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.

payroll

Payroll Problems May Undermine Employee Experience, Says Survey

Payroll problems may be the fastest way to send top talent to the exits. According to a new survey from The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated, about half of the American workforce (49%) will begin searching for a new job after experiencing just two issues with their paycheck, an alarming rate that highlights the fragility […]

benefits

Bill Proposes Benefits for Gig Workers

A bill introduced in both houses of Congress would create a pilot program to provide employment benefits to gig workers. This Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act (S. 1251, H.R. 2685) would allot the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) $20 million to test portable benefits in fiscal year 2018. “[A] growing number of […]

compensation

The Ins and Outs of Deductions From Pay

The federal law on deductions from pay contains few restrictions when compared to the laws in many states. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), almost any deduction is permitted, even, in some cases, if it reduces the employee’s pay below the minimum wage. Certain deductions may specifically reduce pay below the minimum.

Is Mandatory Paid Family Leave on the Horizon?

It’s fairly well-known that the United States is one of only a couple countries in the world that does not have any federally mandated requirement for employers to provide paid time off for new parents. This is a fact that comes as a bit of a shock to those in other countries, many of which […]

financial wellness

Retirement Success Starts with Financial Well-Being

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Michael Jordan wasn’t talking here about retirement, and in fact, we don’t know that he ever has. But his words can certainly apply to the subject.   In today’s world, each individual must take charge of his or her own retirement. Still, there are many ways others […]

compensation

Pros and Cons of Surprise Raises

With low unemployment comes an increasing risk of turnover—and this makes employers weary in times when the economy is growing but not skyrocketing. Employers today are facing these risks and trying to determine how to keep employees happy and motivated—and keep them from job searching in their spare time. Some employers are opting to provide […]

vacation

U.S. Workers Only Using Half of Eligible Vacation Time

While many Americans are preparing for summer vacations, many are likely not. According to a new survey from Glassdoor, the average U.S. employee (of those who receive vacation/paid time off) has only taken about half (54%) of his or her eligible vacation time/paid time off in the past 12 months. This is relatively consistent with […]

Sick leave

Paid Sick Leave for Employees in Chicago Area Effective July 1

Most employers in Chicago and Cook County will be required to offer paid sick leave beginning July 1. The city of Chicago passed a sick leave ordinance last summer, and Cook County (where Chicago is located) passed a nearly identical law in October. The ordinances apply to all businesses that are located in the city […]