Human Resources (HR)

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

Anne Patterson
 

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 […]

Hot Summer Topic—PTO and Vacation Benefits

Guest Contributor
 

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 […]

The Rise of Gender-Affirmation Health Care Benefits

Anne Patterson
 

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 […]

In a Benefits Plan Far, Far Away

Julie Stich, CEBS
 

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 […]

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

Jenny Gartman, CEBS
 

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 […]

Building a Better Work-Life Blend at Your Organization

Anne Patterson
 

Work-life balance is an idea that’s been tossed around for decades, and organizations have paid a lot of attention to the term, particularly over the last three years as the line between work and life has blurred. But the term work-life blend may […]

2023 Outlook on Respiratory Illnesses and the Workforce

Jenny Gartman, CEBS
 

At this time of year in cold climates, airborne illnesses (influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19) persistently impact families and workplaces. Influenza is a well-known endemic. Endemic means persistent—It will not go away, and it won’t get much worse or better. Influenza […]

68% of Employers Are Planning Salary Increases for 2023

Anne Patterson
 

Organizations are planning salary increases and closely examining their total rewards packages for the year ahead in response to changing workforce demands. The International Foundation surveyed U.S. employers and found that 68% plan to offer salary increases for all workers in 2023. […]