Voluntary

Self-funding, Form 5550s and picking the right HSA vendor are some topics employers should consider in the coming year.

Starbucks plans to spend $250 million on new employee benefits, including a pay boost for domestic workers, in the wake of the federal tax overhaul.

Entertainment company also plans to put $50 million into a fund to help hourly employees with tuition costs and plans to provide as much as $25 million annually for that purpose afterward.

Companies should consider adjusting workloads and provide workers with a flexible schedule so they can go to doctors’ appointments.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act removed employer deductions for most commuting expenses, including for tax-exempt companies.

Cost and lack of understanding are the top reasons employers don’t provide perks to their workers.

Human-machine balance, personalized communications and hospital indemnity are among the offerings expected to grow next year, according to MetLife.

Self-funding, Form 5550s and picking the right HSA vendor are some topics employers should consider in the coming year.

American International Group Inc. may be back in the market for large-scale deals.

This could include providing employees with a flexible schedule to attend doctors’ appointments and/or adjusting their workload.