Human Resources (HR) Archives

Five Tips for a Successful Benefits Open Enrollment

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

07 Sep 202307 Sep 2023

The arrival of fall signals the start of benefits open enrollment season for many organizations. A 2020 International Foundation survey found that benefits open enrollment periods most often begin in October and November—which means open enrollment starts in just a few weeks […]

Employee Benefits Flexible Work Options Human Resources (HR) U.S. Work Life Balance

New Data Released on Four-Day Workweeks

Cara McMullin

06 Sep 202306 Sep 2023

A new survey report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans reveals the flexible work arrangements offered by companies across the United States. Key findings from Four-Day Workweek: 2023 Survey Results include the type of non-traditional schedules offered, and reasons for and challenges of […]

Employee Benefits Human Resources (HR) U.S.

New Survey Results—Companies Outsource 40% of Their Benefits Functions

Cara McMullin

29 Aug 202329 Aug 2023

A new survey report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans reveals the operations and staffing practices of corporate benefits departments across the United States. Key findings from Corporate Benefits Departments: Staffing include outsourcing strategies, the greatest challenges facing benefits departments, […]

Communication Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits Health Care Human Resources (HR) LGBTQ+ Mental Health U.S. Wellness

Addressing the Unique Needs of the LGBTQ+ Community

Anne Newhouse

03 Aug 202303 Aug 2023

Strategies for creating the best mix of employee benefit plans are as varied as the organizations that offer them. In the current business climate, especially coming out of the pandemic period, attracting and retaining the best employees feels like an art form […]

Communication Employee Benefits Health Care Human Resources (HR) Insurance Wellness

Health Insurance Caught in a New Pickle

Jonas Leyrer, CEBS

05 Jul 202305 Jul 2023

For anyone familiar with retirement communities, the rise in the popularity of pickleball is nothing new. The tennis-like game which was played by 3-4 million (mostly older) Americans in the late 2010s, has exploded in popularity to nearly 9 million US players […]

Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Flexible Work Options FMLA Health Care Human Resources (HR) Legislative Paid Leave Parental Leave Regulatory U.S.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: What Plan Sponsors Need to Know

Anne Patterson

03 Jul 202303 Jul 2023

Last week, a new U.S. law took effect requiring fair accommodations for pregnant Americans. My ears perked up not only as an employee benefits enthusiast but because I’m about to welcome my second child next month and am on high alert for […]

Communication Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Human Resources (HR) Paid Leave Paid Time Off (PTO) U.S. Vacation Wellness Work Life Balance

Hot Summer Topic—PTO and Vacation Benefits

Bella Tomaw

02 Jun 202302 Jun 2023

Whether it’s a family road trip with fruit snacks and beef jerky, getting another stamp or two on your passport, or enjoying your own community with a staycation, time off is a hot topic for many employees across the United States as […]

Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Health Care Human Resources (HR) Insurance Prescription Drugs U.S. Wellness

The Rise of Gender-Affirmation Health Care Benefits

Anne Patterson

11 May 202311 May 2023

Gender-affirmation health care benefit offerings have been on the rise over the past seven years, according to survey data from the International Foundation. Up from 12 percent in 2016, 30 percent of U.S. employers now offer the benefit. I spoke with Julie […]

Compliance Dependent Care Disability Benefits Employee Benefits FMLA Health Care Human Resources (HR) Paid Leave Paid Time Off (PTO) Parental Leave Retirement Wellness Work Life Balance

In a Benefits Plan Far, Far Away

Julie Stich, CEBS

04 May 202309 May 2023

Over the past several years, May 4 has skyrocketed in popularity as Star Wars Day—as in, “May the Fourth be with you.” In honor of May the Fourth, we thought it would be fun to continue the rebellion against convention by using Star […]

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Compliance DOL Employee Benefits Health Care Human Resources (HR) Insurance Prescription Drugs

**ACA Preventive Services Requirements Struck Down: Braidwood Management v. Becerra Explainer**

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

26 Apr 202326 Apr 2023

As a result of ongoing litigation, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury (the departments) cannot enforce some Affordable Care Act (ACA) preventive care requirements, but the departments strongly encourage plan sponsors to keep coverage without […]