Car and Home Office Policies and Allowances

Q: Two questions:

1. Does your company pay for any employees to have a home office (especially sales and marketing)? If so, what is generally paid for? Internet, land line, computer, printer, office supplies? Cell phone?
2. Do you have a car policy? If so, is it a car allowance? Can you share that amount? Do you pay gas receipts or mileage?

A: Download all of the responses on the Car and Home Office Policies.

English Communication Skills training

Q: We are looking to provide English language communication skills training to a few of our foreign nationals. Training potentially focusing on conversation and presentation skills, in addition to firming up comprehension and enunciation skills. Does anyone have a preferred vendor for such training?

A: Below is the list of providers along with any comments received:

• San Diego State University - Will tailor a program to your needs.
• Nancy Peritz of Communicate (619) 640-6623 www.communicatesandiego.com. Their primary business is focused on the scientific & business community to help employees who are not native English speakers They come to your place of business so it's more flexible.
• Laura Darius, of Darius Communications. Specializes in helping foreign nationals communicate better here (619) 446-5641.
• San Marcos College - Local university extension courses
• For those who are more self directed in their study: http://tinyurl.com/3n6dxy8.

FSA Administration

Q: We are considering a move from our current FSA Administrator (WageWorks) for 2012.
It would be very helpful if you would share the below information with me as I search for other administrators to consider:

• Current FSA Administrator:
• How long has this company administered your FSA?
• Your company's size:
• What does your current FSA Administrator do best?
• What feedback do you receive from employees on this FSA Administrator?
• Do you recommend this FSA Administrator? Why or why not?

A: Thank you for responding to our FSA vendor survey. Here is a summary of the information that was provided.

HRIS & Payroll Systems for small growing firm

Q: I am consulting with a small (65 employee) firm that will be growing moderately over the next year or so. We would like to transition from our current system which is strictly payroll to having both HR and payroll functionality. I would love to hear any feedback on such systems that you may have encountered for similar size companies.

A: A few people responded recommending ADP and Paylocity (a few each for both) and one response for Ulti-Pro/Workday. Paylocity does seem to be getting very positive ratings though from those who are utilizing it.

Project Management Classes in S.D.

Q: I'm doing some research on Project Management classes in the general San Diego area and maybe LA. I'm wondering if anyone has a class they are taking in the near future or sites that I should check out. Thank you very much and have a great day.

A: Download the responses.

Looking for 800 Hotline vendors

Q: We are looking for vendors for 800 hotline / whistleblowing numbers. Do you have any recommendations as well as companies to stear away from?
A: Ethics Point (www.ethicspoint.com) and The Network (www.tnwinc.com) were recommended.

Alcohol on-site at company events

Nine of you responded to my question regarding serving alcohol at company events.
Two of the nine said no alcohol is allowed on company premises. Alcohol is served at the holiday party, but drink tickets are usually used to control the quantity. I didn't find out if employees can purchase alcoholic beverages, but I assume they can.
The rest of you said that you have alcohol (usually wine and beer) at special on-site events (occasional Happy Hour, All Employees' Meetings, etc.) You had strict controls including 1-2 drink tickets per employee, small quantity available, and short time period 1-2 hours. One company reminds employees that this is a privilege and if it is abused, it will be stopped.
Thanks for all of your responses.