Year-End and Its To-Dos

They call it “the quiet time of year” – but it rarely lives up to the name. In most cases, this season is packed with countless tasks that need to be wrapped up before year’s end, as well as planning and preparations for the quickly approaching new year. With our comprehensive year-end special, we aim to support you during this stressful time. We’ve done the research and offer you ideas, administrative tips, legal updates, and creative solutions to bring a breath of fresh air. Where appropriate, we’ll also point out how TOPIX can help you navigate the year-end transition.

Let’s start with a few seemingly mundane topics that still require your attention as the year draws to a close.

 

Employees

Even though your customers provide the revenue that finances your business, it’s your employees who actually generate that revenue. Especially in times like these, you should ensure that your team is as satisfied as possible. Spread optimism and be transparent about your goals for 2021 – both in terms of opportunities and risks. Since relaxed in-person holiday parties likely won’t happen this year, consider alternatives such as a bonus, special commission, or even a thoughtful gift to show appreciation. Contributions to health programs or company pension schemes are also proven to boost employee motivation.

 

Vacation Planning

As a manager, you should keep an eye on your employees’ vacation time. At year-end, this mainly means knowing who still has remaining vacation days – and in many cases, must use them. If you’re able to coordinate next year’s vacation plans now, you’re already laying an important foundation for 2021.

 

Reporting Obligations

What tends to go unnoticed throughout the year becomes critical at year-end: reporting obligations. You are required to submit reports to the health insurance providers for every employee covered by health, long-term care, pension, and unemployment insurance – as well as for every marginally employed worker. The statutory accident insurance must also be informed about each employee’s annual earnings. And don’t forget the electronic submission of wage tax certificates to the relevant tax authority.

 

Customers

A “thank you for the great collaboration” is always appreciated. Whether it’s a card, donation, or a tangible gift – your holiday greetings and packages should be prepared, written, packed, and shipped in good time. The CRM in TOPIX is a valuable tool here: it lets you easily classify, select, and contact customers using flexible mailing functions.

 

Orders and Open To-Dos

Despite all the recurring administrative tasks, don’t lose sight of your core business. If the additional year-end duties are stretching your time thin, make a list of orders and tasks that absolutely must be completed before the Christmas break.