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