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.

Pension

PBGC Advocate’s 2016 Report Shows Continued Room for Improvement

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) in 2012 created a participant and plan sponsor advocate for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) whose role is to “act as a liaison between the corporation, sponsors of defined benefit pension plans insured by the corporation, and participants in pension plans trusteed by the corporation.”

retirement

Help Employees Think Ahead with Estate Planning Sessions

Step outside the boundaries of the employer/employee relationship, just for a moment. As a benefit professional or someone who runs a business, your focus is getting the business of the company done. Of course, that includes figuring how to get the best from your employees. Rewarding people fairly, in terms of money and benefits, helping them understand their importance in the business’ success, and communicating with them in a way that encourages their loyalty all contribute to that effort.

Ask the Expert: Cash Allowances for Employees to Select from Benefits Suite?

Question: Our CEO would like to establish a “benefit bucket”–an allowance of cash for each employee that can be utilized to pick from a suite of health and welfare benefits that are provided through the employer. It would include things like medical, dental, 401k, Life, Disability, supplemental insurance etc. Would this just be an old […]

payroll

Payroll Problems Affect 82 Million American Workers, Says Survey

As Americans file their Form 1040 U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) income taxes ahead of the April 18 deadline, a new survey from The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated reveals an estimated 82 million Americans—more than half of the U.S. workforce—have experienced a problem with their paycheck during their career. The survey also finds payroll […]

Taxes

What HR Needs to Consider About their Business Vehicle Program During Tax Season

While there is still a short window of time for individuals to file and close out on last year’s taxes, for most companies, tax season is already in the rearview mirror. An often overlooked way to reduce employer taxes is within the business vehicle programs. By using this year’s tax season as a time to reevaluate, businesses can implement sound policies and programs to ensure the organization and the employee are in the best position come tax time next year.

Benefits

Comprehensive ‘Total Rewards’ Survey Details Employers’ Use of Various Programs

The relative popularity and effect of 176 different types of employee rewards programs were detailed in a survey by the Human Resources (HR) association WorldatWork. Inventory of Total Rewards Programs & Practices compiles the results of a 2016 survey that yielded responses from 730 organizations in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere.

New Bill Regarding EEOC Wellness Rules

By David Slaughter, JD Legislation introduced by a key House Republican would largely negate the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) wellness program rules, which plan sponsors have criticized for adding a duplicative layer of regulation to earlier standards set by other agencies. BLR® Senior Legal Editor David Slaughter, JD, has the facts in today’s […]