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Compensation & Benefits

4-point checklist clarifies open enrollment

10/10/2013
With key pieces of health care reform going into effect, employers that offer health benefits have even more to consider when implementing this year’s open enrollment. Make the most of your annual benefits sign-up by following this checklist.

Paying workers with debit cards isn’t as easy as it seems

10/10/2013
More employers are pushing their workers to receive pay via debit cards. But not all employees want to be paid that way—and the law is often on their side.

AG nails contractor for wage violations in Brooklyn

10/10/2013
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has announced a settlement with a masonry contractor working on New York City’s St. Mark’s senior housing project in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.

401(k) fees higher for employees at small firms

10/10/2013
Over the course of a 35-year career, an employee of a small company will pay $100,000 more in 401(k) administration fees than someone who works for a large firm.

Health insurance firm pays employees to get healthy

10/09/2013
As employees of EmblemHealth get healthy, they get a little bit richer, too. Last year, the health insurance company handed out cash rewards ranging from $375 to $750 for activities like taking online classes, participating in fitness challenges and working with wellness coaches.

Fired for death threats? No unemployment for you!

10/08/2013
A Commonwealth Court has ruled that a Ridgway man who was fired for threatening his bosses can’t collect unemployment benefits.

Handwritten notes: The pen is mightier than the send

10/08/2013

What would mean more to you … a “thank you” email from your organization’s CEO or a handwritten “thank you” note? The answer is obvious. Hand­written notes carry a greater impact.

Health benefit reporting on 2013 Forms W-2

10/08/2013
If you filed at least 250 W-2s for 2012, you’ll be on the hook for reporting the aggregate cost of employees’ health benefits on their 2013 W-2s. Here’s a chart listing health benefits and whether you must report them.

No penalty for not providing ACA notice? Maybe, maybe not

10/07/2013
The Affordable Care Act required you to provide employees with notices regarding the health insurance exchanges by Oct. 1. The DOL first posted an FAQ absolving employers that didn’t provide these notices from penalties. However, later clarifications by the DOL imply that this isn’t a consequence-free zone …

SEC rule would highlight CEO compensation ratios

10/04/2013

The SEC voted on Sept. 18 to propose new rules that would require publicly traded companies to report the ratio between the compensation of chief executive officers and the median pay of their employees. Public companies must already report total CEO compensation.