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.

advice

Ask an Expert: February 2025 Q&A Roundup

Q        Our company employs EMTs, nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors to provide on-site medical care at locations like construction sites, infrastructure projects, and manufacturing plants. They may not always have another assignment right away but are usually interested in future assignments with the company. In terms of payroll, to avoid repeated extensive onboarding, should we lay […]

retirement

Lost Now Found? Online Retirement Benefits Database Now Live

Employers know that locating terminated vested participants and beneficiaries owed benefits under a retirement plan can be difficult—in part because people move, change jobs, and will forget they may have a balance or benefit owed to them under a prior employer’s plan. However, employers generally have an obligation under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act […]

Case Study: New York State’s Guidance on Paid Prenatal Leave Law

Beginning on January 1, 2025, New York State’s amended Paid Sick Leave Law will require employers to provide New York employees with up to 20 hours of paid leave every year for “prenatal personal leave,” which is defined as “leave taken for the health care services received by an employee during their pregnancy or related […]

Which Companies Have Embraced the 4-Day Work Week?

The idea and allure of a four-day workweek has been bandied about, by both employers and employees, for quite some time now. Still, despite the potential benefits that both might realize, it’s a concept that has yet to see widespread adoption. While some forward-thinking companies across industries are testing or, in some cases, have already […]

Work Smarter, Not Longer: Is the 4-Day Workweek Right for Your Business?

In an era where work-life balance has become a buzzword, the concept of a 4-day workweek has garnered significant attention. Some HR professionals argue that it enhances productivity, improves employee well-being, and could even be the future of work. But is this model suitable for every business? Here are some of the nuances of implementing […]

Data Shows Nearly Half of Workers Don’t Use All Their PTO

A challenging job market, new workplace demands driven by emerging technology, and concerns over job longevity and security are all contributing to stress among workers these days. Add to that an environment in which many employees are grappling with low wages and increasing work demands, and it’s no wonder that companies of all kinds are […]

Continuing Insurance Coverage Through FMLA, Extended Leaves, and Terminations

As many employers discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most complex components of leave can be whether an employee’s health insurance is continued throughout the leave or whether, according to the health insurance contract, it ends if an employee doesn’t meet certain minimum weekly hours worked. Issues of this type can occur during […]

workers'

Ask the Expert: Workers’ Comp, Unemployment, Disability Benefits Generally Not Allowed at Same Time

Q           Can employees collect workers’ compensation at the same time as unemployment or state disability insurance payments? The short answer is no. In Wisconsin, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, and disability insurance are distinct forms of support, each designed to address specific situations. Workers’ comp provides financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or […]

New Labor Market Data Shows Employees Making Compensation Gains

New data from ZipRecruiter’s Q4 New Hires Survey suggests that the labor market gained momentum as 2024 came to a close. Employees are securing higher wages, negotiating offers more aggressively, and receiving better perks—but uncertainty remains. For employers, this means adapting to shifting compensation expectations to attract and retain top talent. Higher Pay & More […]

Amazon’s Legal Fights with NLRB Could Affect Future of Joint Employer Doctrine

Online retailer Amazon receives over 11.95 million orders each day and contracts with delivery service partners (DSPs) to complete its abundant deliveries. Amazon employees, technology, and operations work to fulfill online orders, and the orders are packaged at fulfillment centers and dispatched to delivery stations. At the delivery stations, the DSPs take over. They direct […]