Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Commentary: Congratulations on making it through one of the most legally and administratively challenging years in employee benefits history. But, as you know, employee benefits never sleep. Here is the 2016 ABC’s of employee benefits – what Contributing Editor Ed Bray calls the annual “just tell me what I need to do” list.

More than a year after the NLRB's momentous Purple Communications, Inc. decision, determining that employers must allow off-duty employees to use the company email system to engage in activities like union organizing, we reflect on the continued haze and lack of clarity in this critical area.

Commentary: When it comes to leave policies, the name of the game is retaining engaged and productive employees, says Willis Towers Watson's Mary Tavarozzi.

Commentary: While many employees see the start to 2016 as the prime time to implement a wellness regimen, inevitable challenges – especially in the workplace – can quickly quash that fervor.

Commentary: The President’s speech was short on new policy changes but instead focused on current Administration efforts that have begun but are not yet finished.

Commentary: Measuring the value of an employer’s investment in an onsite clinic is hard, but not impossible. Analyses should focus on three primary areas, say Verisk Health’s Sam Stearns and Jon Edwards.

Commentary: Generalizing about wellness program results isn’t very illuminating. Outcomes vary widely depending on the context in which they are being implemented. It’s also critical to understand exactly what – and how – programs are actually being measured.

Commentary: Voluntary benefits have transitioned in recent years from being “something extra” to becoming a mainstay in the employee benefits package. Elizabeth Halkos predicts employers will see widespread customization of voluntary benefits in 2016.

Commentary: With final ADA and GINA wellness program regulations expected this year from the EEOC, 2016 looks to be an important year for regulation of these programs.

Commentary: When it comes to managing health across the workforce, obesity is not typically addressed with the same intention and methodology applied to other major risks and diseases.