March 2021

5 Payroll Software Features Making 2021 Tax Season a Breeze

Author profile picture
June 19, 2024

It’s that time of year again when the shoebox full of old receipts comes out of the closet, and an impending doom starts creeping in. It’s 2021 tax season! 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Technology has evolved since the days of manual calculations and abacuses.  We now have sophisticated software that can automate calculations, so your taxes are done before you even knew they were due!

Finally, you can keep shoes in your shoe boxes again!  So how does it work? 

Here are 5 payroll software features that you need to make your 2021 tax season a breeze.

1 - Automation of all things tax related.

Payroll and taxes are complicated, but they don't have to be. Nowadays, the right software will basically do the job for you. It all starts with automated payroll, but what happens next is really magical. 

Our system does the work of taxes for you by calculating taxable earnings on all your employee's paychecks, remitting taxes automatically, therefore keeping you up to date all year round. 

When tax season rolls around, this same software takes it one step further - calculating and submitting T4 slips (or year end tax forms for our American friends) so you'll never miss a deadline again. Can you imagine the time you would save with a system like that?

2021 tax season


2 - Automating your Statutory Holiday pay calculations for 2021 tax season.

Any North American knows that every province, and different states, has different rules around statutory holidays and how payment works around them. 


In Canada, payment types across provinces rules may vary. (Luckily, we have a helpful article about that).

The same goes for the states, but thanks to payroll software, Statutory Holidays are now just holidays and are no longer super confusing paydays. This software works like magic to calculate Statutory Holiday pay on the day of. It then feeds that information through to every paycheck. 

In other words, using software that automates Statutory holiday pay calculations is the best solution for staying on top of holiday pay and payroll tax calculations down the line.  


3 - Exploring advanced ROE automations.

In the states, ROE's aren't pertinent, but for Canadian clients, this automation is a big win.
An ROE, or record of employment,  is an important document you must file to ensure employees receive timely employment insurance benefits when laid off or furloughed.

As the pandemic pressed on during 2021 and 2022, businesses filed more ROEs than ever before.


Using software to automate your ROE issuance and ensure everyone receives their benefits on time will make your 2021 payroll tax calculations easy breezy



4 - Using employee access tools.

In this day and age, employees like to be involved in their financial health and investments.

It goes a long way to provide a system to your team that offers them the option to log in and explore their files.


We built a system where employees can access their personal information including: ROE, T4s, Year End Tax Forms, vacation, online, or on our mobile app.


Within this portal, employees' tax brackets are also listed and automatically updated within the system as the employee's wage shifts over time.


Providing these tools to employees saves time in back and forth, and it also allows employers to rest easy knowing that all-important employee information is living up to date in one place, all ready to go for tax time.

2021 tax season



5 - Use an integrated system for 2021 tax season. 

Taxes start with payroll calculations, and payroll calculations start with employee time tracking and schedules. 

The easiest way to simplify your entire system is to go for a streamlined and integrated system. 

Here's how it works. First, your employees can punch in using time tracking features and have their approved hours automatically sent to payroll for processing and calculations. 

That includes automated stat holiday pay calculations, and the best part is automatic tax deductions are included as well! It's like magic. 


The Push systems do all this and offer 2021 payroll remittances, and payroll deduction payment options for both Canadian and American clients! So you get your time back and your taxes are done. 

If you want to learn more about how you can automate your payroll calculations, book a demo with our team today.  


Looking to learn more about payroll in general? Check out our free guide on Canadian payroll for business owners. Happy tax season! 

tax season


Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

\n
    \n
  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
  • \n
  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
  • \n
  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

\n\n

Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

\n
    \n
  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
  • \n
  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
  • \n
  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
  • \n
\n\n

Healthy Food Trends for 2024

\n
    \n
  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
  • \n
  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
  • \n
  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
  • \n
  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
  • \n
\n\n

Functional Foods and Beverages

\n
    \n
  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
  • \n
  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
  • \n
  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

\n\n

From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

\n
    \n
  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
  • \n
  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
  • \n
  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
  • \n
\n\n

Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

\n
    \n
  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
  • \n
  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
  • \n
  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

\n

While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

\n
    \n
  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
  • \n
  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
  • \n
  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

\n\n

Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

\n
    \n
  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
  • \n
  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
  • \n
  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
  • \n
\n\n

Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

\n
    \n
  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
  • \n
  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
  • \n
  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

\n
    \n
  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
  • \n
  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
  • \n
  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

\n
    \n
  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
  • \n
  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
  • \n
  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
  • \n
  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

\n

Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

\n

Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

\n
\n\n
\n

Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

\n

2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

\n

Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

\n
\n\n
\n

Internal Links

\n \n
\n\n
\n

External Sources

\n
    \n
  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
  • \n
  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
  • \n
  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
  • \n
\n
“\n}“,