Workforce.com

Three days at Sk8 Expo 2026 gave our team plenty of opportunities to talk with FEC operators and industry peers about what’s happening across the industry. From the software they rely on to the costs they’re watching more closely, a few themes kept coming up. Here’s what we heard. If there’s one question we heard more than any other, it was some version of: “What do you integrate with?” It makes sense.

QuickBooks Online pricing changed in August 2026, affecting Essentials, Plus, and Advanced plans. Plus is now $140/month, while Advanced is $340/month. Intuit says the higher pricing comes alongside new and expanded product capabilities. Employers can use the change as an opportunity to review their current setup, overlapping tools, and explore other options. QuickBooks Online’s latest price increase is now in effect, with some of its higher-tier plans seeing substantial jumps in monthly cost.

Recently, New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) announced enforcement actions against multiple retailers for violating the city’s Fair Workweek Law. Walgreens agreed to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution to workers, along with $163,000 in civil penalties, while Calzedonia, the parent company of lingerie retailer Intimissimi, agreed to pay more than $154,000 in restitution and more than $15,000 in civil penalties and costs.

Last May, Workforce.com headed to Michigan for Kart Expo 2026, where we showcased our software, connected with operators, and joined conversations shaping the future of karting and family entertainment. One of our own, Joseph Cuellar, took the stage to discuss “The Hidden Drag Slowing FeGrowing Business”, a topic that felt especially relevant given many of the conversations happening throughout the event.

Miscalculating weighted average or blended overtime may look like a payroll calculation challenge. In reality, it’s exposing a much bigger issue in how workforce operations are managed. Most managers have seen some version of this before. A restaurant employee spends part of the week serving tables, then picks up shifts at the bar. A retail associate works the sales floor during the day and helps with inventory later in the week.

The global FEC market could exceed $80B by 2033, with demand growing for both classic attractions and newer immersive experiences. Operators are expanding attractions and exploring new ways to increase revenue and margins. Behind the scenes, workforce and operational efficiency are more critical than ever to staying competitive. The family entertainment industry (FEC) is poised for significant growth, with market projections estimating the sector could exceed $80 billion by 2033.

Summary More than 20 states are raising their minimum wages in 2026, with many increases taking effect on January 1, 2026 and some scheduled later in the year as well. The federal minimum wage has stayed at $7.25/hour since 2009, but 30+ states and Washington, D.C. have minimum wages above the federal floor as of 2026. Because minimum wage rules vary by location and change over time, a reliable payroll system helps ensure accurate pay and compliance.

Challenge: Customer switched to Workforce.com mid-quarter with incomplete returns from previous provider. Industry Standard: Most providers would require the client to resolve issues with their previous provider or charge significant fees for manual corrections. Workforce.com Approach: Submitted manual corrections free of charge, saving the client time, stress, and potential penalties.

Biweekly and semi-monthly pay may sound similar, but they differ in structure, timing, and how they impact payroll processing. Several states have pay frequency laws that specify how often employers must pay their employees. Payroll software makes it easy to manage multiple pay frequencies, assign them by employee type, and automate overtime and pay period calculations. Biweekly and semi-monthly are standard popular pay frequency options. While they sound similar, they work very differently.

Summary Pay transparency laws help promote pay equity and transparency by requiring employers to disclose information, such as wage information and benefits, in job postings. There is no federal law on pay transparency, but several states have implemented their own regulations. Payroll software can help standardize pay rates and ensure compliance, especially for businesses operating across state lines.