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.

deadline

What Happens When COBRA Deadlines Become Suggested Time Limits?

It seemed like a great idea this spring when the federal government issued guidance providing relief from certain benefits deadlines—including those related to COBRA continuation coverage—due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 national emergency. Then, it was assumed the emergency would end by June.

cargiving

Using Benefits to Support Employees Who Are Caregivers

Employees who provide care for others often find these responsibilities present conflicts with work. After all, things like medical appointments often fall during the same hours as a standard workday—just one example of how caregiving responsibilities can impact employers, no matter how conscientious the employees are.

FSA

IRS, SSA Adjust Benefits Thresholds for 2021

Employees will be able to contribute up to $2,750 to a health flexible spending account (FSA) in 2021, the same as in 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced in Revenue Procedure 2020-45. However, changes were made to certain other benefits thresholds and limits.

employer

Crisis Strains Employers’ Plans for Furloughed Workers

Many struggling but optimistic employers have continued to offer medical, dental, and other benefits to employees on furlough during the COVID-19 pandemic. But with no immediate end in sight, they’re wondering what to do next.

enrollment

How to Put the Focus on Employees This Enrollment Season

For most of 2020, employers and employees alike have been focused on health, health care, and healthcare coverage. And while these topics will still be very much top of mind this enrollment season, employers have a unique opportunity to shift the focus to their employees themselves.

FLSA

Who Is NOT Covered by the FLSA?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandates the federal minimum wage level and requirement to pay employees overtime for hours in excess of 40 per workweek. While there are many more components to the FLSA, these are two that tend to get a lot of attention.

time

How to Keep Up with Nonexempt Teleworkers’ Time

For many employers, the telework experiment necessitated by COVID-19 has been a surprising success. Many are considering whether to continue the work-from-home option for at least a portion of the workforce. One lingering concern, however, is how best to track time for nonexempt workers who are away from the physical workplace.