DOL Updates Model Employer CHIP Notice
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has released a new model Employer CHIP Notice with information current as of March 17, 2025.
HR Insights – Engaging Generation Z in the Workplace
Generation Z (Gen Z) accounts for a growing percentage of the global workforce. In the second quarter of 2024, this group comprised 18% of the U.S. labor force, and this rate will only continue to grow. These individuals, born between 1997 and 2012, range from 13 to 28 years old, making up nearly all of the current as well as the next wave of young professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2030, Gen Z will constitute 30% of the workforce.
Stress Vs. Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. While both are emotional responses, stress is typically caused by an external trigger. Stress is the body’s reaction to a threat, and anxiety is the body’s reaction to stress.
‼️USCIS Updates Form 1-9 and E-Verify‼️
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form 1-9) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Privacy Notice in the form’s instructions to align with statutory language. The revised Form 1-9 is dated “01/20/25” and has an expiration date of “05/31/2027.” Notably, multiple previous editions of Form 1-9 remain valid until their respective expiration dates. https://content.zywave.com/file/0014a57d-51ea-483e-83de-c63014df65df/USCIS%20Updates%20Form%20I-9%20and%20E-Verify.docx
⚕Mental Health Care Benefits Strategies⚕
In today’s work environment, employees are increasingly grappling with common mental health challenges such as burnout, stress and anxiety, as well as other diagnosable mental health disorders and conditions. These issues not only affect personal well-being but also impact workplace productivity and morale. While creating a healthy workplace culture, equipping managers to support workers and expanding awareness of mental health can help overcome these challenges, benefits offerings also play a key role in addressing the mental health needs of employees.
HR Compliance Overview – Compliance Considerations for Unlimited PTO Policies (April)
With employee leave laws continuing to expand in patchwork fashion across the country, employers may consider implementing an unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy for ease of administration and to avoid liability for unused accrued paid leave. Popular among employees, unlimited PTO can also act as a strong recruitment and retention tool.
Live Well, Work Well – Allergy-proof Your Spring 🤧🌷
You may notice that you sneeze and cough more during certain times of the year. In this case, you may have seasonal allergies, which are allergy symptoms that occur during specific times of the year, typically when allergens are released into the air. The most common spring allergy trigger is tree pollen, which peaks from March to May.
Benefits Buzz – Class-action Lawsuits Target Health Plan Tobacco Surcharges (April)
Numerous class-action lawsuits have recently been filed against employers alleging that health plan premium surcharges related to tobacco use violate federal compliance requirements. These lawsuits have been filed by current and former employees of major U.S. companies who have paid more in premiums due to their tobacco use, often hundreds of dollars more per employee per year.
HR Brief – Executive Order Directs Federal Agencies to Improve Health Care Price Transparency (April)
Recently, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) directing federal agencies to issue new guidance to improve health care price transparency. This EO aims to promote a more competitive, innovative, affordable and higher-quality health care system.
Health Plan Price Transparency
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) issued a final rule in November 2020 that imposed new transparency requirements on group health plans and health insurance issuers:
https://evolutionofbenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/hr-brief.pdf
EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination📌 (March)
On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued joint guidance on illegal and discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. The EEOC also issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding DEI-related discrimination. The guidance provides some clarity as to the agencies’ position on what may constitute illegal DEI and offers steps employees may take to report violations.
EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination.docx
Client and Employee Resources
The more your employees understand your benefit plans the more they become educated, empowered consumers. The programs you provide will also gain an enhanced value.
As your strategic partners in employee benefits, we can provide multiple avenues of ongoing support, including:
- Employee Meetings (English and Spanish)
- Webcasts
- Payroll Stuffers
- Poster Campaigns
- Newsletters
Carrier Directories
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Click the image below to begin.
