Tag: benefits

retirement

Highest Employer-Sponsored Retirement Participant Deferral Rate Reached in 2017

Automated features now standard for most employer-sponsored retirement plans helped bring about a record 8.3-percent average participant deferral rate in 2017—the highest level in a decade, according to a recent T. Rowe Price study. The rise in employee deferral amounts perpetuates a trend started in the years after the 2008 financial crisis.

balance

Do You Know about Green Benefits?

Does your organization offer “green” benefits? Green benefits are benefits that are environmentally friendly in some way. Employers may want to offer green benefits for several different reasons. First, they may be in alignment with company goals and values. Next, they may be a great way to recruit individuals who value the environment and sustainability. […]

family

Parental Leave Policy Options

Does your organization offer parental leave beyond the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Do you offer paid parental leave? Are your parental leave options available for both mothers and fathers?

Get the Most out of Inclusive Paternity Leave

There is only one developed nation without some sort of federally mandated paternity leave and it’s the United States. Even when paternity leave is available, it’s usually for only a few weeks and does not come with a full rate of pay or other benefits.

Minimum Wage Hike and Paid Leave Program Coming to Massachusetts

A new law will soon take effect in Massachusetts, where employees will be eligible for paid family and medical leave and will also see an increase in the minimum wage. Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill on June 28, which will require all private employers in the state to offer paid family and medical leave […]

Pros and Cons of Exit Interviews

Does your organization routinely conduct exit interviews with departing employees? Some employers swear this is a great way to garner knowledge about how to improve the organization and reduce future turnover. Others feel it’s unlikely to gain real insights because departing employees no longer have an incentive to help. Let’s take a look at some […]

money balance

Two Approaches to New Cash Balance Plan

Yesterday we took a look at Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance on how to change interest crediting rates in a cash balance (CB) plan. Today we’ll look at the two approaches that the IRS has discussed to address a change in the interest crediting rate.

burnout

Kindergarten Had All the Great Ideas, Including Naps

Many of you may recall reading Robert Fulghum’s All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. If you take a look at his list of rules, you’ll find it describes several policies you already follow and enforce in your workplace. “Don’t hit people” certainly describes your no-fighting policy. “Put things back where you […]

Cash Balance Plans Get More IRS Guidance on Interest Crediting Rates

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance recently on how to change interest crediting rates in a cash balance (CB) plan. The Issue Snapshot posted on the IRS website on May 31 analyzes some of the implications of amending a CB plan to actually or potentially decrease the interest crediting rate.