Compensation & Benefits

How can we avoid W-2 glitches?

08/12/2013

Question: On last year’s W-2s, Accuwage flagged a Social Security number (SSN) beginning with a nine. We called the Social Security Administration (SSA) and were advised to enter nine zeros for this SSN. We later learned that the SSN was an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Should we have reported the nine zeros or the ITIN, even though the W-2 instructions say not to accept an ITIN from an employee?

Slower health care cost growth may be lasting trend

08/12/2013

The cost of health care is expected to rise just 6.5% in 2014, according to a new report by the consulting firm PwC, a full percentage point lower than the 7.5% growth rate projected for 2013. Even better news: PwC analysts believe this might not be just a year-to-year dip.

What’s next after child support withholding obligation is fulfilled?

08/09/2013

Question: An employee said he fulfilled his child support obligation. The state faxed us corroborating information, but not on the federal Income Withholding Order (IWO), so withholding continues. Must states use the IWO to inform employers to stop withholding?

Obesity is Now a ‘Disease,’ AMA says; What’s That Mean for HR?

08/09/2013

The American Medical Association (AMA) this summer officially designated obesity as a “disease”—instead of as a condition. The AMA’s designation does not carry any official change in the law or regulations. But experts say it could increase the likelihood that obese employees will be deemed “disabled” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), plus increase your organization’s workers’ comp costs.

Hospital pumps benefits for nonsmoking employees

08/08/2013

As long as they don’t smoke, the 600 employees of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore can get free annual physical exams and discounted medical plan premiums.

What are the rules for compensating nonexempts for overnight travel?

08/07/2013

Q. Several of our employees will be required to travel to another state for a seminar. What’s the rule for compensating nonexempt employees who take overnight business trips?

Retirement plans defined: A lexicon of benefits options

08/07/2013

Regardless of the kind of retirement plan your company offers, it pays to know what all your company’s options are. Here are definitions of five basic kinds of retirement plans.

Show-and-tell priorities: Kids, pets, parents

08/05/2013

Among American employers, 23% provide “Take your children to work” days, according to a recent SHRM survey.

What’s the right way to record work shifts?

08/01/2013

Q: How do we record this work shift: Our workweek begins and ends at midnight on Sunday. An employee works eight hours Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 40 hours, and then works an additional shift from 6:00 p.m. Saturday to 3:00 a.m. on Sunday?

2014: Renew your focus on top performers’ pay

07/31/2013

As the economy slowly gains strength, so do pay increases doled out by U.S. employers. Employers, on average, anticipate increasing employee salaries by 2.9% in 2014, a marginal boost from 2.8% this year and 2.7% in 2012 and 2011, according to an annual survey by consulting firm Mercer.