Benefits enrollment is normally done at the time of hire and then during open enrollment — it can be conducted actively or passively. What is active enrollment? Active enrollment requires employees to review their existing benefit choices and make the necessary changes. For example, they can change their 401(k) contribution amount or change their health insurance coverage from employee-only … [Read more...]

The vast majority of states require employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, which helps pay lost wages, medical expenses and rehabilitation costs for employees who are injured while doing a work-related activity. Workers' compensation also helps cover funeral expenses for employees who suffer a work-related fatality. In some cases, it provides death benefits to eligible surviving … [Read more...]

An internal HR audit reveals whether you're complying with the law and helps you avoid potential liabilities and employee lawsuits. Below are some focal points to address during the audit. Recruitment and Hiring Job descriptions, postings and interviews are compliant with federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Interview questions are not … [Read more...]

Remote work is a trend that has grown as more employees of all generations change the way they work. But working remotely at least part of the time works better in some industries than others: An information system manager is more likely to be able to work at home than is a retail store sales associate. It takes a little planning and the right tools to build a successful remote office. It's … [Read more...]

The COVID-19 pandemic put a new spotlight on insurance: who is entitled to it and who isn't when an employee departs. The answer lies in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which generally requires employers with a group health plan and at least 20 employees to temporarily offer continuation of group health coverage that would otherwise have been lost due to a qualifying … [Read more...]

Studies show that the vast majority of employers use payroll software, which saves time by automating manual processes and decreasing administrative labor. The software calculates gross-to-net wages and enables direct deposit payments. However, there's more to payroll than paying wages. To meet your other payroll needs, the software must have five important attributes: integration, … [Read more...]

The success of a benefits program depends on how well it's administered. To improve the outcome, employers often partner with various providers. Here are three factors to consider before selecting a benefits administration partner: 1. Benefits Administration Models Benefits administration can be insourced, co-sourced or outsourced, so you'll need to know which one is appropriate for your … [Read more...]

Whether you're implementing a layoff, furlough or reduction in force (RIF), it's important to use the right term for the action you're taking. This will help ensure accurate communication with affected employees and compliance with associated laws. What is a layoff? Cambridge Dictionary defines a layoff as "an occasion when a company stops employing someone, sometimes temporarily, because … [Read more...]

To determine the appropriate salary for your new hires and employees, start by setting a range for how much an employee in each position should be paid. The salary range can be based on your expectations and the amount of past work experience that you expect a new hire in that position to have. Consider the following tips. Do your research. To attract and retain top talent, your salary range … [Read more...]

We're different people coming out of the pandemic than we were going in. Our values have shifted — we're more aware of our families and how work can either deter us from fully experiencing our lives or help us do so. Especially now, it's incumbent on you to let your employees know what your company's values are so that they know what's important to you and your firm. You very likely have … [Read more...]