Tag: benefits

Here’s What You Need to Know About HIPAA’s February 2026 Compliance Deadline

Updates to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) notice of privacy practices (NPP) are required by February 16, 2026. Below is an overview of what changes are required and how health plan sponsors can comply. Background HIPAA requires covered entities, including group health plans, to maintain and distribute NPPs that outline how a […]

Flu Got You Down? Read Twice, Then Call Your Lawyer

The flu is spreading like wildfire! So, is a flu-caused absence protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Calling Out Sick Here’s a typical scenario: Employee is off for four days. He calls in and says he has the flu. He returns to work. The company has an absence control policy. The question: […]

State Leave Laws Continue to Expand in 2026: What Multistate Employers Should Know

The new year, as always, brings with it new developments in labor and employment law. Likewise, the ever-growing labyrinth of state and local paid leave laws, including paid sick leave and family and medical leave laws, continues to develop in 2026. Some states have expanded their existing leave provisions, while others are enacting wholly new […]

Protected Concerted Activity: Navigating the Rise of Employee Activism

From pay transparency to remote work, employees are increasingly vocal about working conditions both in the office and online. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees—union and nonunion alike—when they engage in concerted activity to address terms and conditions of employment. Employers can’t discharge, discipline, or threaten employees for engaging in protected concerted activity […]

No Peace in Quiet: What to Consider as New Lawsuits Challenge Voluntary Benefits

In a new wave of lawsuits filed under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), four employers were sued during the recent holiday season for allegedly breaching ERISA fiduciary duties regarding their voluntary benefits insurance offerings. The voluntary benefits at issue are accident insurance, critical illness insurance, cancer insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance. […]

HRDA Frankly Speaking: The Gen Z Workplace Weakness: Ambiguity

The world of work is changing now more than ever, and to keep up, many businesses are becoming more and more ambiguous in their role descriptions, hierarchy, and goals. How can you provide detail in a world where policy and technology change ever few hours? While fluidity may become the new workplace standard, experts are […]

Unions Winning Nearly 80% of Elections, But Fewer Elections are Held

The numbers told the story for unions in 2025—if representation elections were pie, unions claimed a much larger slice of a smaller pie. Here’s what employers need to know. Looking at the Numbers Since January 1, 2025, unions won 79.3% of 1,162 representation elections conducted—a decline from 1,336 representation elections during the same time period […]

Best of HR Works Podcast (Video)

For the past year, HR Works has been bringing you the most pressing HR issues out there and talking with the best professionals in the business to provide actionable solutions and formative advice for our listeners. Want to listen to the top moments from the year? Check out the best of the HR Works Podcast […]

Best of HRDA Frankly Speaking (Part 2)

From AI and HR data to recruitment and empathetic leadership, HRDA’s Frankly Speaking series goes straight to the source. We’ve tapped top HR industry experts to give you the actionable insights you need to navigate today’s hottest topics. Here are the most-viewed insights you can’t miss. A Staples VP on AI’s Real Value At SPARK Talent 2025, […]

The Holiday Gift Employers Don’t Want—Mitigating Risk During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is generally a time for celebration. However, employers should be vigilant in their efforts to mitigate risks for employment claims. Below are some issues to keep in mind. Make Your List and Check it Twice Audit employment records: Ensure personnel files, I-9s, and payroll records are complete and accurate. Michigan has specific requirements […]