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.

The ROI of Mental Health Benefits

Investing in mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business decision. But for many organizations, the question remains: does it actually pay off? The short answer: yes—if it’s done right. Why Mental Health Support Matters at Work Mental health directly affects productivity, engagement, absenteeism, and turnover. Employees facing chronic stress, anxiety, or […]

10 Employee Benefits Trends HR Leaders Should Be Watching 

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, employee benefits have transitioned from mere perks to strategic tools for talent acquisition, retention, and overall employee satisfaction. They aren’t just a part of an employee’s compensation package; they’re a marketing tool that companies can use for effective recruitment. As we look to the future, HR leaders […]

How HR Teams Can Drive Greater ROI with their PTO Programs

Paid time off (PTO) is a mainstay of benefits packages, but too many companies are failing to maximize its value. A significant majority of employees don’t use all the PTO allocated to them each year, and this creates a series of problems for companies. For one thing, it means employees aren’t getting the full benefit […]

Helping Employees Navigate a Natural Disaster

When natural disaster strikes—whether fires, hurricanes, or other forms of disaster—communities often step up to support neighbors, family, and friends. But there’s another source of support that can be valuable and impactful for employees impacted by a natural disaster: employer support. A Unique Form of Aid Employers, and their HR leaders and managers, can help […]

advice

Ask the Expert: Handling Sick Leave Accrual for Multi-State Employees

Q         We have an employee who works at two of our locations in different states. Are they eligible to receive accrued sick leave under both state laws, and should they accrue leave separately based on each state’s requirements? Generally, the geographic location where the work is primarily performed dictates which state’s sick leave law applies. For […]

Survey Reveals What Employees Want (and Get) From Workforce Education Programs

New research reveals the impact of employer-sponsored education programs. Delivering value for individuals and organizations alike, workforce education drives significant outcomes, from 77% higher retention to 12x more promotions. What are employees saying about their education benefits? A new survey of employees enrolled in workforce education programs reveals a clear message: workforce education is a […]

Surviving—and Thriving—With a 4-Day Workweek

In the United States, only about 18% of companies have taken steps toward implementing a 4-day workweek, although 59% say they’re willing to consider such a model. That interest may be on the rise as employees are increasingly demanding more flexibility—and leaving jobs for greener pastures if they aren’t able to have enough flexibility and […]

HR Leaders Need Immediate Focus on Mental Health Benefits

The critical nature and status of mental health in the U.S. has become a top concern, and it’s no different in the workplace. Companies can support employees with mental health benefits, including education and training about how employees can access these benefits. HR professionals must be intentional in this training and measure results in employee […]

If an Employee Dies Without a Will, Here’s What to Do With Their Last Paycheck

Q           We have an employee who recently passed away. He wasn’t married, didn’t have a will, and didn’t have company life insurance or death benefits. How do we handle his final paycheck? Do we continue with our regular payroll procedures, should we wait for the beneficiary for his estate to be identified, or something else? […]

FLSA

Navigating FLSA Exemptions: Understanding the Preponderance of Evidence Standard 

The Supreme Court’s recent opinion in E.M.D. Sales Inc. et al. v. Carrera et al., No. 23-217, 2025 WL 96207 (U.S. Jan. 15, 2025) provides clarity for employers navigating the complexities of exemptions to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This ruling set the “preponderance of the evidence” standard as the benchmark for proving exemptions, […]