Nick Otto

Congress’ first week was a busy one, as new lawmakers worked to make changes to the Affordable Care Act — changes employers should bear in mind as they develop their benefit plan and ACA compliance strategies in the coming year.

The U.S. House late Thursday passed H.R. 30, the Save American Workers Act, which alters the definition of a full-time employee under the Affordable Care Act.

As one of the new Congress’ first moves, the House passed H.R. 22, which would ease some of the administrative burden of the Affordable Care Act for small employers who hire veterans.

Corporate pension plans took a hit last year, dropping 9 percentage points. Analysts point to two key factors as cause for the decline: falling interest rates and new, lower, mortality rates.

A clearer understanding of changing demographics can help employers better support their workers in prioritizing savings and income security needs.

Last week, the Center for Due Diligence — a staple to the retirement industry — shuttered its Web site following its decades-long run advising industry and leaders.

Employers offering mass transit benefits should make note of recent changes to the allotted amount employees can take out pre-tax, a provision included in the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 which was signed by President Barack Obama on Dec. 19.

Employers who tap into the specific generational needs of their employees and address certain desires could provide an upswing in benefit enrollment.

Reducing health care costs is still the No. 1 reason U.S. employers implement wellness programs.

To really dig deep into private exchanges, it would behoove employers to understand some of the characteristics different exchanges offer.

When it comes to robust retirement systems around the globe, the U.S. is ranked 19 of 150 different countries, and American business – from lawmakers to employers and plan sponsors – can learn from some of those international success stories.

With a still-recovering economy, weakened retirement plan offerings and the uncertainly of supplemental income in retirement, many workers are opting to stay put, adding unforeseen burdens to employers.

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.

As the holidays move into full gear, what should be the most wonderful time of the year is often not that way for many employees. During this potentially overwhelming season, it is important that employees have access to help.

In anticipation of the 2015 tax season, TurboTax is enabling imports of the 1095-A forms, one of the many new tax forms associated with the Affordable Care Act.

Employers are taking a more engaging and firm approach to making sure employees take retirement saving seriously, making use of automatic enrollment and escalation, as well as personalized tools. And both employers and retirement plan providers are noting changes in the savings attitudes of employees.

Employers looking to amplify their employees’ retirement prospects might look to the growing individual retirement account field, as involvement in employer-sponsored retirement plans remains largely unchanged.

Preparing Americans for retirement is at the forefront of priorities for lawmakers and industry, as putting off saving for retirement for even a few years will woefully shortchange employees in their golden years.

Rather than ignoring emails, employees may be more inclined to remember to take part in health offerings such as immunization clinics if notices are sent out via text messages - given our text-obsessed culture.

Depression in the workplace can affect anyone and it takes an emotional toll on those affected, and can also have a significant financial toll on employers. A new program developed by the American Psychiatric Foundation and Employers Health Coalition aims to provide both employers and employees with the tools needed to help combat depression in the workplace.