Live Well, Work Well – America’s First Three-digit Mental Health Crisis Line
In today’s supermarket, it’s normal to see the same produce available year-round. However, that The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Lifeline) launched nationwide on July 16. Similar to dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call or text 988 and be connected immediately to trained counselors who will listen, provide support and connect people to resources if necessary.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Wellness Tips for Summer!
Summer is a fun time of year when people often spend more time outside and with friends. With this increased activity comes the need to reconsider the usual wellness habits you use throughout the rest of the year. There are several ways to ensure you have a healthy, fun and productive summer. During the summer months, here are some reminders:
- Stay inside during extreme heat.
- Protect yourself from the sun.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat summer foods.
- Make time to exercise.
- Take a vacation to prevent burnout.
With the change of weather and activity that summer often brings, it’s still important to prioritize your well-being even though your routine may differ from other times of the year. Contact Evolution of Benefits for more wellness tips and related content.
Speak with us to learn more about Wellness Tips for Summer and how you can best protect yourself.
HR Insights: 5 Tips for Managing Employees During the Great Reshuffle
The Great Reshuffle—a mass movement of workers leaving jobs with which they are not satisfied—shows no signs of slowing down. As Generation Z and Millennials begin to make up more of the workforce, it has become clear that values and priorities have shifted from those of previous generations. Furthermore, unemployment rates are down, and the employment market is currently very worker friendly. The combined effect of these factors is that employees more readily move between different jobs to find those that align with their priorities and desires. This often means seeking out better compensation or benefits, workplace flexibility, career development opportunities or the right culture fit.
The Great Reshuffle can make for a challenging environment for employers, but several tips can help mitigate the issues employers may face. Consider the following strategies:
- Offer Remote and Hybrid Options
- Focus on Employee Well-being
- Play to Each Employee’s Strengths
- Create Systems of Accountability
- Maximize Employee Rewards and Recognition Programs
For more information on workplace trends, contact Evolution of Benefits today.
Legal Update: DHS Ends Temporary COVID-19 Policy for Form I-9 Expired Documents
On May 1, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ended the COVID-19 Temporary Policy for List B Identity Documents. As a result, employers are no longer allowed to accept expired List B documents when individuals fill out their Form I-9. In addition, if an employee presented an expired List B document between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022, employers are required to update their Form I-9 by July 31, 2022.
Now that document issuing agencies have reopened, employers will need to update Form I-9 for employees who used expired documents from List B.
Important Dates:
- May 1, 2022
- Expiration date of the DHS temporary policy that allowed employers to accept expired documents from the Form I-9 B list
- July 31, 2022
- Deadline for employers to update Form I-9 for employees who used expired documents from List B
Live Well, Work Well – The Benefits of Seasonal Produce
In today’s supermarket, it’s normal to see the same produce available year-round. However, that doesn’t mean the quality always remains the same. Eating seasonally means you are simply taking advantage of the harvest schedule and enjoying fully mature produce at the peak of its growing season. Seasonal eating can also help encourage you to eat more fruits and vegetables daily.
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 2 cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables daily.
- Staying Safe in the Summer Sun
- Sunscreen labels must follow specific guidelines.
- U.S. Drug Overdoses Hit Record High in 2021
- Banana Berry Muffins
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Benefits Buzz – DOL Guidance on FMLA and Mental Health Conditions
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division has released new resources on workers’ rights to leave for mental health conditions under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The DOL said it published the new guidance in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.
- New DOL Fact Sheet and FAQs
- Mental Health as a Serious Health Condition
- HIPAA Guidance on Audio-only Telehealth
Infographic – July 2022 is UV Safety Awareness Month
Summertime is here! Now’s the time you can get outside, enjoy nice weather and soak up some sun. But, like with any good thing, too much sunshine can actually hurt your body. That’s because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays contain radiation that can lead to serious health issues, including cancer.
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn how to protect yourself from UV exposure. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, here’s what you can do to stay safe while appreciating the outdoors:
- Find shade when you need it.
- Wear clothing that protects against direct sunlight (e.g., a wide-brimmed hat).
- Use water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Speak with us to learn more about the risks of UV exposure and how you can best protect yourself.
Legal Update: IRS Raises Mileage Rates for Second Half of 2022
For the first time since 2011, the IRS has made a midyear adjustment to the optional mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other specific purposes. The agency said the change is in recognition of recent gasoline price increases.
As a result of increased gas prices, the IRS has raised standard mileage rates.
Standard Rates as of July 1:
- Business Use
- The standard rate for business travel has been increased to 62.5 cents per mile.
- Moving (Armed Forces Only) or Medical Care
- The standard rate has been increased to 22 cents per mile.
- Charitable Purpose
- The standard mileage rate remains 14 cents per mile.
Employers See Increasing Numbers of Lawsuits Over Deficient COBRA Notices
Employers are seeing an increase in lawsuits from former employees alleging deficient Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) election notices, with statutory penalties of up $110 per person per day. These lawsuits are generally class actions and can result in significant attorneys’ fee awards for successful ex-employees. The fact employers are struggling to comply with COBRA notice requirements means employers should brace for increased election notice litigation.
“The DOL is ‘keeping an eye’ on the need for additional COBRA guidance, but other issues have taken priority.”
– Elizabeth Schumacher, deputy director of the DOL’s Division of Regulations and Standards
7 Tips for Keeping Young Employees Safe
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently reminded employers hiring youth-aged workers to review workplace practices and comply with federal child labor laws to ensure these hires have a safe and beneficial experience.
In 2021, the DOL indicated workplace injuries and illnesses among youth-aged employees—those who are under 18 years old—have been rising since 2017. Employers most commonly hire young workers in the summer, with July typically being the peak employment month. Employers should do all they can to ensure the safety of their younger employees.
The DOL provides seven strategies and various resources for creating a safe and healthy workplace for youth-aged employees.
- Verify Ages of Youth-aged Workers
- Ensure Managers Are Trained on Child Labor Laws
- Educate Youth-aged Workers on Prohibited Jobs and Permitted Schedules
- Review Time Records
- Post Warning Labels on Prohibited Equipment
- Train Youth-aged Workers on Job Hazards and Safety Precautions
- Encourage Youth-aged Workers to Raise Safety Concerns
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.
