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Work / Life Issues

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.

Employees satisfied with benefits, would like help with financial wellness

11/04/2024
Half of employees surveyed expressed at least moderate concern about their financial well-being. Three-quarters of workers said their current level of debt is a problem.

Benefits: Ease young workers’ financial stress

10/15/2024
According to a recent survey conducted by PNC Bank, three in five U.S. workers say they are living paycheck to paycheck. The feeling that they’re skating on financially thin ice is most prevalent among the youngest employees—members of Gen Z and millennials.

The states with most stressed and most chill workers

10/07/2024
A study identified which states offer the best and worst working conditions, based on factors like average hourly earnings, working hours, injury rates, unemployment rates, commute times and remote work.

Reproductive health benefits: A report card on the top 100 companies

09/25/2024
A new report sheds light on the reproductive and maternal health benefits offered by America’s largest employers, which offers insights for companies of all sizes. The report found that major employers now provide family-formation benefits and paid parental leave. Many are also taking innovative approaches to make health coverage more accessible and affordable for workers.

Health, culture and freedom: The new trifecta of job satisfaction

09/25/2024
Gone are the days when a hefty paycheck alone could lure top talent. A recent Bentley-Gallup Business in Society survey reveals a seismic shift in job seekers’ priorities, with flexibility and well-being taking center stage. As the battle for skilled workers intensifies, HR professionals must adapt their strategies to meet these evolving expectations.

Survey says: Consider commuter benefits

09/19/2024
The struggle to entice workers back to the office is proving to be harder than most employers anticipated. One reason is that employees are saving big on commuting costs. If your company is considering commuter benefits, here are some suggestions.