February HR Brief
DOL Updates Regular Rate of Pay Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), announced a new final rule that clarifies how to calculate an employee’s regular wage rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule became effective on Jan. 15, 2020.
Calculating the regular rate is an essential first step when determining an employee’s overtime compensation.
A New Year, a New Form W-4
The IRS released an updated version of its Form W-4, also known as the “Employee’s Withholding Certificate.”
February – Live Well, Work Well
It’s American Heart Month: What You Need to Know About Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, causing about 647,000 deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart disease is also an extremely expensive disease—costing the United States about $207 billion annually in health care, medications and lost productivity.
American Heart Month, organized by the American Heart Association (AHA), is designed to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it. Here are tips that may help prevent heart disease:
View and download the February 2020 Live Well Work Well newsletter
February National Health Observance
American Heart Month
Your heart is one of your hardest working muscles, but all that work can take a toll. Not treating your body right can quickly lead to serious heart issues. In fact, heart disease accounts for 1 in 4 deaths in the United States.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much to help your ticker. This American Heart Month, make time for your heart and consider implementing some life changes. You can prevent heart disease by making healthy choices like eating balanced meals, exercising, quitting smoking and visiting your doctor regularly. Remember that making these changes could save your life!
View and Download the February National Health Observance Newsletter
January National Health Observance
Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical cancer and HPV, a common infection that can lead to cervical cancer, are serious concerns, especially for young people who are sexually active. Estimates say 70% of men and women will come into contact with HPV during their lifetimes. Since HPV causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer, this is alarming. Currently, nearly 80 million Americans are living with HPV.
View and Download the January National Health Observance Newsletter
January – Live Well, Work Well
Don’t Fall Into This New Year’s Resolution Trap
Historically, one of the top New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many people look to fad diets and weight loss products to achieve their goals quickly. While fad diets may prove effective initially, research shows that many people don’t find long-term success with these types of diets.
This Superfood May Help Prevent Diabetes
View and download the January 2020 Live Well Work Well newsletter
January HR Brief
DOL Proposes Revisions to the Fluctuating Workweek Overtime Method
In November 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed rule to update the “fluctuating workweek” method for calculating employee overtime wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The fluctuating workweek method provides employers a cost-saving option to compensate employees who are not exempt from the act’s overtime wage payment requirements.
January Benefits Buzz
Recently, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an updated template and related materials for the summary of benefits and coverage (SBC). These materials are required to be used for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2021. This means that the updated template must be used for the 2021 plan year’s open enrollment period.
On Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, the Trump administration released its final rule regarding hospital price transparency. This final rule will take effect Jan. 1, 2021, a year later than originally proposed.
Complete Your Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training With EOB
In August of 2019 Governor JB Pritzker signed a measure mandating annual sexual harassment training for all businesses in IL no matter their number of employees.
This training will have to be completed once per year & every year by each employee. There will even be a separate program for bars and restaurants designed specifically for their environment.
We have two solutions for your team –
View and download our flyer about online and group trainings to satisfy this mandatory requirement
Live Well, Work Well
With so many social gatherings during this time, it can be difficult to avoid treating yourself when you’re offered good food and drinks. Whether you’re dieting or just trying to maintain your healthy lifestyle, fear not—you can survive the holidays and wake up on Jan. 1 without feeling remorse or guilt. Consider the following tips:
December Benefits Buzz
FSA Contribution and Other Benefits Limits Rise for 2020, DOL Proposes New Method for Electronic Delivery of Retirement Plan Disclosures
In addition to the FSA contribution limits, the IRS announced increases for transportation benefits and adoption services. Qualified transportation benefit limits (for parking or transit passes) increased to $270 for 2020. Maximum employer subsidies for qualified adoption expenses rose to $14,300, up $220. Other adoption-related limits increased as well. Learn more in the December Benefits Buzz newsletter:
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.
