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.

Why It Pays to Keep Your Job Descriptions Current

Yesterday, we looked at telecommuting—aka “the benefit that keeps on giving” to both employees and employers. Today, our take on another low-cost yet highly beneficial activity you’re probably not spending enough time on: updating your job descriptions.

Responsibilities of the DOL

Established in 1913, the Department of Labor (DOL) has legal responsibility over matters related to employment. On their website today, they state their mission[i]:

A Coveted Employee Benefit that Actually Saves You Money

Telecommuting continues to grow year after year, despite some high-profile stories to the contrary (such as Yahoo!’s decision a couple of years ago to eliminate telecommuting options). In fact, some experts predict that a whopping 30 percent of workers in industrialized countries will be telecommuting by 2019!

IRS Freezes New DB Lump-sum Distributions for Retirees, Beneficiaries

IRS on July 9 announced that it intends to amend regulations to prohibit defined benefit retirement plans from replacing retiree benefits being paid through joint and survivor, single-life or other annuity benefits with lump-sum distributions or other accelerated payments. The change is effective immediately, IRS said. Notice 2015-49 will amend IRS required minimum distribution regulations […]

Catch-up 401(k) Contributions Didn’t Increase Savings Rate Much

The participants 50 or older who have taken advantage of contributing much more of their salary to 401(k) retirement plans through catch-up provisions already were among the highest savers — and so few workers overall are constrained by the annual IRS limits that catch-up contributions aren’t a solution for  low retirement savings rates. Those conclusions […]

Generational Differences at Work Abroad

Yesterday, we got some interesting insights from Jacque Vilet, president of international consulting firm Vilet International, on workplace compensation issues outside the United States. Today, her take on intergenerational differences at work—and some words of wisdom if you’re thinking about launching an overseas location.

Continue Planning Your Salary Strategies: Don’t Forget Compressions, Job Descriptions, and More

In yesterday’s Advisor, Amy Letke, SPHR, GPHR of Integrity HR, Inc., walked readers through the ins and outs of market data aging factors: Lead, lag, or lead/lag—each has its own merits depending on the needs of your organization. Today, Letke looks at additional considerations as you set out your compensation philosophy and strategy.

Aging Market Data for Compensation: What’s the Best Strategy for You?

When reviewing salary budgets, employers often must make some tough decisions. For example, should the company lead, lag, or lead/lag the market rate? What variables play a role in aging market data to suit the needs of the business? When is it time to retire your current market data? The best strategy depends on your […]