Category: Benefits and Compensation

This topic provides guidance on how to handle compensation issues in a way that attracts and retains the best talent and advances the strategic goals of your business. You get news and tips on what’s going on nationally and in the states, and updates on changes in regulations, possible governmental action, and emerging compensation trends.

5 Ways FSAs Can Help Employees Save Money and Start the New Year in Good Health

During the holidays, when stress can run high and finances low, it’s more important than ever that employees understand how to use their flexible spending account (FSA). However, lack of awareness and understanding of what’s eligible can cause employees to leave FSA funds on the table at the end of the year. According to an […]

Pay Attention to Employer Considerations Following Wave of 401(k) Forfeiture Lawsuits

Over the past year, numerous employers and their 401(k) plan fiduciaries have faced lawsuits regarding how forfeited employer contributions to their 401(k) plan are used. This wave of lawsuits began approximately a year ago when an employees’ law firm filed putative class action lawsuits raising this novel claim in California federal courts against multiple large […]

Bar the door: Actionable Tips for Defending FMLA Claims

Good timing can mean the difference between success and failure, and waiting too late can cost you—as a transit employee discovered the hard way. Although this case comes from a different state, it’s still helpful when defending Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claims in Texas. Chronic Serious Health Condition As a threshold matter under […]

Ask the Expert: How Far Does the FMLA’s Reach Extend When It Comes to Family Members?

Question: We have an employee who took four days off to tend to his daughter in the hospital after she received a C-section and another who wants to take three weeks off to assist her sibling going through chemotherapy. Would the absences in both scenarios fall under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Answer: […]

Best of Benefits & Compensation 2024

Benefits and compensation packages play a major role in employee happiness and retention. Forbes found that employees have been prioritizing paid leave, reproductive benefits, menopause benefits, and family forming benefits. But, the bottom line that most workers look for in an employer is “benefits transparency.” As a leader, do you measure up to these expectations? […]

How to Create a Winning Total Rewards Strategy in 2025

In 2025, companies aiming to stay competitive will need to transition from fragmented compensation and benefits programs to a unified total rewards strategy that aligns employee support and expectations with core business objectives. This strategy should cover every aspect of the employee experience—from employee well-being and compensation to career growth.   By implementing a comprehensive, […]

Emergency Savings: The Unsung Hero of Retirement Security 

In employee benefits and retirement planning, we often focus on 401(k)s and other long-term savings vehicles. However, a critical piece of the financial security puzzle is often overlooked: emergency savings. For HR and benefits professionals, understanding the importance of emergency savings accounts (ESAs) is crucial to developing comprehensive financial wellness programs that truly serve employees.  […]

In Colorado, Holiday Incentive Pay Must Be Included When Calculating Regular Rate

On January 12, 2024, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to employers in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as two other states not included in Mountain West Employment Law Letter) asked the Colorado Supreme Court to clarify whether holiday incentive pay must be included when calculating an employee’s […]

Employees Struggle with Child Care: Do Employers Have Answers?

Organizations spend significant time and energy on recruiting and retaining valuable talent, but those efforts can be dashed if workers are so stressed over the cost and availability of child care that they can’t concentrate on work. So, what solutions can help employees manage their family responsibilities and benefit employers, too? Understanding the Costs for […]

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Federal Law Requires Employers to Provide Pregnancy-Related Leave

We occasionally hear from clients asking if their employees have to be employed for 12 months and work 1,250 hours to qualify for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) or if they qualify as soon as they begin employment. The question appears to conflate aspects of the PWFA with a similar but distinct federal labor […]