2 Aug 2022

Why You Should Submit a Tax Return Annually

by | posted in: General | 0

From an amateur with no tuition in taxation, and if you are anything like me you don’t want to get on the wrong side of the taxman and incur unnecessary penalties and fines, you will submit your tax return annually.

Although SARS states if you earn below R500 000 annually and meet certain criteria it is not necessary to submit a return, I feel it is still a necessity.

Do you have medical aid, retirement annuity or contribute privately to your company pension fund? If you answered yes, then you may in line to receive a tax refund. Should you pay into any of the above be sure to submit your tax return with all the relevant documentation/information.

Are you planning on emigrating soon? If so, you will need to receive a tax clearance certificate in order to receive one, you need to ensure that you are tax compliant and in order to be compliant, you need to ensure that all your tax returns have been submitted and that your tax affairs are in good order.

From personal experience, should you be retrenched one day, your employer would need to apply for a tax Directive for you, should you not be in good standing with your tax affairs, the outstanding amount along with penalties will be due by you, SARS will request that your retrenchment pay-out be paid to them to cover the outstanding.

SARS is continually taking the initiative to make the filing of tax returns hassle-free, they recently implemented their auto-assessments, which makes the process super easy, so I suggest if you haven’t already, register for e-filing and start submitting your tax returns annually.

Source:
SARS

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About Debora Keet

My journey at Leads 2 Business started in January 2006 as a Private Projects Researcher, Since October 2008, I have been in the Administration and Human Resources department.

24 Mar 2021

Staff Spotlight: Debora Keet

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DK STAFF SPOTLIGHT - doc (1)

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About Debora Keet

My journey at Leads 2 Business started in January 2006 as a Private Projects Researcher, Since October 2008, I have been in the Administration and Human Resources department.

9 Feb 2021

Social Dynamics & Communication in the Workplace

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Firstly let’s take a look at the definition of social dynamics: As per Wikipedia Social dynamics (or sociodynamics) is the study of the behaviour of groups that results from the interactions of individual group members as well to the study of the relationship between individual interactions and group level behaviours.

Based on this definition, I would say that social dynamics play a very important role in the workplace. Should the interactions between the individual group members not be positive, this would cause discontent, which would cause unproductivity in the workplace. Employers need to ensure that the interactions and relationships between the individuals are conducive to a good working environment.

Let’s look at ways to ensure that the social dynamics remain constructive:

  • Keep your employees motivated, offer them incentives, the more industrious an individual is the greater their feeling of belonging and making a difference to the team.
  • Know your employees, be aware of changes in their persona and their personal appearances, and provide them with safe, undiscriminating channels to communicate their concerns.
  • Be open to the effects that our diverse cultural backgrounds can have on the interactions between individuals.
  • Resolve issues that arise swiftly, before they cause a rift in the social dynamics of the group.
  • The various generations tend to have different attitudes towards work ethics, these variations need to be taking into consideration. Individuals that fall into these groups need to learn to show tolerance and patience towards each other to work in harmony.

Let’s look at the definition of communication:

As per Wikipedia Communication (from Latin communicate, meaning “to share”) is the act of conveying meanings from one entity or group to another through the use of mutually understood signs, symbols, and semiotic rules. The formation of communicative motivation or reason.

I believe that good communication is key to a good working relationship. Without effective communication, the end goal would be misunderstood and remain unmet. Poor communication between individuals and groups leads to discontent and disrespect which leads to unnecessary disagreements which disrupt the workflow.

Let’s look at ways of improving communication within the workplace:

  • Relationships are built on trust; ensure the trust is maintained by appointing leaders that uphold this.
  • Listen, to communicate effectively, one needs to be able to listen to hear and understand employees and colleagues concerns, to enable you to act and not react.
  • Follow through on what you say, if you fail to do so, it will lead to distrust in the workplace.
  • Provide employees with the protocols to follow to improve the communication between colleagues, departments and managers, for them to obtain the required result and work coherently.
  • Employers need to adopt an open-door policy, be approachable, enabling employees to view their concerns in a safe environment.

The uncertainty during the current COVID19 pandemic is certainly affecting individuals in ways that can jeopardise the good social dynamics within the workplace. For this reason, it is more important than ever to keep the channels of communication open and encourage positive social dynamics between the groups within the workplace.

Here’s hoping that you can apply some of the above pointers to you or your organisation to improve the social dynamics and communication within it. I believe that a happy employee with a sense of belonging and loyalty will be a productive one.

Keep well and stay safe.

Sources:
Wikipedia

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About Debora Keet

My journey at Leads 2 Business started in January 2006 as a Private Projects Researcher, Since October 2008, I have been in the Administration and Human Resources department.

27 Aug 2020

5 Essential Tools used in Construction

by | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

When I was first given this topic, my mind went straight to the larger tools such as concrete mixers, scaffolding, etc but why do we always need to think big, what about the basic tools, not even the powered tools, let’s get back to the basics.

