CPA firms looking to innovate and improve their processes. Seasonal preparers often have insights on best practices and can offer valuable feedback on workflow efficiency, technology usage, and client management.

This influx of new ideas allows firms to refine their processes, adopt more efficient techniques, and continuously improve their service delivery. In a fast-evolving field like accounting, access to diverse skills and perspectives can provide a competitive edge.

Seamless Integration with Outsourced Accounting Teams

Many CPA firms that already work with outsourced accounting teams find it beneficial to hire seasonal tax preparers to complement their existing outsourcing strategy. Seasonal preparers can easily integrate with outsourced teams, bridging gaps and ensuring smooth workflows during peak periods. This approach enables firms to leverage the advantages of both in-house and outsourced expertise, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Working with both outsourced and seasonal teams allows firms to build a versatile workforce that can adapt to changing client demands and deliver comprehensive tax services year-round.

Making the Most of Seasonal Tax Preparers: Key Considerations

To maximize the benefits of hiring seasonal tax preparers, CPA firms should follow a strategic approach:

Start Recruiting Early: Begin the hiring process well before tax season to secure the most qualified candidates. Competition for skilled seasonal preparers is high, so early recruitment ensures your firm has access to top talent.

Provide Clear Training and Expectations: While seasonal tax preparers often come with significant experience, providing a brief orientation ensures alignment with your firm’s processes, technology, and client expectations. Clear communication on roles and responsibilities helps them integrate smoothly into your team.

Leverage Technology for Efficient Collaboration: Ensure seasonal preparers have access to the necessary accounting software and collaborative tools. Cloud-based accounting platforms, for example, allow them to work remotely and securely, facilitating seamless teamwork and data sharing.

Create a Positive Work Environment: Treating seasonal hires as valued team members encourages loyalty, enhances productivity, and may lead to them returning for future tax seasons. Recognizing their contributions fosters a supportive environment that benefits the entire team.

Increase Firm’s Productivity with Seasonal Expertise

Hiring seasonal tax preparers is a strategic decision that allows CPA firms to manage tax season efficiently while maintaining high-quality service. By bringing on temporary experts, firms can optimize costs, prevent employee burnout, and ensure client satisfaction even during peak periods.

In the fast-paced accounting industry, adapting to seasonal demands with flexible and skilled professionals is essential for growth and long-term success. Unison Globus specializes in providing outsourced tax preparation services tailored to CPA firms, empowering your team to navigate tax season with confidence and efficiency.

Ready to enhance your productivity this tax season?

Contact Unison Globus for expert seasonal support that will elevate your practice.

This blog is originally posted here: https://unisonglobus.com/top-reasons-why-hiring-a-seasonal-tax-preparer-boosts-productivity-for-cpa-firms/

[biomax-attendance-machine]

Biometric Attendance Machine

A biometric attendance machine is a technology used to track and manage employee attendance based on biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans. These systems are often employed in workplaces, educational institutions, and other organizations to ensure accurate and secure tracking of time and attendance. Here’s a comprehensive overview of biometric attendance machines:

Types of Biometric Attendance Machines

Fingerprint Scanners

Description: Use fingerprint recognition to verify identity. Employees place their finger on a sensor, and the system matches the fingerprint against a stored template.

Pros: Quick and reliable; well-suited for high-traffic areas.

Cons: May be less effective with dirty or damaged fingers; requires regular cleaning.

Facial Recognition Systems

Description: Use facial recognition technology to identify individuals based on their facial features. Employees look into a camera, and the system matches their face against a database.

Pros: Contactless and convenient; can be integrated with other security measures.

Cons: May be affected by changes in lighting or facial features; requires good camera quality.

Iris Scanners

Description: Scan the unique patterns in the iris of the eye to identify individuals. Employees look into a device that captures the iris pattern.

Pros: Highly accurate; difficult to spoof.

Cons: Typically more expensive; requires careful alignment.

Voice Recognition Systems

Description: Use voice patterns for identification. Employees speak into a microphone, and the system analyzes their voice.

Pros: Contactless; can be used in various environments.

Cons: Can be affected by background noise or voice changes.

Hand Geometry Systems

Description: Measure the shape and size of the hand and fingers. Employees place their hand on a scanner, which records its dimensions.

Pros: Effective and reliable; less invasive.

Cons: Requires specific hand placement; less common than fingerprint or facial recognition systems.

Key Features

Data Storage and Management

Centralized Database: Stores biometric data and attendance records securely.

Integration: Often integrates with HR and payroll systems to streamline data management.

Accuracy and Speed

High Accuracy: Minimizes errors and false positives/negatives in identification.

Fast Processing: Ensures quick check-in and check-out times for employees.

Security

Data Encryption: Protects biometric data with encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Anti-Spoofing: Includes features to detect and prevent fraudulent attempts, such as using fake fingerprints or photos.

User Interface

Ease of Use: Features a simple interface for both employees and administrators.

Reporting: Generates detailed reports on attendance, overtime, and absences.

Customization

Settings: Allows customization of attendance policies, work schedules, and shift timings.

Alerts and Notifications: Sends alerts for exceptions or anomalies, such as missed clock-ins or outs.

