CMS - Sage Abra HRMS - Employee Management Software

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Incentives for Older Workers Act

New Senate Bill Aims to Help Senior Citizens, Aging Baby Boomers Stay in Workforce

Retirement trends could create a U.S. labor shortage of 4.8 million workers in 10 years

Although many of today's senior citizens find it is tough to find employment it may get a little easier is a new Senate bill passes. The bi-partisan bill has been introduced in the Senate to prevent projected dramatic declines in the workforce following the retirement of the baby boomers. It will provide incentives and eliminate barriers for older Americans wishing to stay in the workforce longer, and encourage employers to recruit and retain older workers.

The "Incentives for Older Workers Act" (Senate Bill 2933) was introduced in April by Senators Gordon H. Smith (R-OR), Herb Kohl (D-WI), and Kent Conrad (D-ND). Smith is Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and Kohl is Chairman.

"A colossal demographic shift is on the horizon," said Senator Smith. "Retiring baby boomers will cause significant gaps in our workforce if we do not incentivize them to work longer. We need to ensure the door stays open for those willing and able to remain an active part of the workforce during their golden years."

"With the retirement wave upon us, we must encourage employers to adopt policies now to attract and retain older workers," said Senator Kohl.

"Our commonsense policy creates a win-win situation for both older workers and the companies that employ them."

"This legislation confronts the changing face of retirement. The divide between working and retirement is no longer the bright line it once was. Many workers stay on the job longer, not just because they have to but also because their employers want them to stay," Senator Conrad said. "What we offer in the Incentives for Older Workers Act would make sure older employees who want to cut back their work schedules won't lose pension benefits as a result."

A 2007 Conference Board study reports that current retirement trends could create a U.S. labor shortage of 4.8 million workers in 10 years.

The "Incentives for Older Workers Act" works to reduce this decline by:

Removing penalties in certain pension plans for workers who phase into retirement by receiving a lower salary while working reduced hours.
Allowing seniors to earn delayed retirement credits for Social Security purposes for an additional two years until age 72, instead of age 70.
Reducing the amount of Social Security benefits lost to seniors who claim benefits before reaching normal retirement age and while they continue working.
Forming a National Resource Center on Aging and the Workforce within the Department of Labor to collect, organize and disseminate older worker information;
Changing how Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuities are calculated by correcting a glitch that results in a disproportionate reduction in benefits for certain employees who phase into retirement by working part-time.
Requiring states to include older worker representatives on the state and local workforce investment boards and set aside five percent of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds to assist older individuals.
Expanding eligibility of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include older workers.
Clarifying that certain defined benefit pension plans can define normal retirement age under their plans as the earlier of (1) the attainment of a specified age, or (2) attainment of 30 or more years of service.

For full details on the bill, click here

For additional details on CMS' Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program please click here.

Labels: Incentives for Older Workers Act, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, WOTC

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Human Resources Day in Connecticut

In recognition and support of the functions and services of the Human Resources professionals and as a tribute to the individuals who work in HR, the cornerstone of business operations, Connecticut's Governor M. Jodi Rell proclaimed April 17, 2008 to be Human Resources Day in the great State of Connecticut.

Click here to see the official proclamation from the State of Connecticut.

Labels: CMS, Human Resources Day, Sage Abra HRMS

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Sage Software Renews CMS' Sage Select Business Partner Status for 2008

CMS announces today that Sage Software has renewed our Sage Select business partner status for the third consecutive year.

Sage Select business partners agree to sell only Sage Software products and services, recognizing the performance, reliability and value of Sage Software products and the outstanding business development opportunities the program provides.

Sage Software offers small to mid-sized businesses, and the solution providers that serve them, the broadest lineup of business management applications available. From market-leading back office solutions like Sage MAS 90 ERP to leading front office applications such as Sage SalesLogix CRM, and Sage Abra HRMS. Sage Software provides end-to-end solutions that streamline business processes and drive efficiencies. Sage Software also offers product suites designed to serve a range of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, accounting practices, non profit organizations, construction and real estate.

