The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has changed the way most employers are interacting with their employees. Many organizations have sent employees home to work remotely, but this isn’t feasible in every industry. If you still need to run an office or operate a facility with employees on-site, you may wonder what you’re legally allowed to do […]
How the CARES Act affects employer-sponsored benefits
By now, most employers have presumably read up on the basic tax relief and financial assistance aspects of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. What you may not have heard much about is how the law affects employer-sponsored benefit plans. Here are some highlights of its impact: Coverage mandates. Under the Families […]
Remember the importance of soft skills during difficult times
When the going gets tough, patience and good manners often go out the window. While employers deal with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), stress levels are rising. In turn, relationships — both internal and external — are at risk. From an HR perspective, one way to mitigate the potential damage is to gently remind […]
IRS issues new guidance on travel per diems, reflecting TCJA changes
The IRS recently updated its principal guidance on travel per diems. These are daily amounts that, subject to periodically adjusted limits, may be used in lieu of actual expense amounts to determine nontaxable travel allowances or reimbursements, or to substantiate travel expense deductions. The rules were previously set out in IRS guidance issued years ago, […]
2020 adjusted penalties for health benefits and other plans
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced the 2020 annual adjustments to civil monetary penalties for a wide range of benefits-related violations. Legislation enacted in 2015 requires annual adjustments to certain penalty amounts by January 15 of each year. The 2020 adjustments are effective for penalties assessed after January 15, 2020, with respect to […]
Solving the skilled labor dilemma with military veterans
The shortage of skilled labor available for hire is bad — and it’s worldwide. New research conducted by the Manpower Group for the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos revealed that 54% of employers surveyed globally were struggling with skilled labor shortages. Organizations in 36 of 44 countries surveyed reported that it was harder to […]
401(k) plan highlights of the SECURE Act
Late last year, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. Among its most notable rule changes are those pertaining to 401(k) plans. Here are some key highlights. New tax credit Starting in 2020, the new rules create a tax credit of up to $500 […]
Wellness programs are subject to many federal laws
At the beginning of the year, many people make resolutions about improving their physical fitness and overall well-being. Employers may seek to give these goals a boost in the longevity department by offering an employee wellness program. If your organization is doing so, or considering such a program, it’s important to be aware of the […]