On the day of his inauguration and transition into the White house, President Biden signed an executive order requiring all federal agencies to ensure rules and regulations prohibit workplace discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, expanding protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. The order codifies …
President Joe Biden recently outlined his American Rescue Plan for economic relief from the coronavirus — citing the need for a more robust vaccination plan, as well as additional direct payments to American families to aid in the recovery effort of the U.S. economy. “The very health of our nation …
In 2020, we focused on our physical health by protecting ourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. In doing so, we have also realized the importance of simultaneously prioritizing our mental health and well-being. Prior to the pandemic, 5% of employees reported they experienced impaired mental health. Now, 18% …
To maintain their deterrent effect each year, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, requires the Department to annually adjust its civil monetary penalty levels for inflation no later than January 15th. The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its 2021 inflation-adjusted civil monetary penalties that may be …
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued two proposed rules regarding wellness programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA). The proposed rules address what level of incentives employers may lawfully offer to encourage employee participation in wellness programs that require …
Effective and consistent communication has always been key to maintaining healthy relationships and one’s mental health. Throughout the pandemic, a multitude of caregivers and family members have had to self-isolate, leaving older adults without essential human contact and care. Papa, an on-demand assistance service that pairs older adults and families …
The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued final regulations regarding the deduction for qualified transportation fringe (QTF) expenses. The regulations became effective upon publication and replaced proposed regulations and interim guidance provided in IRS Notice 2018-99. Key issues addressed by the final regulations include: If an …
Included in the Stimulus Package passed by Congress on December 21, 2020 are changes pertaining to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCA). The package is expected to be signed into law by President Trump. We have outlined notable changes below for your review, which include but are …
On December 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. The bill has been sent to President Trump, and he is expected to sign it into law. Notably, the bill provides funding for unemployment benefits, small businesses, direct economic payments to …
With three in four professionals now working from home, employees have and continue to adapt to new work environments. From transforming bedrooms into offices to converting breakfast nooks to workspaces, employees may be finding themselves with less space and time for their health and overall well-being. Fitness and well-being offerings …
With compounding layers of difficulty caused by the pandemic and the uncertainty that lies ahead, employers and employees are experiencing a great deal of worry and distress both at home and in the workplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised people not to travel for the …
Since COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency, Operation Warp Speed has been working towards producing and delivering 300 million doses of safe and effective vaccines. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), multiple COVID-19 vaccines are currently being developed; which means additional coverage may be necessary …
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Revenue Procedure 2020-45, which includes cost-of-living adjustments for employee qualified transportation fringe benefits for the 2021 taxable year. The combined 2021 monthly limit for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle and a transit pass remains unchanged at $270. For qualified parking, the monthly limit …
From payments to policies, to prescriptions and rising healthcare costs, the outcome of the 2020 presidential election will influence the future of the U.S. healthcare system. As we approach the 2020 presidential election, healthcare is definitely top of mind for Americans. According to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family …
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have and will continue to face adjustments to accommodate their employees’ needs. For instance, employees are increasingly aware of their healthcare coverage and the need to make the right elections to benefit their own physical, mental and financial well-being and that of their family …
