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Employees may think that they can’t afford a big policy, but it’s often a good idea to join the plan at the lowest level and cost, even if the policy is not large, says consultant Mike Miles. That gets your foot in the door and often ensures that you can “buy up” in the future […]
Miles is vice president and senior employee benefits consultant at Gregory and Appel Insurance. During his presentation at a recent boot camp sponsored by BLR®, he was joined by colleague Janet McClure, vice president and worksite marketing team leader. What Are Voluntary Benefits? “Voluntary benefits” are generally insurance products sold to employees at work through […]
Featured Post Infographic Explores 2013 Employer Holiday Pay Practices BLR has released the results of the new 2013 Holiday Practices Survey, which examines employer practices for providing paid holidays and paying nonexempt employees during the 2013 holiday season and provides information on planned paid holidays for 2014. Compensation Planning Merit Increases—Performance or Place in Range? […]
How Big Is the Number? Most HR managers underestimate the full costs of employee health (or lack thereof), says Ahlrichs. He refers to a study involving auto manufacturers and 171,250 employees. The study recorded basic medical costs for the measured period—the metric most wellness plans look at—at $509 million. But add pharmacy and the number […]
First, says Ahlrichs, a consultant and business developer with Gregory & Appel in Indianapolis, Indiana, here’s just one example of why wellness is failing: Getting more serious, Ahlrichs describes a wellness program that’s really working well. Case Study—A New Approach to Wellness Here was Ahlrichs’ client’s situation: County government 3,500 employees Mix of white and […]
Here are some of the other important changes included in the final affirmative action rule: The incorporation of specific EO Clause language in subcontracts. In order to incorporate the equal opportunity (EO) clause by reference in subcontracts, contractors must include specific language spelled out in the new regulations. This language notifies subcontractors of their responsibilities […]
Last August, the OFCCP announced a final rule that makes significant changes to the regulations implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act, or VEVRAA. VEVRAA prohibits employment discrimination against specified categories of veterans by federal government contractors and subcontractors. For a closer look at the new regulations and the implications for federal contractors, we […]
In addition to the major changes discussed in yesterday’s Advisor, there are several other important changes that are included in the final Section 503 rule, says Schoenfeld. Definitions The definition of “disability” has been revised, pursuant to the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. EO Clause Contractors will be required to state in solicitations and […]
The changes are to the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities. BLR Senior Legal Editor and affirmative action expert Susan Schoenfeld explains how the new regulations will impact government contractors. Effective Date in March 2014 According to the OFCCP, the new rules will […]
What’s a Mitigating Measure? According to the Job Accommodation Network, a mitigating measure is a treatment, therapy, or device that eliminates or reduces the limitations of a disability. Medications, including widely prescribed depression and anxiety medications Medical supplies, equipment, or appliances, low-vision devices (defined as devices that magnify, enhance, or otherwise augment a visual image, […]