Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
One of the most difficult communication challenges for Human Resources professionals is explaining healthcare benefits. With healthcare options consistently changing and the list of medical acronyms forever expanding, it’s no wonder developing these communications can be frustrating. Yet, employees need help understanding the issues, which is why developing a strong healthcare benefits communications effort is […]
In light of the devastation following Hurricane Matthew, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced an update on compliance with employee benefit plan rules under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for those adversely impacted.
by Karen Gustin, executive vice president of Ameritas Group Division We know that when it comes to health benefits, employees want choices. And they expect their employers to help them understand those choices. Studies show that people are more satisfied with their jobs, and less likely to look for other employment opportunities, if they believe […]
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a commitment from 17 companies to support enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace. These companies will connect freelance professionals, entrepreneurs, and customers with information and resources to encourage enrollment in affordable coverage throughout the Open Enrollment period beginning November 1 and ending on January […]
When an employee requests time off, it may seem like a great solution to offer a telework arrangement instead. And sometimes, that may be allowed, according to a new report.
Diversity can benefit the employer in many ways. Having a diverse group of employees helps to ensure that there will be a wide spectrum of ideas, backgrounds, and skill sets that can help the organization to have more innovative ideas and less likelihood of tunnel vision that comes from not having enough differing perspectives.
Have you heard of employee advocacy? In simple terms, employee advocacy refers to the act of employees promoting the company through their own personal actions and through their own networks. This is often on social media. It is separate from paying employees to promote the organization (such as hiring a social media manager).
A recent surge in monetary Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) settlements is altering the compliance landscape at a time when new technical and legal challenges also are coming into play, practitioners and regulators told a recent conference.
by Gwen Cofield To have standing to sue an employer for a Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) notice violation, the individual alleging the violation must be either a participant or a beneficiary, as those terms are defined in Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). COBRA coverage is designed to continue, for a limited time, […]
Although the federal government may not go for paid leave, many entities and jurisdictions are taking it up on their own, says Susan G. Fentin, a partner with Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. in Springfield, Massachusetts. Fentin’s Commonwealth of Massachusetts does have a paid leave law, and she shared her perspective on paid leave at […]