As in many areas of federal law, regulations regarding employee benefits concerning employee wellness programs are often byzantine in their structure and costly when employers and employees fail to comply.  An article in www.cfo.com notes, “Income and employment tax issues arise when a wellness program provides rewards, such as...

The National Restaurant Association is expecting a good year for restaurants in 2012.  In fact, the Association is predicting a 3.5% increase in restaurant growth over 2011.  However, lurking behind this growth forecast are potential obstacles that could thwart growth.  Management issues coupled with adequate insurance coverage remain issues...

It’s a huge part of the family budget and a significant worry for most heads of households.  Yet, the costs continue to rise with no cessation in sight.  It’s now estimated that an average family will spend nearly $21,000 a year on healthcare, this represents a 6.9% annual increase,...

In a recent survey conducted by the Consumer Federation of America and Unum, a majority of employees desire some form of disability coverage although they don’t have a complete understanding of how disability insurance works.  According to the survey, “ninety percent of respondents think employers should make this insurance...

A new study conducted by the ING Retirement Research Institute has found that women generally are not investing as much as men in their retirement plans.  While there are many reasons for this apparent disparity among the genders, the study is disturbing.  “It is clear that many women –...

Since the economic downturn of 2008, there has been a steady uptick in the number of employment-based lawsuits against small businesses, some of which are based on the employers’ alleged mis-classification of a worker’s status.  Are they exempt or non-exempt?  Does this type of work properly qualify to be...

Like most things, employee benefits has changed drastically in the last decade.  Once considered a “given” and a staple by-product of employment, such benefits can no longer be taken for granted or assumed any longer.  Indeed, many employees make their job decisions based on employee benefits.  That’s how tenuous...

Some may think it’s Obamacare.  However, according to a recent study, it’s the obesity epidemic in this country.  While the federal government, including many Administrations, have tried to address the problem, it’s getting worse each year.  The projection, released Monday, warns that 42% of Americans may end up obese...

If you’ve been in the workplace or owned a business since 2007, the title of this blog post is no surprise.  You’re well aware that the personal financial stresses due to a ravaged economy have taken a toll on the productivity of employees.  However, this Human Resources Executive Online...

Audit is a loaded word that usually conjures up images of government officials invading your space and snooping around looking to catch you in some wrongdoing.  Yet audits, at least human resources audits can provide your company with valuable information that can help you maintain compliance and affect your...