Work / Life Issues

Craft benefits strategies that satisfy multiple generations, from boomers to Gen Z

03/31/2025

Balancing contrasting expectations presents a challenge for HR departments, especially when benefits budgets are tight.

Poll: Cost of health care is now biggest economic problem

02/24/2025

Health-care affordability is a “very big problem” according to 67% of surveyed adults.

‘Right to disconnect’ might be next employee-protection trend

02/07/2025

The smartphones we carry in our pockets and purses give us 24/7/365 access to work-related phone calls, emails and texts—which gives our bosses 24/7/365 access to us. Thus, many managers expect their employees to be available to instantly respond to questions or solve problems. That is taking a mental toll.

With employees ambivalent about bonuses, consider boosting benefits instead

01/23/2025

Make no mistake, employees like bonuses—55% of respondents to a survey by the Agital marketing agency said annual bonuses improve their level of job satisfaction. They just like other things more.

When disaster strikes, create a crisis-support framework for your team

01/21/2025

Smoke fills the sky over Southern California neighborhoods as another fire season forces thousands to evacuate their homes. For HR leaders across the affected communities, the focus shifts from routine operations to a critical mission: supporting employees through a natural disaster. While we can’t control when disasters strike, we can control how we respond to our employees’ needs during these challenging times.

The next wave of talent: Gen Z’s workplace priorities

01/08/2025

The latest generation entering the workforce isn’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re seeking comprehensive benefits packages that prioritize education and long-term financial security.

More flexibility for 401(k) matching funds? IRS open to applying them to other expenses

12/18/2024

For many employees, access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan is one of the most highly prized benefits. Employers often match employee contributions up to a certain percentage of an employee’s annual salary, essentially doubling that employee’s contribution towards retirement. But younger employees tend to leave some of that free money on the table because they can’t afford to contribute their share.

Raise your paw if you’re on board with this new benefit

12/16/2024

The New York City Council is considering legislation that would allow employees who work in the city to take paid leave to care for their sick or injured pets.

Review mental-health benefits to ensure they serve your employees’ needs

11/20/2024

Employee demand for mental-health services has increased and employers are responding. That goes beyond making sure health insurance plans comply with federal law by covering mental-health conditions to the same degree they cover physical conditions.

Building a unique benefits package for your employees

11/13/2024

When employee benefits advisor Patrick Morrison addressed the 2024 HR Specialist Summit audience, he didn’t start with health-care plans or 401(k) matches. Instead, he posed a deceptively simple question: “What do you consider employee benefits?” It’s a question that challenges HR professionals to expand their definition beyond traditional offerings.