Laurie S. Miller, MBA

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act and turning 50 are both inevitable so employers best prepare.

Organizations can break out of the barriers that prevent them from recruiting, attracting and engaging employees through a solution called total rewards. Simply put, it’s everything an employer does to attract and retain its workforce, including pay and benefits.

Enlist your broker as a partner toe help you stay on top of health care reform rules and regulations, writes Contributing Editor Laurie Miller.

When we brought home our NEW cockapoo puppy, Cali, our two older dogs were less than enthusiastic. Our husky, Torik, was patiently annoyed, but our big Akita, Connor, strenuously objected to the rambunctious puppy from the beginning. Cali jumped at Connor's face, chased his tail and ran circles around a dog that was five times her size. In response, Connor barked and growled - we were fearful that he would injure her.

"Start at the divorce and work your way backwards." At our firm, that is what we always advise our employer-clients when they consider entering into a contract with a new vendor. In business, terminating a relationship can have serious ramifications, especially if close attention isn't paid to contractual obligations or a vendor decides to be less than professional.

My son played Sir Studly in our recent community theatre production of "Once Upon a Mattress." He convinced me to join the chorus as a lady-in-waiting. Anticipating three months of quality mother-son bonding time, I readily agreed. I never dreamed, however, how physically demanding the constant singing, dancing and curtseying would be on my body. Even my cheeks hurt as the director constantly exhorted the cast to smile, smile, smile!

With two Harry Potter fans still living at home, our family couldn't wait to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter last week while on vacation in Orlando, Fla. Our family of four "muggles" whizzed around on broomsticks, played Quidditch and drank delicious butter beers in this land of magic and illusion at Universal Studios.

One thing young employees can expect as they enter the workforce is that their employers almost certainly will place a greater employer focus on their health and well-being. This focus is not only for lowering claims costs, but aimed at improving absenteeism and quality of life.

Human resources departments have faced significant cuts due to the economic downturn. Adding the annual benefits marketing to an overloaded schedule can overwhelm an already lean benefits department.

My husband and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Mexico. It was perfect - ice cold Coronas and warm sun. The only drawback (other than the beer-bellied men in Speedos) were the constant solicitations to purchase a time-share.

"I could never work with my mother!" people tell me, shaking their heads as they imagine the trials and tribulations of working with a parent.

My mini-me is a six-year-old named Jessica. For Christmas last year, she begged Santa for a whiteboard with coordinated multi-colored markers.