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Adviser Identifies Ways Plan Sponsors Can Manage Fiduciary Risk

Although defined benefit pension plan sponsors have engaged investment managers for years, it’s only recently that defined contribution plan sponsors have begun exploring this option to limit liability risk for their fiduciary role. “Because employers want to avoid litigation, which could result in personal liability for investment committee members, many plan sponsors are seeking ways […]

Overtime Changes Are Coming: Tips on How to Prepare

Unless you have been vacationing on an Internet and news free island, you know that the U.S. Department of Labor has proposed an overtime regulation overhaul that would increase the salary level an employee must meet to be considered exempt from overtime pay from $455 per week to $970 per week in 2016 (based on […]

Retroactivity for Same-gender Spouses Goes Back to June 2013

IRS on April 4 said rules that do not distinguish between same- and opposite-gender married couples in tax and federal retirement plan provisions will be in effect retroactive to June 26, 2013. This date is when the U.S. Supreme Court held in U.S. v. Windsor, S. Ct. 2675 (2013) that the lack of recognition of […]

Do You Offer Financial Training?

You know that personal problems can have an adverse effect on employee performance. And one of the biggest personal problems is often finances–a burden which can sometimes come into stark focus at this time of year when holiday spending binges may occur. But even ongoing financial responsibilities can sometimes get out of hand–sometimes through no […]

Is a HIPAA Audit Coming Soon to a Workplace Near You?

By BLR Legal Editor Jennifer Carsen, JD As a part of its continued efforts to assess compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has begun a round of audits of covered entities and their business […]

Employee Excellence: No Tune-Up Needed

By Jen Carsen, JD I love my sturdy little Subaru – the all-wheel drive is particularly appreciated during our snowy New England winters! – but it’s a 2005 model that’s getting on in years (aren’t we all…). So I spend a fair amount of time at the auto body shop getting things looked at, tweaked, […]

Why Employers Can’t Ignore Social Networking Sites

Over the last several years, social networking websites like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter have evolved to the point where most employees use at least one, if not several, of them throughout each day. Social networking sites provide an easily accessible medium for individuals to stay in contact with friends, colleagues, clients, prospective clients, and […]