From lone fighter to leader

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 reduce the financial resources of a young company. You also pay the total social security 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 2021. Employers and employees each pay half – that is, 7,3 percent. Most health insurance funds also levy an individual supplementary contribution, which has also been financed equally by employers and employees since January 2019. 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 promotion, prevention, and social security law, we are always there for you. This applies to personal consultations as well as comprehensive online services."

Information and services at a click

At www.ikk-classic.de/fk employers can find everything important: Whether an overview of current calculation parameters or practical online calculators with which you can quickly and easily determine payroll-related costs that you have to take into account when calculating salaries (salary planner, tax class selection, deadlines, sliding scale, garnishment and contribution calculators).

You might also be interested in:

Craft policy

Together for the future of skilled trades: Reforms are necessary

Craft policy

EU budget: Prioritize SMEs

Operations management

Growing as a team – healthy and successful

At www.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.

Is a sick note via SMS valid? How do I handle work restrictions, and what exactly does "risk assessment" mean? For a concise overview, business owners can find many answers to relevant questions in their daily work in the IKK YouTube series "Knowledge for Doers": www.youtube.com/ikkclassic

Once all the organizational arrangements are in place , it's time to get to work. However, one topic that people don't give much thought to, especially at the beginning of their careers, is health. But as a manager, it's crucial to keep an eye on your own health as well as that of your employees . A healthy team is a decisive 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.

Volker Müller, Head of Contributions at IKK Classic. Photo: © IKK Classic

“We know where our trade customers’ problems lie, and we tailor our services and offerings accordingly.” Volker Müller , Head of Contributions at IKK classic

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, 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. Naturally, we adapt our in-person services to current hygiene regulations and coordinate them individually with you. By the way: Your commitment to promoting the health of your employees is also financially rewarded. IKK classic supports the implementation of a quality-assured and long-term workplace health management program with a bonus.

checkbox

✓ My first employeeAs 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 is important to hand over the contract well in advance of the start of employment. 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, the 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 contributionsYou are also 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.
✓ Observe registration deadlinesSocial 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 should generally be completed with the first payroll, but no later than six weeks after the start of employment.

CONCLUSIONNew 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 learn step by step who is required to have insurance and what tasks the company has to fulfill: ikk-classic.de/sozialversicherung

More information at: www.ikk-classic.de/bgm