Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

After a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision and an aggressively contentious national election, those hoping next year will be calmer could be out of luck. Financial experts weigh in on what changes executives and benefits professionals can expect for 2013. (Images: Thinkstock)

The Supreme Court decision on the health care reform law took center stage this year as the most significant case to affect benefit plan sponsors. And while it certainly was an important case, there were other legal decisions in 2012 that have considerable implications for plan sponsors. EBN asked four benefits lawyers — Dickinson Wright’s Cynthia Moore, Seyfarth Shaw’s Mark Casciari, McDermott Will & Emery’s Todd Solomon and Proskauer’s Howard Shapiro — for their views on some of the year’s most important cases. [Images: Thinkstock]

As congressional leaders and President Obama attempt to hammer out a deal to prevent the nation from going over the “fiscal cliff” — a series of tax hikes for individuals and businesses that economists say could imperil the fragile recovery — HR/benefits professionals can prepare now, write benefit attorneys Diane Morgenthaler and Ruth Wimer, partners at law firm McDermott Will & Emery. Just in case we go over the “fiscal cliff,” Morganthaler and Wimer’s report outlines four benefit and payroll areas that should be top of mind for practitioners. (Images: Thinkstock)

Strong managers and CEOs customize their leadership styles, finding the most appropriate technique for their team and situation. In their book “Primal Leadership,” authors Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee describe six leadership styles that have different effects on the emotions and work output of the employees they manage. [Images: Thinkstock]

Past and present winners of the C. Everett Koop National Health Award gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the award program at the Health Enhancement Research Organization’s 2012 Forum for Employee Health Management Solutions. Here are some of the innovative programs implemented by this year's winners — the State of Nebraska and L.L. Bean — and past award recipients, along with their advice for others. [Images courtesy of HERO]

Some 17% of Americans waste their paid time off, according to a survey by American Express. However, your boss and hairdresser? Not among them. Those are just two on a list of positions that are less likely to leave unused vacation days at the end of the year. On the flip side, employees in other job spheres — such as personal trainers and PR representatives — are chronic PTO neglectors. Check out positions on each list, and see which — perhaps some at your own company — could use a nudge toward better work-life balance. [Images: Thinkstock]

Breaking down the battlegrounds for tonight's election returns, EBN has compiled a list of eight states to watch as the electoral map takes shape to determine whether Barack Obama will win a second term in the White House or Mitt Romney becomes the nation's 45th president. [Images: Thinkstock]

Communicating effectively with upper management is of tremendous importance not just for advancement, but sometimes for getting the task at hand completed as well. Mark Bashrum, ESI International vice president for corporate marketing and strategic intelligence, shares tips for how to have executive conversations effectively – how to talk so that the top brass listens. [Images: Thinkstock]

Saving enough for a comfortable retirement might seem like a scary prospect to employees, but it doesn't have to be. This Halloween, urge plan participants to make the most of their retirement savings by focusing on these 401(k) 'tricks and treats' from Charles Schwab. [Images: Thinkstock]

While American workers may immediately think of health care coverage or retirement plans as typical employee benefits, international employers must tailor benefits and perks to employees with diverse cultural expectations and meet local requirements. In some countries or areas, employees enjoy certain benefits focused on supporting local traditions, raising the standard of living, or rewarding long service, as explored by Mercer’s 2012 Worldwide Benefit & Employment Guidelines. Here are seven intriguing benefit practices from around the world, compiled by Mercer. [Images: Thinkstock]