Benefits

Improved Accuracy: Reduces errors and fraud associated with manual or card-based systems.

Enhanced Security: Ensures that only authorized personnel can access facilities and clock in/out.

Time Efficiency: Speeds up the check-in and check-out process, reducing queues and wait times.

Automated Tracking: Automates attendance management, reducing administrative workload.

Detailed Reporting: Provides comprehensive data on attendance patterns, helping with workforce management and planning.

Considerations

Privacy Concerns: Ensure compliance with privacy laws and regulations regarding biometric data collection and storage.

Cost: Evaluate the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs. High-end biometric systems may be more expensive.

Integration: Consider how well the system integrates with existing HR and payroll software.

User Acceptance: Provide training to employees and address any concerns about the use of biometric technology.

Popular Brands and Models

ZKTeco: Known for a wide range of biometric solutions, including fingerprint and facial recognition systems.

Hikvision: Offers advanced facial recognition systems with integrated attendance management.

Suprema: Provides high-quality fingerprint and facial recognition devices.

BioTime: Specializes in biometric attendance systems with robust reporting and integration features.

Anviz: Offers various biometric solutions, including fingerprint and facial recognition devices.

By choosing the right biometric attendance machine and properly implementing it, organizations can improve attendance tracking, enhance security, and streamline HR processes.

[thessalian]

Thess vs Knowing Your Employees

I'm not doing very well, and I think everybody knows it. Like, not people who read my Tumblr or people I talk to on Discord or anything like that. I mean everybody.

Update on the overtime thing - apparently today was a fairly slow day in terms of reporting, so when I called at 3:30 as I was asked to, there were only about 130 dictations in the queue.

(Note: that sounds like a lot, and it is, but it was 450 on Tuesday.)

Things were chill enough at the office that Scruffman actually forgot he asked me to ring him to check in about the workload. I think that might have something to do with having emailed him a little earlier in the day about a significant issue with someone's dictation.

(Further note: our doctors use wireless headset microphones to dictate - Bluetooth, I think. Anyway, sometimes they end up sitting too far from their computers for a decent connection, and when that connection dies, the transcription software defaults to using whatever microphone is handy - which in our machines means one built into the webcam. And of course, if they're sitting so far away that the wireless connection won't work, they're not going to be very audible over lab noise either. Bad enough when it's a regular dictation, but there were two urgent cases I had to send back because they were inaudible and you don't make guesses about someone's urgent liver biopsy. I swear, half the doctors don't have the foggiest clue how to use the equipment and it shows.)

Anyway, point is, I actually had voice chat with the man. I can generally sound pretty professional under even the worst circumstances, but that's only to people who haven't dealt with me regularly. Scruffman has heard my "I am in serious pain and sucking it up" voice a lot. And to his credit, I'm pretty sure he noticed me using it. Because when I asked if I was going to be needed for overtime with our typing queue as it was, he said, "It's actually been really quiet, so we should be okay! I mean ... some of them do go crazy in the late afternoon ... and sometimes they come in on Saturday ... but no; no, you're fine on your regular hours; we'll be okay".

In those elliptical pauses, I could hear the "Oh [Thess] does not sound well. Even if we're not fine, I can push [Temp] and [Goblin] a little harder on Monday, or we can work it out after [Thess] has had an actual break." I mean, I'm sure he does actually care, but there's also an awful lot of "Working [Thess] this hard is going to result in more sick leave and we really can't afford that right now, particularly not from the best worker the department has right now", and more than a little "[Thess] got reduced hours because of a disability and if [Thess] has to go on long-term sick again, Occupational Health is going to eat my head". So not purely altruistic motives, but at least he noticed.

That said, I'm still not doing well. While I did not have overtime, I did still have to go out to pick up some painkillers and a couple of bits and pieces. A bad idea during rush hour, but needed to get to things before they shut. Painkillers aside, I forgot to order carrots and I like carrots in my Japanese curry, which is very much on the menu this month. Carrot, potato, onion, and butternut squash. Might fill it out with some sweet potato too this time.

I did treat myself a little, though. Slightly longer travel time hurt, but it meant going to the big Tesco that does the gluten-free onion rings. And sirloin steak was on sale. So guess what I had for dinner? (Well, with potato salad and some veggie crudites with ranch dip; veggies are good.) It was a much-deserved treat, and thankfully didn't require a lot of effort.

I'd love to say I'm going to just relax tomorrow, and I sort of will, but if I have to go to the pharmacy for my prescription meds if I wake up early enough, and either way I should go to the big Sainsbury's to stock up on gluten-free pasta. It's a pain in the arse; Tesco has a great range of gluten-free products but their gluten-free pasta is bullshit, while Sainsbury's doesn't have quite the same selection but does the only really edible own-brand gluten-free pasta I've found so far. I hate having to go to like three different shops to get a full gluten-free shop stock-up.

Anyway, also there might be baking. I'm going to have to order more gluten-free flour already. But then again, two cakes, one loaf of gingerbread, and a batch of chocolate chip cookies and I'm still not through the entire bucket. So that's something.

To summarise: I am not doing well, I'm still using Saturday for as much recovery as possible (sad as missing a Saturday session makes me, I would not run well in this state), and I want cookies.