As a Sage Select Business Partner, CMS receives additional education and training programs, Sage Software products for in-house use, and extended marketing programs, among other benefits.

About CMS

CMS is New England's premier reseller of Human Resource Management Systems and Time and Attendance products including Sage Software's award winning Sage Abra HRMS, CMS' web-based recruiting software iRecruit and the web-based Sage Abra Time Sheets. CMS has been providing employee management software solutions for Human Resources and Payroll since 1997 in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. CMS' philosophy is to make each client successful. With over 20 years of experience our focus on quality professional services allows us to achieve our goal of complete client satisfaction. CMS utilizes proven technology, implementation methodologies, expertise, and one-on-one training to automate, streamline and integrate the complete workforce management process. CMS is conveniently located in Farmington, CT. For more information please visit our website at www.cmshris.com or call us at (800) 517-9099.

About Sage Software

Sage Software offers leading business management software and services that support the needs, challenges and dreams of more than 2.4 million small and mid-sized business customers in North America. Its parent company, The Sage Group plc (London: SGE.L), supports 4.5 million customers worldwide. For more than 25 years, Sage Software has delivered easy-to-use, scalable and customizable software for accounting, customer relationship management, human resources, time tracking and the specialized needs of accounting practices and the construction, distribution, manufacturing, nonprofit and real estate industries. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.sagesoftware.com/moreinfo or call (866) 308-2378.

Labels: Abra Suite, Sage Abra HRMS, Sage Select

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Sage Payroll PayCard: Free Webcast and Whitepaper

Sage Payroll PayCard works the same way as a direct deposit transaction, and requires no additional systems, software or hardware. Your company can incorporate Sage Payroll PayCard into your existing process regardless of the payroll software or service you currently use. If your company offers direct deposit, you can also offer Sage Payroll PayCard. It's that easy!

With Sage Payroll PayCard, you can save money while offering your employees additional benefits and convenience... truly a win-win situation!

"Paycards: Flexible Electronic Payroll for All Employees"

Download the Free White Paper

Sage Payroll PayCard - Flexible Electronic Payroll for All Employees
Offer your employees a cost-effective and secure way to receive their paycheck electronically, with the Sage Payroll PayCard. Find out how easy it is to enroll and start offering your employees a new payroll benefit immediately!

Webinar Times (all times Eastern):
April 3, 2008, 2 pm - 3 pm
April 10, 2008, 2 pm - 3 pm
April 17, 2008, 2 pm - 3 pm
April 24, 2008, 2 pm - 3 pm
May 1, 2008, 2 pm - 3 pm
May 8, 2008, 2 pm - 3 pm
May 29, 2008, 2 pm - 3 pm
Click here to register.

Download the Sage PayCard Feature Sheet:
Sage_Payroll_PayCard.pdf

Labels: Payroll Software, Sage Pay Cards, SageSoftware

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Sage Software Lattes-Lunch-n-Learn Webcast

Emergency Communications: Are You Ready When Disaster Strikes? Attend this free, educational Webcast and learn strategies to effectively distribute disaster communications to your employees for a complete disaster management plan. Complete the survey at the end of the Webcast to receive a free $5 coffee gift card from America’s leading coffee shop.

April 15, 2008, 2 pm - 3 pm
Click here to register.

If you have any trouble registering please call Linzi @ 860-678-4401.

About Sage Abra HRMS:

Manage your key HR and Payroll Challenges with Sage Abra HRMS

This award-winning human resource management system is comprised of HR, payroll, benefits, training, recruiting, and compliance solutions developed specifically for small and midsized businesses. Its flexible design features a comprehensive array of features, plus the powerful reporting and analysis capabilities you need to efficiently manage your workforce.

Labels: Sage Abra HRMS, Sage Software, Webcasts, Webinars