When orders are booming, every entrepreneur sooner or later faces the question of whether it makes sense to hire additional employees. (Photo: © evgenyatamanenko/123RF.com)
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July 1, 2023
Social insurance: Becoming self-employed brings with it new challenges and, with them, new responsibilities.
New managers are often bombarded with a barrage of new expectations, and the pressure is often immense. When business is booming, every entrepreneur will sooner or later face the question of whether it makes sense to hire additional employees . This presents a particular challenge for founders or business owners who have just taken over a company.
Hiring new employees requires careful planning, as it increases both financial expenses and organizational effort. Volker Müller , Head of Contributions at IKK classic , explains what needs to be considered when registering new employees : "New employees subject to compulsory insurance must be registered with the social security institutions via an automated notification process after their employment begins. This is done by notifying your employee's respective health insurance fund. Every new employee can become a member of a new fund immediately. There are no waiting periods with the previous health insurance fund to observe."
It is important that the new employee contact the new health insurance fund early on. Notification to the previous health insurance fund is not necessary – the new fund will take care of this. Employers also pay the total insurance contribution to the responsible health insurance fund, which forwards it accordingly. The Minijob Center is responsible for marginally employed persons.
Several factors are used in calculating payroll. A uniform contribution rate applies to all statutory health insurance funds . This rate is set annually by the federal government and was 14,6 percent in 2023. Employers and employees each pay half – 7,3 percent. Most health insurance funds also levy an individual supplementary contribution, which is likewise financed equally. This means that employers and employees pay this supplementary contribution in equal shares.
Operations management
Craft policy
Craft policy
When choosing a health insurance provider, a price comparison is therefore important, but so is a comparison of benefits, service quality, and familiarity with the respective professional group . As the health insurance provider for tradespeople, IKK classic not only offers attractive rates but also understands the needs of the various trades: "We know where our customers' problems lie and tailor our benefits and services accordingly," emphasizes Volker Müller.
"We know where our trade customers' needs lie and tailor our services accordingly."
Volker Müller, Head of Contributions Department at IKK classic
Employers can find everything they need at ikk-classic.de/fk : from an overview of current calculation parameters to practical online calculators that allow you to quickly and easily determine payroll taxes that you need to consider when calculating salaries (salary planner, tax bracket selection, deadline, sliding scale, garnishment and contribution calculators).
At ikk-classic.de/seminare, IKK classic offers entrepreneurs in the skilled trades a wide range of online seminars to keep them up-to-date on topics such as social security, workplace health, and management in the skilled trades.
Once all the organizational groundwork is laid, it's time to get to work. However, one topic that often gets overlooked – especially at the beginning of a career – is health . But as a manager, it's crucial to keep an eye on the health of your employees, as well as your own . A healthy team is a key economic factor for the company's success. Sustainable workplace health management (WHM) unlocks and preserves valuable resources for the company – such as the expertise of increasingly scarce skilled workers.
Here too, IKK classic is the right contact. As the health insurance provider for skilled trades, IKK classic has many years of expertise in supporting craft businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises , and offers practical support as a health partner. Whether seminars, online seminars, health days, or customized workplace health management – our health managers will work with you to find a solution perfectly suited to your needs. Our digital support services are also constantly being expanded.
By the way: Your commitment to promoting the health of your employees will also be financially rewarded. IKK classic supports the introduction of a quality-assured, long-term occupational health management program with a bonus.
More information at : ikk-classic.de/bgm
Build on strengths. Develop talent. Discover our exclusive seminar series for young managers and leadership talent in the skilled trades.
Learn more at ikk-classic.de/ffb23
checkbox✓ Submit the contract on time: Employers are required to provide employees with a written contract containing all essential contractual terms and conditions no later than one month after the start of the employment relationship. To ensure a good start, it is important to hand over the contract well in advance of starting work. This is especially true for fixed-term contracts, as a fixed-term contract can only be set before the actual start of employment.
✓ Contents of the employment contract: The contract should include the names and addresses of the contracting parties, the place of work, and a brief description of the duties. It should also specify the start date of the employment relationship, the working hours, and the length of annual leave. The amount and composition of remuneration, payment dates, and information on notice periods must also be stated in the employment contract.
✓ Request your company number: When you hire employees, you must register your company with the Federal Employment Agency. You will then be assigned a company number, which you will need to register your employees with social security.
✓ Register social security contributions: Furthermore, you are required to register your new employees subject to compulsory insurance with the social insurance providers (health, long-term care, pension, and unemployment insurance). This is done by reporting to the health insurance funds responsible for your employees. The total social security contribution must also be paid to them, and will be forwarded accordingly. The Minijob Center is responsible for marginally employed employees.
✓ Please note the registration deadlines: Important: Social security contributions begin on your new employee's first day of work. Please register them immediately so that your employee can be provided with a health insurance card and other documents promptly. Registration should generally be completed with the first payroll, but no later than six weeks after the start of employment.
DHB is now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital DHB!
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