Practice management

With 2015 fast approaching, employee benefit decision makers are scrambling to ensure that they stay ahead of the curve – particularly as the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate kicks in next month.

A new ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court has employers across the country breathing a sigh of relief, as they will not be required to modify their pay practices in favor a challenge to require employee compensation during security screenings.

If you want to significantly increase your business in 2015 you will have to make some decisions, says columnist Mel Schlesinger, who shares five steps to new sales.

Commentary: Are you ready to move from opaque, largely hidden commission compensation to fully transparent fee compensation? The time is now, says columnist Nelson Griswold.

Delaying health plan renewals appears to be the new normal under the Affordable Care Act, especially for small businesses.

With hiring and turnover levels on the rise, employers are now experiencing challenges with both attracting and retaining employees, especially top performers and high-potential employees.

To the fanfare of many benefit advisers and industry associations, the House on Wednesday passed legislation that aims to cut through the red tape of state-by-state broker and agent licensing, streamline the licensing process and allow for brokers to sell insurance in states across the U.S.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Windsor, and subsequent guidance from the federal government, legal advisers recommend that employers sift through their benefit plans and employee policies to ensure compliance for 2015.

Take a look around the benefits discussion table at many employers these days and you’ll see a wide variety of faces. With clients increasingly tying their benefits strategy to the other departments at their businesses, it’s no surprise that top brokers in the U.S. are taking a closer look at their own company structures in the process.

While overall confidence in senior leadership is on the rise, employers still have room for expanding leadership development programs. One expert advises on aligning the future needs from leadership with the day-to-day activities now.