After giving it some thought, I realized that 5 essential tools would be different for everyone, as no two constructors are the same, and it would all depend on what one specializes in and of course what they deem useful to them


So from an office worker, here’s my take on the five most essential tools to have in one’s tool belt if you are in construction:

 

  1. Tape measure, as the saying goes measure twice, cut once. Everything in construction needs to be measured, no matter what field you are in.
  2. Pencil/chalk – once measured, the measurement needs to be marked off, drawings and designs need to be marked too.
  3. Hammer – what would a builder be without a hammer especially one with a claw. So many things one can do with a hammer!.
  4. Stanley knife – such a handy tool, one can cut tape, rubber, electrical wire, etc. Strip the end of the wire and so much more.
  5. Pliers – a good quality pair of pliers is vital to hold, pull and cut building materials.

 

This is my take but I am sure that many will find that other items are more essential or important to them.
Happy Constructing:)

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About Debora Keet

My journey at Leads 2 Business started in January 2006 as a Private Projects Researcher, Since October 2008, I have been in the Administration and Human Resources department.

24 Jun 2019

16 Office Etiquette Rules

by | posted in: General | 2

 

As we spend more hours at the office, than we do at home, we all want to work in a pleasant, friendly and comfortable environment, no-one should feel uneasy in their work environment.

 

Let’s take a look at a few Etiquette rules to make your work experience more enjoyable:

 

  • Be on time – do your utmost to get to the office on time, if you are going to be late due to car troubles, traffic congestions, etc. be sure to notify your superior.
  • If you are sick stay at home – no-one else wants to get your illness, so keep your germs to yourself and stay at home until you are fully recovered. And let’s be honest how productive are you really going be.
  • Dress Appropriately – Even if the office has a casual dress code, leave the beach wear and PJ’s for just that! Follow the office guidelines in terms of hemlines and necklines, to avoid embarrassing clothing mishaps.
  • Be Respectful of others Space – No-one likes to have people invade their personal bubble, so be mindful of your colleague’s space too! Don’t help yourself to their stationery or refreshments either, always ask first.
  • Telephone Etiquette – Don’t speak loudly in an open plan office, especially private calls, no one else needs to or wants to hear your business. Leave the office and take your call outside.
  • Mute your cell phone – Ringing cell phones and message alerts are very distracting for those around you, so always be mindful of this.
  • Email courtesy – Don’t reply all unless requested to do so, most of us don’t have time or the desire to read through these mails! Secondly, always watch your tone in your emails, as it is often hard to read, be aware of how you are saying it, to avoid upsetting the recipient.
  • Watch your social Media posts – know that nothing is private nowadays! If you are going to rant about your boss or colleagues don’t use this platform and secondly if you don’t want everyone to know your private business don’t splash it all over social media.
  • Watch your body language – we all have bad days, so if you are feeling frustrated or angry be aware of what your body language is telling your colleagues, if you are not in a good space take a walk.
  • Cleanliness – Keep your workspace clean, and always clean up after yourself in the kitchen. No one else wants to be cleaning up your mess. It is just common courtesy.
  • Be aware of strong smells – Avoid wearing strong perfumes as not all of us are partial to it and it can often trigger allergies for some. Lunch boxes too, can stink out an office be aware of what you are heating up as cauliflower, brussel sprouts and eggs can be quite pungent.
  • Table Manners – although you may not be at your grandmother’s dining room table, it is still not appropriate to eat badly at your workplace. No-one likes to hear loud crunching or be exposed to talking with food in your mouth, slurping or “chops slapping”.
  • Mind your manners – just because you are not at home, does not mean you lose your manners. Please and thank you go a long way regardless of where you are.
  • Be Considerate – in all that you do in the office, treat others with respect and they will offer you the same respect. If you feel someone has stepped over the boundary, take them one side and gently inform them of this. Sort it out promptly to avoid issues later on.
  • Practice Tolerance – in a workplace environment, there are people from all walks of life with their own traditions and cultures, personalities and different styles. Be mindful of this and tolerate the differences.
  • Last but not least – Don’t gossip – you do not like to be the talk of the town and neither do your colleagues. If you can’t say it to them then rather don’t say it.

I hope the above factors will come in handy in making your work day experience a happy and productive one!

 

 

Sources:
Entrepreneur

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About Debora Keet

My journey at Leads 2 Business started in January 2006 as a Private Projects Researcher, Since October 2008, I have been in the Administration and Human Resources department.

