To ensure a successful open enrollment, employers and employees alike must prepare. Employers must update materials and properly communicate benefit offerings to their employee populations. Employees should be familiar with their health needs in order to properly enroll in the most appropriate benefits. Employer preparation Effective communication helps inform employees …
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers found that one in five employees, most of whom work full-time, is also an unpaid caregiver. Caring for a loved one can greatly impact an employee’s health and wellness, regardless of condition or age. Arizent research found that caregiving employees lacking overall support experienced …
February is a time to celebrate the significant impact Black individuals have made throughout history and continue to make in the present. Black History Month is a time to honor, respect, and educate. While it’s important to highlight this special month, these efforts and recognitions should extend year-round. Expanding DEI …
Approximately 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness, which can affect their personal and professional lives. Employees suffering from an untreated mental illness can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and an increase in medical and disability expenses. From these losses, employers stand to lose around $300 billion annually. Fortunately, common …
There are 4 main generations in the 2022 workforce, consisting of Gen Z (around 5%), Millennials (around 35%), Gen X (around 33%), and the Baby Boomers (around 25%). Each of these age groups has their own healthcare wants and needs. Employers should be aware of their employee population and their …
The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor released an initiative with a focus on federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) compliance. The announcement of the initiative stated the division will ensure employers comply with federal labor laws using “vigorous enforcement.” More education and outreach will …
President Biden gave the State of the Union (SOTU) address on March 1, 2022. In his speech, he covered international affairs and domestic matters affecting the workplace. Drug Costs Insulin currently costs hundreds of dollars per month with Biden proposing a $35 per month cap on insulin prices. Similarly, it …
Offering extra perks helps to satisfy unique employee needs. More organizations are recognizing how beneficial voluntary benefits are to employees and their families while many of these benefits come at little to no cost for the employer. Holistic Benefits Offerings A recent Willis Towers Watson survey saw a 58% increase …
Effective January 26, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it is withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccination and weekly testing emergency temporary standard (ETS). Once the notice is published in the Federal Register, the withdrawal will be official. When the ETS was published, OSHA confirmed it was using the ETS …
The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act just advanced to the Senate. If it passes, the bill will require employers with 25 or more employees to allow time and a non-bathroom, private space for lactating parents. This new bill builds off the Fair Labor Standards Act in 2010, where the requirement …
On November 6, 2021, a temporary stay was ordered by the fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The ETS was announced on November 4, 2021, requiring COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing in the workplace. The stay order blocks …
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) on November 4, 2021. The ETS establishes certain requirements for large employers, those with 100 or more employees, in order to protect unvaccinated workers. Large employers are required to comply with most ETS provisions by December …
Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010, many changes have been made. In 2022, there are changes for employers sponsoring group health plans. Plan Design Changes Grandfathered plan status A grandfathered plan is one that existed before the ACA was enacted on March 23, 2010. The Departments …
