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Health Services Payroll and HR: A Look Back on 2021 and a Glimpse into the Rest of 2022

01-31-2022

Back by popular demand is our glimpse into the future from our internal experts in the health services industries. Building on the changes that happened in 2020 and 2021, we take a look at what is likely to happen throughout the rest of 2022.

As Our Clients Continue to Adjust to the Ever-Changing Pandemic, What Were Some of the Major Challenges Home Care, Home Health, and Hospice Agencies and Senior Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities Faced in 2021?
(Claire Dolling, Director of Implementation)

As in 2020, COVID continues to intensify workforce challenges.

During 2021, many of our clients in the in-home care and senior care industries struggled tremendously when it came to the shortage of available caregivers and skilled workers. These positions were increasingly difficult to fill as demand continued to rise. Employers have had to get creative by revamping compensation and benefits, providing more flexible schedules, and/or enhancing staff development and opportunities just to stay afloat.

As if agencies and facilities weren’t struggling enough to hire against local competitors, there was even competition between unemployment benefits, which provided greater optionality for caregivers and employees alike.

Besides compensation, another challenge that in-home care and senior care providers faced was keeping staff members healthy and safe from COVID. From Delta to Omicron, it was one variant after another. Agencies and facilities didn’t only have to worry about staff getting COVID once but multiple times.

Agencies and facilities were also concerned with compliance. With all of the staffing challenges, clients did not want to find themselves without proper documentation for potential audits. This meant keeping a constant pulse on the administrative side of the business.

As we move forward in 2022, agencies and facilities would benefit by utilizing technology to its fullest in order to reduce errors, manage documentation, and track data.

Which Government Programs Did Most Health Services Organizations Take Advantage Of? Are There Any Left?
(Malka Trump, Director of Compliance)

In 2021, we saw the extension and expansion of many of the payroll-related COVID-19 relief provisions of 2020.

Paid sick and family leave tax credits were extended through September 30, 2021. The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) introduced a new round of loan funding, with the final loan application due May 31, 2021. In September, President Biden announced a plan to streamline forgiveness with pre-completed applications for those with loans of $150,000 or less. Many businesses have already opted into this program, leading to an easier forgiveness process.

Probably one of the number one programs that we saw agencies and facilities take advantage of in 2021 was the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). Originally slated to expire at the end of 2020, the ERC was extended and expanded in 2021. More agencies and facilities became eligible as the definition of a significant decline in gross receipts was reduced from a 50% decline in 2020 to a 20% decline in 2021. In addition, the amount of the tax credit itself was also expanded from a $5,000 annual maximum credit per employee in 2020 to a $7,000 maximum quarterly credit per employee in 2021. Though the extended ERC was going to expire on December 31, 2021, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bill H.R. 3684) signed into law by President Biden, the ERC expired 3 months early on September 30, 2021. Only recovery startup businesses (businesses that began operation after February 15, 2020, with less than $1 million in annual gross receipts) are eligible for the ERC credit in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Wrapping up 2021, much of the payroll-related COVID-19 relief provisions are coming to an end. However, the pandemic is still a glaring reality. As we move further into 2022, we will see how the pandemic continues to affect the economy and how federal and state governments will respond.

What Do You See Happening in 2022 Within Health Care Payroll and HR, and What Is Viventium Doing to Help?
(Dan Neuburger, CEO)

There are a number of trends within health care payroll and HR in general that impact Viventium and the clients we serve. 

The Strategic Value of Payroll
Forward-thinking technology companies supporting payroll are changing the relationship between employees and employers. This is critically important in industries such as health care, where labor shortages are impeding business growth. Programs that enable employers to retain staff and improve the efficiency of the hiring process will become increasingly important, and they are the driving force behind Viventium’s decision to develop proprietary Benefits Administration and Employee Onboarding software, both of which were launched since the pandemic started.

We also introduced the capability to support learning and development of our clients’ employees in an effort to improve employee retention by increasing employees’ skills and abilities to earn higher wages. At the same time, we believe payroll providers must offer greater flexibility to their clients’ employees and the manner in which they access their earnings and gain information. Viventium now works with a number of early earned wage access partners to make it easy for clients to choose a model that best supports this capability for their employees. And we’ve continued making enhancements to our Employee Self Service tool so employees can easily track the status of their paycheck as well as payroll and other HR information. These capabilities enhance the employee experience and act as retention tools for their employers.

