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Compensation & Benefits

Employers Face Oct. 1 Deadline to Explain Health Insurance Options (7 Tips to Spread the Word)

09/13/2013

This year, the traditional open enrollment season for health benefits coincides with the rollout of massive changes driven by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The law requires employers to inform employees about their coverage options by Oct. 1. Here are seven tips on how to improve your benefits communication during this open enrollment season …

Wellness incentives: Offer some carrots with those sticks

09/13/2013
More than three-fourths of large employers are moving to penalties and/or rewards to help improve employee health, says a recent Midwest Business Group on Health survey. Some companies will offer penalties but no incentives. That could be a mistake. Experts say that incentives alone or combined with penalties work best.

Let’s Go SHOPping

09/13/2013
The one-year delay in the employer play-or-pay provisions of the Affordable Care Act health care reform law has no impact on the individual health insurance exchanges and the health exchanges for small employers, called SHOPs, which open for business this month.

Worksheet for Fourth-Quarter 2013 941 Forms

09/12/2013
In preparation for the end of the year, download a free worksheet to assist you in filling out your quarterly Form 941.

Business can’t dodge ACA on religious grounds

09/11/2013
A panel of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals has tossed out one of the first lawsuits objecting to parts of the Affordable Care Act, ruling that a corporation can’t object to the law on moral grounds.

Brokerage firm lends bikes to fitness-minded employees

09/11/2013
For years, managers at Heffernan Insurance Brokers have organized bike outings for employees who participate in team-building and fitness activities. Now, employees can borrow bicycles from their employer for exercise or running errands.

IRS extends tax-free benefits to all same-sex married couples

09/10/2013
New IRS guidance affirms: Same-sex married employees are entitled to all federal spousal tax benefits, even if they live in a state that doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage.

Wage gap affects women who reach the C-Suite, too

09/10/2013
Women who hold the highest-paid jobs in their companies earn less than their male counterparts at other firms, according to research by Bloomberg News.

How much does that employee really cost?

09/09/2013
Nationwide, the average employee costs his or her employer more than $29 per hour in pay and benefits. However, there are significant regional variations.

2nd Circuit: CEO can be personally liable for FLSA violations

09/06/2013
Here’s a bit of news you may want to pass on to company executives when explaining why they must comply with the letter and the spirit of the FLSA. Tell them they aren’t just putting company assets at risk, but also their own.