DOL updates FMLA definition of spouse
Workers in legal, same-sex marriages no matter what state they live in will now have the same rights as those in opposite-sex marriages to federal job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Quality of life benefits
Majority of employers offer some sort of PTO; decline seen for caregiving
As the discussion on paid leave continues, a majority of employers say they are already offering some sort of personal time off … but declines have been noted in paid time for caregivers.
Wellness metrics moving beyond health care costs
More and more employers are looking beyond curbing health care costs when measuring the success of health and wellness programs.
DC plan participants keeping their cool but ‘disruptions’ prove costly
Although many defined contribution plan participants would benefit from setting aside more dollars in their retirement savings accounts, they at least are holding a steady course when it comes to tapping retirement savings prematurely.
DB plan sponsors actively look at risk management options
While there are several reasons pension plan sponsors are looking to address risk in their plans, reducing Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premiums remains a concern many plan to address in the coming year.
Scope of wellness programs growing
The definition of wellness seems to be broadening, with benefits such as vacation days, community volunteering and workplace celebrations taking the stage as top wellness initiatives,
Getting serious about risk management
Success in todays complex business environment has become greatly dependent upon workforce productivity, and having employees who understand proper safety controls can greatly enhance the chance of increased profitability for an organization.
Benefits Think Are smartphones taking over health care?
Commentary: Collective information is the new frontier when it comes to big data in the health care realm, says Locktons Kayla ONeal
Democrats reintroduce sick leave legislation
Democrats Thursday reintroduced legislation that would allow employees to earn paid sick leave, a benefit 43 million employees dont currently have access to.
Smartphone activity apps as accurate as wearables
Smartphone-based activity and fitness apps are just as accurate as those found on dedicated wearable devices, and may be a more economical alternative for most people.
Employers look to wellness programs to combat absenteeism
For employers battling absenteeism or looking to reinvent current policies, creating a solid philosophy which includes robust return-to-work and employee wellness programs will be vital in increasing attendance.
The high price tag of not taking an Rx, and how employers can help
Would saving an extra $200 billion in health care costs a year sound nice? No, its not another ploy to get rid of the ACA for once. Annually, between $100 billion and $289 billion is spent on hospital visits due to patients failing to adhere to their prescription medicines
401(k) plan ‘leakage’ undermines employee retirement security
401(k) plans have spun a leak, as a growing number of in-service withdrawals are hurting retirement readiness.
Employers expected to tackle health care costs through wellness
In the next five years, when it comes to managing costs, wellness offerings and family coverage, C-level executives and benefit managers both cite four changes expected in the next five years, but executives and managers each weigh in differently on their importance.
Industry pressing the case for income solutions for DC plans
Annuity providers are putting on a full-court press to encourage employers to give serious consideration to incorporating lifetime income solutions to their defined contribution plan participants.
When is the worst time to launch a wellness program?
Corporate spending on wellness programs is surging, but motivating employees to use them continues to be a rather expensive struggle. There are lots of reasons for this, but a really unfortunate one is bad timing.
Anthem hacked in sophisticated attack on customer data
The information compromised includes names, birthdates, Social Security numbers, street and e-mail addresses and employee data, including income, Anthem said.
Financial stress levels deemed too high
Significant numbers of Americans, and therefore employees, are stressing about their financial situation at a level deemed too high by the American Psychological Association.
The pros and cons of unlimited PTO
An emerging company policy known as unlimited vacation or unlimited PTO (paid time-off) is gaining headlines again. What is unlimited vacation? Why are companies implementing it? And what are its pros and cons?
Re-introduced Retirement Security Act could boost 401(k) deferrals
A bipartisan legislative proposal to spur greater sponsorship of retirement plans by smaller employers and higher deferral levels by plan participants has been proposed once again in Washington.