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Happy coworkers talking in the breakroom area near a coffee pot while taking a break at the office

Breakroom ideas to help boost office morale and productivity

A thoughtfully designed breakroom is more than just a space to take a break; it’s a hub for connection, relaxation and recharging. In today’s fast-paced work environments, offering employees a dedicated space to step away from their desks can help enhance morale and foster a sense of community.

HR
Businesswoman packing personal company belongings after deciding on a resignation or change of job and completing offboarding

Employee offboarding best practices for a smooth transition

Employee offboarding allows departing employees and their managers to take steps to ensure a smooth transition. Having an offboarding program can also keep an employee’s exit friendly and non-confrontational, helping to set the tone for how an organization values its employees, even as they prepare to leave the company.

HR
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Seasonal employee FAQs: Definitions, regulations and tips

Seasonal employment can be a lifeline for many businesses during peak times, providing the extra hands needed to handle increased demand. However, seasonal hiring raises questions about employment durations, legal obligations and best practices. Employers need to understand relevant regulations to help prevent legal issues and optimize their seasonal workforce.

HR
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How to create an internship program that works

Incorporating an internship program into your company can bring fresh perspectives and an opportunity to develop future leaders. The value of an internship program lies in its ability to offer a hands-on learning experience, which can be mutually beneficial for the intern and the employer. But, creating an effective internship program involves careful planning and execution.

HR

October 2024 HR Update

MLR Rebates are Here! Employers with insured group health plans may have just received a rebate from their health insurance issuer, as issuers who did not meet the applicable medical loss ratio (MLR) percentage for 2023 had to rebate plan

HR
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Unlimited PTO pros and cons: Overview for employers and employees

Unlimited PTO policies are becoming more popular, but they can come with advantages and challenges. Understanding the pros and cons for both employees and employers is key when deciding if an unlimited paid time off program is right for your organization.

HR

September 2024 HR Update

Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2024 Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to Medicare Part D-eligible individuals and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health

HR
Senior Caucasian male doctor, giving a flu vaccine to a female patient African-American ethnicity, during an annual medical check-up

Cold and flu season tips for a healthy workplace

As flu season hits its peak, the risk of illness spreads through homes and workplaces alike. With cold and flu viruses so prevalent, taking steps to prevent their spread is more important than ever. Simple actions like practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated and fostering a healthy work environment can make all the difference in keeping your team well and minimizing disruptions.

Corporate Wellness, HR
The female volunteers serve sandwiches to the homeless at the shelter.

Creating a successful employee volunteer program

Looking to boost morale and community impact? An employee volunteer program could help. By providing a structured volunteer program, your organization can help enhance its brand reputation while keeping employees engaged through meaningful community service work.

HR
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Crafting a people-first company culture

The most dynamic and successful brands aren\’t just set apart by their services or products: it’s about how they view and treat their most essential asset – their employees. A people-first company recognizes that its team is the centerpiece of its success and crafts a culture that supports this philosophy. This approach can have several benefits: enhanced productivity, greater employee well-being, strengthened recruitment strategies, improved employee retention and more.

HR
Happy businesswomen having a discussion during a meeting in a creative office. Diverse businesswomen sharing ideas in a boardroom. Group of businesswomen working together in an all-female startup.

Sharpening skills: Guide to instrumental leadership excellence

Instrumental leadership is a strategic, task-oriented approach that can help enhance a team’s efficiency by emphasizing clear goals and the achievement of tasks. Leaders who apply this style have the ability to shape their teams with precision, driving productivity and aligning individual and team objectives with the organization’s broader goals.

HR

August 2024 HR Update

Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage – Changes Coming in 2025 Employers sponsoring any size group health plan that provides prescription drug coverage are not required to offer creditable coverage, but they are required to determine whether the prescription drug coverage

HR
Happy businessmen shaking hands next to their female colleagues in a modern office space.

