Word on Benefits

Stronger Organizations: Your Role in Diversity and Inclusion

Stacy Van Alstyne, CEBS

25 May 202123 Jul 2021

Today marks one year since George Floyd was killed. His death sparked nationwide protests and renewed social justice movements and conversations around race. For organizations across the U.S. and Canada, the last 12 months have been a time to examine how to embrace […]

Employee Benefits ERISA Investments Multiemployer Regulatory Retirement U.S.

Know Your Plan Custodian: What Does a Benefits Plan Custodian Do?

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

24 May 202120 May 2021

As the safekeeper of plan assets, custodians are among the service providers that multiemployer benefit plan trustees have a fiduciary duty to monitor. Yet plan custodians are not discussed as often as other service providers—especially those referred to as the A-Team: the […]

Canada Employee Benefits Health Care Wellness

Legal and Practical Considerations for Virtual Health Care in Canada

Alyssa Hodder

19 May 202118 May 2021

There’s no question that the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual health care in Canada, but we’re now learning that it’s not just a transitional measure. A panel at our recent virtual conference, Today’s Legal and Legislative Landscape Across Canada, explored […]

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A Growing Number of Employers Offer Juneteenth as a Paid Holiday

Anne Patterson

18 May 202117 Jun 2021

Update: On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a new federal holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day is now the 12th legal public holiday in the United States, and the first one created since Martin Luther King […]

Employee Benefits Health Care U.S.

COBRA’s Interaction With HSAs, HRAs and FSAs

Anne Newhouse

17 May 202113 May 2021

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), signed into law on March 11, 2021, contains new COBRA provisions, including a subsidy for the full monthly COBRA premium from April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. Our March 25, 2021 blog addressed […]

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Set—and Measure—Specific Goals to Improve Your Investments in DEI

Robbie Hartman, CEBS

11 May 202111 May 2021

Investments in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have consistently been mentioned as a top goal for companies in 2021—with studies to back up the relationship between improved DEI and improved business metrics—but a survey of 800-plus human resources (HR) professionals revealed that […]

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SECURE Act Guidance: What DC Plan Sponsors Need to Know

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

10 May 202110 May 2021

Federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Labor (DOL), have been busy issuing guidance on some of the more complex provisions of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act since it was signed into law […]

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How Have Women Been Challenged During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Alyssa Hodder

06 May 202111 May 2021

“How can I work and take care of my kids? I don’t have any childcare right now.” “Sorry, honey, but you’ll have to wait until after this Zoom call.” “I didn’t have time to write that report today, but I’ll work a […]

Employee Benefits Mental Health Talking Benefits Podcast U.S. Wellness

What Sparks Joy? Building Resilience in Your Workforce

Anne Patterson

05 May 202104 May 2021

The theme of this month’s Talking Benefits podcast episode is building resilience, and finding things that spark joy, which is something that helps build resilience. Resilience is shaped by a person’s past experiences, and their social support network, among other things. Luckily […]

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New Report: Impact of COVID-19 on Pensions and Benefits in Canada

Staff

04 May 202104 May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant implications for workplaces across the world, and employers and workers have needed to make difficult decisions regarding retirement, health and paid leave benefits. A new International Foundation report, Impact of COVID-19 on Pensions and Benefits in Canada: […]