Category: Benefits and Compensation

BLR’s annual survey of benefits shows a slowing in healthcare cost increases, rising deductibles, and a quarter of employers paying their workers serving in the military. The results of BLR’s annual survey of benefits paid by U.S. companies are in. Here’s what they show. And here’s how to get the report sent to you every […]

As companies compete for talent, housing assistance and free medications head a list of alternatives to traditional benefits. Looking for an employee benefit that will dazzle potential recruits and silence the siren song of competitors trying to steal your stars? Forget about bonuses, or a company car or credit card. The hot ticket in this […]

A study shows that the 401(K) automatic sign-up brings in more participants, but of lower quality. Here also is a tool to track developments as the law goes into effect. A recent Advisor article summarized key changes to company retirement plans brought on by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA). One is that now […]

The nation’s new retirement plan law puts additional compliance burdens on employers, and especially on HR. Here are some of the key changes. The 1990s were boom time in America. The stock market surged and billions were made in the blink of an eye. “Greed is good” was the mantra of the day. But, as […]

Studies show companies offering HSAs experience lower healthcare premiums. Now Congress has made HSAs more attractive. (See box below for news about a special Audio Conference detailing these changes.) If you haven’t yet had your yearly chat with your company’s health insurer, remember these four words when you do: “Don’t shoot the messenger.” That’s because […]

Bonuses are great motivators, but the legalities must be considered. Here’s what you need to think about. The recent Daily Advisor article on bonuses prompted reader questions on how these extra sums paid to workers, at holiday or other times, are viewed by the government, both in terms of taxes withheld and in light of […]

Bonus programs are changing. Some offer alternatives to cash, and others tie the cash to preset individual or team goals. If your employees are popping their heads in and out of their doorways this week, glancing down the corridor with an expectant look on their faces, it’s understandable. They’re waiting to catch sight of their […]

Unless they’re finance people … or lawyers … HR professionals often find handling comp and benefits the hardest part of the job. Here’s a way to make it easier. HR Daily Advisor recently provided a downloadable cost calculator to measure the cost of having employees leave you. There are, however, even greater risks that come […]

Merit increases can help target specific business goals, but as workers take one step forward to claim their reward, make sure they don’t take two steps back. A recent Advisor report on the pay raises employers project for 2007 noted that merit increases for exempt employees will average 3.8 percent, compared with general increases for […]

Despite a generally healthy economy, pay increases are backpedaling. What’s taking their place as motivation? Can you say, “variable pay”? The talent war may be raging, but the big guns that often win recruitment, retention, and worker motivation – significantly larger paychecks – have yet to be brought into the action. That was the key […]