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.

Remember the Titans to Build a Cohesive Team

Recently, at a company luncheon, I was asked about my favorite movie. Ask about the business and I’m quick with an answer. But the question about my favorite movie was nearly a stumper. I scrambled to come up with something and ultimately came up with a reply, but really wasn’t satisfied with my response. Well, […]

Premium Subsidy Extension Becomes Law

Trade legislation that also extends premium subsidies for health coverage under the Health Care Tax Credit (HCTC) program was signed into law by President Obama Oct. 21. The HCTC was enacted as part of the Trade Act of 2002. As originally enacted, it provided a 65-percent tax credit for qualifying health coverage (including COBRA continuation […]

Social Security Taxable Wage Base Increases for First Time Since 2009

For the first time since 2009, the Social Security taxable wage base has increased: For 2012, it will be $110,100, up from $106,800. The Social Security Administration attributes this to the increase in average wages. In 2012, employers must withhold Social Security taxes on each employee’s first $110,100 of compensation. This means that the employer […]

The #1 Mistake in Writing Job Descriptions

Goodkin who is a partner in the Los Angeles office of law firm Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff, gave her tips at a recent webinar hosted by BLR. Most Common Mistake Regarding the worst and most common mistakes in job descriptions, Goodkin pointed to calling people exempt when they’re not. Citing a new client who has […]

Planned Merit and General Increases by Size and Industry: Survey Results

In yesterday’s Advisor, we saw survey results for planned increases by company location and employee level. Today, increases by company size and industry, plus an introduction to BLR’s popular Job Descriptions Encyclopedia. BLR’s 2012 Pay Budget Survey was conducted in June 2011. A total of 1637 organizations participated. Here are the rest of the results: […]

Free Report: The Leave Maze – Managing FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation Issues

The Compensation Daily Advisor® announced today the release of a free report, The Leave Maze—Managing FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation Issues, which will help compensation professionals to understand the legal basics of FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation. The special 42-page report clarifies the most up-to-date changes affecting each law, and pays particular attention to how […]

No Laws Require ‘Em, So Why Bother with Job Descriptions

Goodkin who is a partner in the Los Angeles office of law firm Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff, gave her tips at a recent webinar hosted by BLR. 4 Major Reasons You Need Job Descriptions Just for openers, said Goodkin, there are four major reasons for having job descriptions: 1. Knowing What to Look for When […]

Survey: Modest Pay Budget Increases for 2012

BLR’s 2012 Pay Budget Survey results suggest another marginal improvement in economic conditions from one year ago. The average planned merit increase for 2012 is 2.07%, according to the survey results, while the average actual merit increase for 2011 was 1.87%. In last year’s 2011 Pay Budget Survey, employers reported that their average planned merit […]

Twelve for ’12: A Dozen Ideas for Flexible Benefits

The year 2011 will soon be in the history books so it is not too early to work on the master “to do” list for 2012. Here are a dozen suggestions for benefits and insurance professionals who are involved with flexible benefits, by Rich Glass, JD, Chief Compliance Officer, Infinisource, Inc. Keep an eye on […]

No Travel Reimbursement for Feds Who Stay at Lodging They Own

Federal employees who stay at lodgings they own while on job-related travel should not even try to obtain a reimbursement for their lodging expenses. So says the General Services Administration (GSA), the federal agency that sets the rules for reimbursement of federal employees’ employment-related travel expenses. The GSA issued a final rule on Oct. 14 […]