Tag: benefits

At Public Meeting, FTC Indicated Intent to Prosecute Unreasonable Noncompetes

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a half-day program on January 27, 2026, focused on employee noncompetes. The FTC indicated its intent to pursue prosecution of agreements that violate antitrust or otherwise inappropriately limit employee choice. However, the commission is not reproposing the prior rule banning all noncompetes. If workers have issues, the agency suggests […]

Can You Fire Employees Who Don’t Return FMLA Forms?

Q: If an employee takes sick leave but hasn’t completed and returned a Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) form, can the employer lawfully terminate employment? Both employers and employees have responsibilities when FMLA-qualifying leave is involved, including timely notice and compliance with employer policies. To assess what happens when an employee takes potentially FMLA-qualifying […]

Guns at Work: Keeping Employees Safe in Troubling Times

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly two million American workers report experiencing some type of workplace violence annually. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), homicide accounted for nearly 9% of all on-the-job fatalities in 2023 (the most recent data available). Suicide accounted for another 5%. With civil […]

Nurses Aren’t Burned Out, They’re Being Burned by the System 

A growing body of workforce data is pointing to an uncomfortable truth. Nursing burnout is an active threat to workforce stability across healthcare. In a recent survey issued to registered nurses nationwide, 53% of respondents reported seriously considering leaving the profession at least once a month over a six-month period. This level of recurring intent to exit […]

Department of Labor Issues FLSA Guidance in Recent Opinion Letters

Earlier this year, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued opinion letters offering employers guidance regarding certain wage and hour matters under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). While these opinion letters are nonbinding, courts often defer to these letters when presented with similar issues. The letters also offer employers valuable insight into the DOL’s interpretation […]

HR Query: The 20-Year Reversal: Why the Gender Gap is Widening and How HR Can Fix It

After two decades of steady progress, the data is sending a warning shot. According to the Census Bureau, 2025 marked the second consecutive year the gender pay gap has widened. We sat down with Shelly MacConnell, Chief Strategy Officer at WIN, to discuss why the old playbook is failing and what “female-friendly” benefits actually look […]

Beyond HIPAA: Navigating the ‘More Stringent’ Standard

In light of the February 16, 2026, deadline for covered entities to update their notice of privacy practices (NPP), covered entities should consider “more stringent” state laws that may apply to these updated forms and require compliance. The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rule sets the floor for privacy protections and […]

Telehealth and Tax-free Funds: A Perfect Match for Employees 

The healthy intentions set for the new year have already come and gone for most of your employees. But as HR pros, you can reinvigorate or bolster health goals by educating employees about benefits that directly support their needs.   According to recent surveys, three in 10 Americans have set resolutions for 2026, with the most common goals focusing […]

Should I Offer Ownership to My Key Employees?

One of the most difficult parts of owning a business is finding great employees. Successful business owners know they cannot be everywhere at once and therefore must rely on their key employees. Sometimes retaining key employees becomes vital not only for day-to-day operations but also for the future success of the business. This drives many […]

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Rethinking Employee Wellness: Self-Care, Mindfulness, and the Power of Play 

There is a real disconnect in the culture of American companies. A recent Gallup survey of Chief Human Resource Officers reveals that employee wellbeing ranks among the top organizational priorities of the year, however, it has yet to make a difference in the workforce as only 21% of employees agree their organization cares about their overall wellbeing. This is a record […]