Understanding That Remote Work Is Here to Stay
Many companies are coming to the realization that the workforce is increasingly demanding the ability to work remotely. This trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It isn’t new to many of our clients, such as those in the home health care industry, and we believe this trend will continue well beyond the end of the pandemic. Remote hiring will help many companies address their need to hire more people, and it also means that employers need to be familiar with new state and locality requirements, exposing them to increasingly complex compliance matters. The ability of companies like health care providers to adhere to a myriad of ever-changing laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to their business processes remains of paramount importance. Viventium takes great pride in ensuring our technology, processes, and people support operating in a compliant manner.

Integrated Technology
At its core, the purpose of payroll technology is to make the process easier for payroll managers and their company’s employees while ensuring accuracy. The migration to HR tech providers who provide both flexible technology as well as high levels of client service will continue. And it will become increasingly important to integrate solutions and ensure interoperability. Viventium continues to be well positioned in this regard, and we continue to work toward integrating with other leading software providers focused on the markets we serve. This will ensure Viventium continues to be recognized for our easy-to-use, robust software and our remarkable service.

 


This information is for educational purposes only, and not to provide specific legal advice. This may not reflect the most recent developments in the law and may not be applicable to a particular situation or jurisdiction.

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Overtime Shuffle - Lyrics

Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.

VERSE 1
In the world of work, there’s a tale to be told, About overtime hours, and the payroll gold, A consistent paycheck, that’s the worker’s dream, But when it comes to overtime, it’s not as easy as it seems.

PRE-CHORUS
Oh, Susie worked hard in San Francisco town, But the rules around overtime, they had her feeling down, 42 hours this week, she gave her all, Now it’s time to calculate, let the numbers fall.

CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.

VERSE 2
Exempt or non-exempt, the title they hold, Where they work, where you’re based, it’s all in the fold, California or New York, the laws they diverge, For payroll admins, it’s a never-ending surge.

PRE-CHORUS
Oh, the DOL’s website, a labyrinth to explore, State regulations galore, it’s quite a chore, Staying compliant, it’s a tricky art, Missing out on requirements can break your heart.

CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.

BRIDGE
But here’s a method that can save the day, A payroll software, to keep errors at bay, Input the info right, integrate with ease, No more manual labor, no more overtime fees.

VERSE 3
Back to Susie’s story, she’s owed her due, According to FLSA, it seems we have a clue, $860 on the table, that’s what we’d say, But California’s got its rules, changing the way.

PRE-CHORUS
Oh, California says, hours past eight, Are overtime-eligible, don’t underestimate, Now Susie’s owed $900, that’s the decree, In this overtime puzzle, you gotta set it free.

CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.

OUTRO
So when it’s overtime, and the rules entwine, Choose a payroll software, let it all align, Viventium’s the name, we’ve got the key, To make overtime calculations a breeze, you’ll see.

ENDING
Don’t overwork yourself, don’t you fret, With Viventium by your side, it’s a safe bet, Relax, you’re with us, in this overtime fight, With the right tools in hand, everything’s gonna be alright.

Retroactive Rhythms

Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.

VERSE 1
In the world of care, where time slips away, Caregivers dedicate, every single day. But when the hours are missed, in the daily race, Retroactive pay, steps up to embrace.

PRE-CHORUS
A caregiver tired, at the week’s end, Forgot to log hours, a mistake to mend. Admins face the challenge, calculations to make, To set it right, for the caregiver’s sake.

CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.

VERSE 2
Manual calculations, prone to a flaw, Dealing with shifts, odd hours, and the law. As your business grows, the cost takes flight, Automated solutions, shining bright.

PRE-CHORUS
Compliance is key, with FLSA’s might, Calculate and compensate, get it right. Avoid the audit’s gaze, fines and the cost, Retroactive pay, no longer lost.

CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.

BRIDGE
Employee satisfaction, a crucial part, Resolve mistakes, a work of heart. Relationships flourish, in pay’s embrace, A payroll software, creating a trace.

VERSE 3
Star caregivers, valued and strong, Retention and recruiting, where they belong. Automated solution, a total pay dance, Establish your business, a work-life romance.

PRE-CHORUS
A self-winding watch, Viventium’s grace, Optimizing payroll, in every case. No more struggles, in the payroll game, In it with you, time and time again.

CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.

OUTRO
As your business grows, in the hustle and fight, Viventium by your side, making it right. No more worries, in the payroll chain, In it with you, time and time again.

In the Arms of Geo Tax - Lyrics

Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.

VERSE 1
In the world of business, we all aim to thrive, Year after year, our dreams taking flight. But as we soar higher, we start to see, More money, more problems, just like B.I.G. Outgrowing our shell, it’s an exciting phase, But it brings with it some challenging days. Solutions we had, now show their flaws, As we push the boundaries, breaking through the walls.

CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.

