Blog

  • What Is a Total Rewards Package?

    What Is a Total Rewards Package?

    Total rewards packages refer to the compensation and benefits plans that companies offer. This phrase, however, extends beyond mere salary or wages and traditional benefits, like health insurance, to provide both recruits and employees with a rundown of what makes the employer special. Some in Human Resources might regard the total rewards package as the…

  • Up and Away – Healthcare Costs Are Taking Off

    Up and Away – Healthcare Costs Are Taking Off

    Healthcare costs, and consequently employee health benefit costs, have been growing at an alarming rate in recent years. The U.S. as a nation spends more on health care than any other developed country but has worse health outcomes.  How is this possible? Four Key Factors Driving U.S. Healthcare Costs: Aging Population Healthcare gets more expensive…

  • Employee Engagement: 8 Ways to Reward a Job Well Done

    Employee Engagement: 8 Ways to Reward a Job Well Done

    At a time when many companies are trying to “do more with less,” employees are feeling overworked and underappreciated. To remedy this problem, Human Resources can help organizations foster robust rewards programs. When budgets are tight, bonuses might not be possible. Recently, however, HR Exchange Network asked users of Terkel.io to share their suggestions for rewards, and they offered…

  • Volunteering and It’s Surprising Mental Health Benefits

    Volunteering and It’s Surprising Mental Health Benefits

    Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in people’s lives and often serve with the intention of helping others. But, did you know that volunteering can benefit your mental health as well? While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge…

  • Employee Benefit Trends: What is a Lifestyle Spending Account?

    Employee Benefit Trends: What is a Lifestyle Spending Account?

    A Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) offers employers an opportunity to help fund health and wellness costs that a traditional group health plan won’t cover. LSAs are often used as perks to attract and retain quality employees and could be a desirable piece of the employee benefits puzzle. What Is a Lifestyle Spending Account? A Lifestyle…

  • Compliance Recap – March 2023

    Compliance Recap – March 2023

    IRS RELEASES 2024 EMPLOYER SHARED RESPONSIBILITY PROVISION PENALTIES The dollar amount used to calculate the employer shared responsibility provision penalties (ESRP) has been provided for 2024. As background, the penalties can be assessed under Code § 4980H(a) if an applicable large employer (ALE) fails to offer minimum essential coverage to the required number of full-time…

  • Two Areas Impacting Benefits When the COVID-19 Emergencies End

    Two Areas Impacting Benefits When the COVID-19 Emergencies End

    When the COVID-19 public health emergency and national emergency were declared in 2020, no one anticipated they would still be in place in 2023. On January 30, 2023, the President announced the intent to end the emergencies on May 11, 2023. The impact of the emergencies on employer-sponsored benefits affected certain coverages, reimbursements, and timelines.…

  • Fact Sheet for Consumers About the  End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

    Fact Sheet for Consumers About the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a consumer-facing fact sheet to help people know what to expect at the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). The Department of Health and Human Services is planning for the federal PHE and the COVID-19 national emergency to expire at the end of the day…

  • Benefits 101: Vision Insurance

    Benefits 101: Vision Insurance

    According to WebMD, the eyes are the most highly developed sensory organs in your body. Did you know that more of your brain is dedicated to the sense of sight than to all of the other senses combined? So, it makes sense that you would do all that you can to protect and care for these…

  • Retention Ideas in a Recession

    Retention Ideas in a Recession

    Employee engagement is the top priority of respondents to HR Exchange Network’s latest State of HR survey. Obviously, employers are keen to engage employees to increase productivity and retention. However, the economic downturn and inflation is complicating matters, and Human Resources leaders are seeking new ways to reach talent. Recently, Eric Mochnacz, strategic senior HR leader and Director…