New employee onboarding checklist

Starting a new job is a big transition. New employees need to learn everything from the location of the breakroom to available employee benefits. If anything falls through the cracks during orientation, you may be setting the employee up to fail. A new employee onboarding checklist can help ensure you cover everything.

HR

July 2024 HR Update

PCORI Fees Due July 31, 2023 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720 (Quarterly

HR
Thinking, ideas and businessman in office by window planning for legal company project. Brainstorming, vision and professional male attorney with problem solving expression for law case in workplace.

Is a lack of bereavement pay harming workers and employers?

At some point, nearly all employees will experience the loss of a loved one, whether that’s a parent, spouse, grandparent, sibling or child. With this loss, they’ll need time off to attend the funeral and grieve with their family. Clear bereavement leave policies and offering bereavement pay could help make this difficult situation easier for the employee, their colleagues and the organization as a whole.

HR
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What is a statutory employee? Understanding worker classification

A statutory employee is a worker who would be considered an independent contractor under common law rules but must be treated as an employee for certain tax purposes. For many businesses, the rules regarding statutory employees can add complications to compliance and other business processes, particularly because of the potential financial and legal repercussions of misclassifying workers.

HR

May 2024 HR Update

HSA/HDHP Limits Will Increase for 2025 On May 9, 2024, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2024-25 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2025. The IRS is required to publish

HR
Business Group Developing Ideas And Thinking About Future In The Office

Crisis communication in HR: Responding to challenges with transparency

A crisis arising from internal conflict, external pressure or unforeseen circumstances can have a profound impact on an entire workforce, challenging the human resources team to help them navigate a sudden storm. The key to a successful crisis response strategy is effective crisis communication that is focused on maintaining organizational stability and employee well-being, and HR is often positioned to communicate effectively with the workforce and to disseminate accurate information, assuage fears, dispel rumors, resolve conflicts and maintain the integrity of the organization’s reputation and culture.

HR
Cheerful multi-ethnic business colleagues in meeting. Male and female professionals laughing during a meeting.

Success stories: Companies excelling in employee engagement

How do some organizations achieve high employee engagement while others find their business objectives undermined by “quiet quitting” and overall disinterest? In this article, we will examine the consequences of ignoring this vital HR objective and the rewards that could be captured by companies that work to increase employee engagement by looking at case studies of companies with successful employee engagement programs.

HR
Woman working on computer in her home

The impact of remote work on company culture: HR’s response

The shift toward remote work, while introducing new dynamics in the workplace, brings with it flexibility and potential for increased productivity alongside unique opportunities for enhancing employee engagement with company culture. In this article, we will explore the effects of remote work on company culture and how HR professionals can implement strategies designed to mitigate its negative impacts and foster a thriving virtual work environment.

HR
Asian young businessman experiencing stress during a late night at work

Employee wellbeing challenges: Addressing burnout and stress

Whether onsite or remote, modern workplaces involve deadlines, pressure to perform, heightened competition and the expectation of constant connectivity, which can create fertile ground for employee stress. One common result of workplace stress is the occupational phenomenon known as workplace burnout. Burnout can be found in every industry and can undermine the mental health of any worker. For this reason, implementing strategies to help promote employee stress relief in the office is of great importance.

HR
Young businesswoman talking with her colleague in the office

How to ask exit interview questions that provide insightful responses

Many companies conduct exit interviews when employees leave, and for good reason. This is a smart practice that can help your company manage employee turnover and satisfaction. However, it is only effective when it includes the right exit interview questions. Learn more about how to conduct an exit interview and potential questions to help your company identify problems before more employees quit.

HR

April 2024 HR Update

Employers Should Start Preparing for 2024 RxDC Reporting Group health plans and health insurance issuers must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This reporting is referred

HR
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Exempt vs. non-exempt employees: Navigating worker classification

Understanding the distinction between exempt and non-exempt employees is crucial in navigating the complexities of labor laws and complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Under federal law, employees can be either exempt or non-exempt. Classifying employees correctly is critical because it influences which set of FLSA pay requirements apply.

HR