VERSE 2
Employees across states, in different localities, Tax laws aplenty, creating complexities. Our old software’s limits, we’ve begun to see, Scaling up our business, we need to break free. Calculating pay and taxes, where it all begins, Errors in this process, lead to countless sins. Employees rely on us, trust in our might, To withhold what’s needed, get it just right.

CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.

BRIDGE
Taxes, they’re not simple, that’s for sure, A world of complexity, there’s always more. But Viventium stands with us, in this fight, Geo Tax, our ally, making everything right.

VERSE 3
CPAs may struggle, and admins too, Keeping up with taxes, what can they do? The rules keep changing, it’s hard to keep pace, But Viventium’s here, in this challenging space.

CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.

OUTRO
So relax, dear business, and set your mind free, With Geo Tax on our side, we’re the best that we can be. Viventium’s got us, in this tax-filled fight, No more worries, no more sleepless nights.

REPEAT CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.

Payroll Grid Serenade - Lyrics

Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.

VERSE 1
In the world of admin tasks, where changes often arise, There’s a tool that’s been a savior, under office fluorescent skies. With flexibility and precision, it eases their daily strife, Let’s sing about this feature, it’s the pulse of our work life.

CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.

VERSE 2
Admins wear many hats, in their daily grind, Sometimes they need to adjust, leave no errors behind. Adding extra hours, bonuses, or fixing pay, They need a simple method, to make it all okay.

CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.

BRIDGE
Custom views and filters, tailor it to your need, Focus on the important, no need for needless speed. A hundred-dollar bonus, a few clicks and it’s in flight, Admins get it done, making sure it’s right.

VERSE 3
In the admin’s world, where numbers have their say, This tool steps in gracefully, making tasks less gray. An interface so intuitive, like an Excel sheet, Changing data effortlessly, making work complete.

CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.

OUTRO
So here’s to Payroll Grids, in our song of praise they gleam, For admins working diligently, they fulfill a dream. In the world of office hustle, they bring much-needed light, Let’s tip our hats to this tool, and its invaluable might.

Automation Anthem - Lyrics

Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.

VERSE 1
In the world of payroll, a daily task we face, Admins work hard, in this complex space, They handle policies, with attention and care, But there’s a solution that’s beyond compare.

PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, your role’s crucial and true, But there’s a tool we’ve got, just for you, Let’s explore rule-based automation, my friend, With Viventium, your tasks will gently mend.

CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.

VERSE 2
Standardize policies, that’s the key, For tenure, role, union status, you’ll see, PTO, bonuses, pay rates defined, Automation makes your workload more aligned.

PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, the burden’s a load, But rule-based automation lightens the road, No more tiresome chores, no more dread, With Viventium, it’s smoother ahead.

CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.

BRIDGE
In the world of payroll, where tasks repeat, We’ve got the solution, it’s oh so neat, “If this, then that,” it’s simple and sly, With Viventium by your side, you’ll reach for the sky.

VERSE 3
Tenure-based PTO, a common request, With Viventium, it’s passed the ultimate test, Set it up once, and then you’ll see, Automation handles the chore, oh so free.

PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, take a breath, take a pause, With Rule-Based Automation, you’ll find no flaws, It’s easy, it’s simple, no programming in sight, Viventium’s got you covered, day and night.

CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.

OUTRO
So if you’re a payroll admin, feeling the weight, Let Viventium’s Rule-Based Automation be your fate, No more worries, no more strife, With Viventium, you’ll transform your work life.

The Data Groove - Lyrics

Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.

VERSE 1
In the world of business, it’s a complex game, With factors and figures, it’s never the same. Decisions are key, they’ll determine your fate, So listen up closely, don’t be a bit late.

PRE-CHORUS
Gather your data, don’t let it fade, In the depths of spreadsheets, don’t let it cascade. Your HCM software, is it up to the task? To capture and store, to help you unmask.

CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.

VERSE 2
Once the data’s collected, it’s time to report, But it can be daunting, that’s the common retort. Pre-built solutions, they’re your guiding light, Turning raw data into visions so bright.

PRE-CHORUS
No more manual hours, no errors in sight, With report library’s might, everything’s right. Payroll summaries, tax liabilities, and more, All in a flash, you’ll have what you adore.

CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.

BRIDGE
Viventium’s here, with a passion so true, Constantly improving, for folks just like you. A Report Library, a gift from the stars, For data-driven dreams, it’ll take you far.

CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.

OUTRO
So remember this lesson, in the business terrain, It’s all ’bout decisions, don’t let ’em wane. With data as your guide, and Viventium’s grace, You’ll conquer the challenges you’ll face.