31 May 2018

The importance of maintaining equipment

by | posted in: General | 0

The importance of maintaining equipment

 

Construction equipment is a major investment, the machinery does not come cheap and neither is replacing it if the equipment breaks down.
Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, however if you wish to extend the lifespan of your equipment, best you engage in preventative maintenance.
With preventative maintenance potential problems can be identified and repaired whilst still minor issues before they become major, costly repairs.
With regular servicing, machinery and equipment will be kept in tip top shape, items such as fuel and oil filters, spark plugs and belts need to be replaced regularly to ensure the smooth running of equipment.
Rubber belts deteriorate due to use and length of time, the rubber perishes. If the oil is not changed it becomes sludge which can damage the bearings and cause the engine to seize.

 

 

 

Lack of maintenance is a costly mistake, if the equipment is not maintained, it can lead to costly repairs and down time. With strict time lines to be adhered to, downtime could lead to unnecessary penalties.
Regular servicing enables the equipment to run efficiently and cost effectively, saving one money on fuel as the equipment will be fuel efficient. Equipment needs to be inspected regularly to check for wear and tear.
Should a part of the machinery not be running at its optimum it needs to be examined and repaired immediately before it causes further damage.

A preventative maintenance plan is essential to ensure that all equipment is kept in excellent operating condition. These can be based on operating hours or a set time period i.e. every 6 weeks.
In this economic climate, it is becoming common practice to ignore the problem in the hope that it will go away.

Being a mechanic’s daughter I have learned the importance of preventative maintenance as opposed to crises maintenance, the benefits far outweigh the costs of the repairs and the unnecessary downtime.

So don’t delay get your preventative maintenance plan in place today, it will save you money in the long run!

 

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About Debora Keet

My journey at Leads 2 Business started in January 2006 as a Private Projects Researcher, Since October 2008, I have been in the Administration and Human Resources department.

12 Jun 2017

Did you know #DYK: Contact links for workman’s compensation

by | posted in: Did You Know | 0

Contact links for workman’s compensation

Following on from the last article which details:

  1. What the Workman Compensation Fund is,
  2. When you can claim and
  3. The different names they are known by.

 

I want to address the next step, as injuries do happen! How do you go about contacting Workman’s Compensation?

Firstly, to confirm, here are the two scenarios where submitting a claim would be viable:

  1. An employee has met with an accident for which medical treatment is required, or in the event of their death, which has arisen out of, or during the course of employment.
  2. An employee has reported a personal injury to their employer, and in giving the report they allege that the injury arose in or out of their course of employment.

 

As we all may have experienced at some point in time, dealing with the Government departments can be a tedious exercise, so I am optimistic the information below will make your lives a little easier.

 

While conducting my research, I established that the number (or any of their related numbers listed) for the Compensation Funds Call centre number are currently out of order. With telephonic support ruled out as an option, we are left to follow the guidelines laid out on their website which state that a claim is to be attended to as follows:

A W.C.I.2 Form would need to be completed and submitted to them within 7 days of the incident:

The form is made up of Part A and B which are identical. Part B is to be detached and handed to the Medical practitioner.

The completed form along with the First Medical Report (W.CI.4) and a certified copy of the employee’s ID is to be sent to the following address by post:

The Compensation Commissioner

Compensation House

P.O. Box 955

Pretoria

0001

Their contact details are listed as follows:

Call Centre: 0860 105 350

Email: cf-info@labour.gov.za

Website: http://www.labour.gov.za

The Compensation Office should respond with a (W.CI.55), stating a claim number and this number must be used for all further correspondence.

 

Given that our postal system is not always the most reliable and that we have an online alternative at our disposal, I would highly recommend using the online platform offered by the Compensation Fund as it provides the most efficient and reliable means of getting the documents delivered to them.

 

The system was introduced in 2014 and is known as Umehluko ICM, and in order to submit a claim, you will be required to register with the Department of Labour Online Platform, if you are not already registered, please visit https://cfonline.labour.gov.za to go through the registration process. Thereafter they will email you a Username and Password for subsequent access.

 

Equipped with your username and password detail, login and select the “Capture” tab, select “Claim” and follow the prompts on the website. The added bonus of this approach is you are able to follow the progress of the claim online.

This is a far easier option than posting the claim to them and then attempting to follow the progress telephonically – especially with their phone lines being out of order!

 

Further research revealed that there are companies in South Africa that offer both Employees and Employers their services to submit and follow the claim on their behalf for a nominal fee. Should one not have the resources, patience or the time to submit and follow up on their claims, this appears to be a marvellous option! One of the companies that I came across was Workers Compensation Assistance website http://www.wcawca.co.za and Tel: 0861 922 463, you will be happy to know that they answer their calls!

 

Here’s to hoping that your injuries on duty are far and few between, and if they have happened, I trust that this article assists you in making a successful claim.

 

Stay Safe!

 

Sources:

https://cfonline.labour.gov.za

http://www.labour.gov.za

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About Debora Keet

My journey at Leads 2 Business started in January 2006 as a Private Projects Researcher, Since October 2008, I have been in the Administration and Human Resources department.