Category: Benefits and Compensation

This topic provides guidance on how to handle compensation issues in a way that attracts and retains the best talent and advances the strategic goals of your business. You get news and tips on what’s going on nationally and in the states, and updates on changes in regulations, possible governmental action, and emerging compensation trends.

Employers Increasingly Offer PTO for Adoption (Infographic)

Employers are increasingly offering paid time off for adoptions, according to a new report from consulting group Mercer. The benefit is likely an attempt to meet the needs of a workforce in which the definition of “family” now includes same-sex parents, the firm said. While employees in the U.S. have access to 12 weeks’ unpaid […]

Lumber Company Settles DOL Allegations of ACA, ERISA Violations

Fiduciaries of a major Western lumber producer’s group health plan have agreed to settle the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) allegations that the plan violated claims procedure and other requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

Health Savings Accounts Continue to Grow in Popularity

By David Slaughter, JD, Senior Legal Editor Data collected from Devenir Group, by surveying top health savings account (HSA) providers, reflects both a consistent trend toward account growth and a “savings mindset” taking root among healthcare consumers. The new study shows the popularity of HSAs and their continued to grow, with the number of accounts […]

5 Tips for Employers to Effectively Manage Open Enrollment

Open enrollment season for employee benefits can be frustrating for employers and employees alike. Employees are often overwhelmed with information and need assistance. Employers dread the additional administrative work that comes anytime employee benefits are in flux.

Retirement Benefits: Better at Attracting Employees than Health Care?

A recent survey conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Nationwide found that 29% of SMBs with less than 300 employees who offer 401(k) retirement plans and plan to increase contributions say that they are doing so because the ACA has made health benefits less attractive to employees. Additionally, 43% of SMBs who plan […]

Millennials Often Underestimate Healthcare Costs

Aflac, a provider of voluntary insurance, announced results from the 2016 Aflac WorkForces Report, revealing how Millennials are more likely to embrace a nontraditional approach to pay their medical expenses compared to older generations. They also are more likely than non-Millennial generations to regularly underestimate the total cost of healthcare issues.