From lone fighter to boss

From a one-man business to a medium-sized company – this is the vision many founders have. To successfully implement this plan, entrepreneurs must pay attention to a number of factors.

This article is part of the special feature GründerNavi – for founders and young companies

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 reporting process after their employment begins. This is done by notifying the health insurance fund responsible for your employees. Timely notification prevents potential back payments, which can significantly deplete the financial resources of a young company. You also pay the total insurance contribution to the responsible health insurance fund, which then forwards it accordingly. The Minijob Center is responsible for marginally employed individuals."

Health insurance – partner for corporate customers

Various factors are used in the ongoing payroll accounting. For example, a uniform contribution rate applies to all statutory health insurance funds . This rate is set annually by the federal government and amounted to 14,6 percent in 2020. Employers and employees each pay half – that is, 7,3 percent. Most health insurance funds also levy an individual supplementary contribution , which, since January 2019, has also been financed equally by employers and employees under the Statutory Health Insurance Relief Act. This means that employers and employees also pay this supplementary contribution in equal shares.

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. "As competent contacts for health protection and social security law, we are always there for you. This applies to personal consultations – ideally on-site at your business – as well as to comprehensive online services."

Health is a crucial success factor

Volker Müller, Head of Contributions at IKK Classic. We know where our trade customers' needs lie and tailor our services accordingly. Photo: © IKK Classic

On www.ikk-classic.de/fk Employers will find everything they need: whether an overview of current calculation values ​​or practical online calculators, with which you can quickly and easily determine non-wage labor costs that you must take into account when calculating salaries (salary planner, tax class selection, deadline, sliding zone, attachment and allocation calculator).

Once all the organizational steps have been taken, it's time to get to work. There's one thing you don't think about so much, especially at the beginning of your career: your health. But As a manager, it is important to keep an eye on your own health and that of your employees. A healthy team is a crucial economic factor for the success of the company. sustainable corporate health management (BGM) opens up and preserves valuable resources for the company – such as the increasingly scarce skilled workers. 

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Here too, IKK classic is the right partner for small and medium-sized enterprises in the skilled trades, offering practical support as a health partner . Whether seminars, webinars, health days, or a customized workplace health management program – the health managers at IKK classic will work with you to find a solution perfectly suited to your needs. And by the way: your commitment to promoting the health of your employees will also be financially rewarded. IKK classic supports the implementation of a quality-assured and long-term workplace health management program with a bonus. More information is available at: www.ikk-classic.de/bgm.

CHECK BOX

• My first employee: As an employer, you are obligated to provide your employee 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's 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: If 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 provider responsible for your employee. The total social security contribution must also be paid to this provider, 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 they can be provided with a health insurance card and other documents as soon as possible. Registration must generally be completed with the first payroll, but no later than six weeks after the start of employment.

We are here for you!

Even in challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic, IKK classic stands by craft businesses and their employees as a partner. We work with you to find straightforward solutions to provide the best possible support for you and your business, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. If you have any questions, please contact your IKK classic business customer advisor or call our free business customer hotline: 0800 045 5400 (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 20 p.m.). You can also find current information on our website at www.ikk-classic.de.

CONCLUSION New Employees subject to compulsory insurance must be registered with the social security institutions in an automated reporting procedure after starting employment.
Employer must report all insurance-relevant data of their employees to the responsible health insurance funds.
Tip:On the IKK classic website, employers can find out step by step who is required to have insurance and what tasks the company has to fulfill: www.ikk-classic.de/sozialversicherung