Tag: benefits

Why “Build Your Own Benefits” Is Reshaping Total Rewards Strategies

Employers have made meaningful strides in expanding benefits in recent years, from IVF and menopause-related care to adoption support. Yet even as the range of offerings increases, the underlying structure of employer benefits has remained largely unchanged: standardized plans, fixed packages and limited flexibility for individual needs. At the same time, workforce expectations are becoming […]

Overtime: Pay It If You Know About It

Sometimes, employers struggle with whether to pay employees for overtime hours they didn’t know the employees were working. As two recent court cases demonstrate, what an employer knew and when it knew it can decide whether a company is obligated to pay for overtime work. Autonomous Agency Manager Jerry Merritt supervised insurance agents in his […]

1st Circuit Says Discrimination Claim Can’t Be Based on a PIP

It used to be pretty well settled in Massachusetts (and many other places) that an employee couldn’t win an employment discrimination case without proving their employer’s allegedly discriminatory actions caused them to suffer meaningful harm—i.e., that the “adverse employment action” their employer took against them was “material.” That changed back in 2024, when the U.S. […]

Best of SPARK HR Podcasts: Part 2

Over the past few months, we’ve had the pleasure of previewing the many fantastic HR leaders set to speak at SPARK HR in the HR Works Podcast, learning the ins and outs of what HR professionals need to know in order to succeed in the modern workforce. The insights were actionable and engaging, and we […]

HRDA Frankly Speaking: The AI Outcomes of SPARK HR

AI is everywhere, but it often feels like its hidden behind a veil of shadow and mystery. Thankfully, Jenessa Disler, Sr. Director of Talent and Succession at McKesson, went on stage to dispel myths and discuss how HR leaders can approach AI in HR and their culture with clarity and compassion. As an HR leader who […]

SPARK HR Day 3 Recap: Intentionality, Humanity, and AI

The final day of SPARK HR is a sad thought, but some of the best conversations were saved for last, and they’re helping HR leaders shape the future they want to see. What does the future of AI look like? Well, that’s up to HR professionals, and how they approach the learning and development of […]

Best of SPARK HR Podcasts: Part 1

Over the past few months, we’ve had the pleasure of previewing the many fantastic HR leaders set to speak at SPARK HR, learning the ins and outs of what HR professionals need to know in order to succeed in the modern workforce. The insights were actionable and engaging, and we want to make sure you […]

EEOC Provides Guidance on Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation

In February 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidance titled “Frequently Asked Questions from the Federal Sector about Telework Accommodations for Disabilities.” Although it’s targeted toward federal agencies, the guidance draws on standards also relevant to private employers covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Alternative Reasonable Accommodations The ADA entitles qualified […]

Garnishments: Understanding Orders to Withhold Wages

During tax season, some people may be excited by the prospect of receiving refund checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or their state’s respective Department of Revenue. For some, those expected payouts may never materialize if there are orders allowing that money to be surrendered to repay things like back taxes or owed child […]

New Employee Benefits Developments for New York Employers

Employers operating in New York face several new employee benefits requirements that require attention. Also, recent developments and litigation trends are increasing compliance and fiduciary risk. Required for 2026—New York State Law On October 8, 2025, New York State launched the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program (the “Program”). The Program is designed to […]