What Employers Can Expect from the Trump Administration | Chicago Benefit Advisors

The U.S. Presidential race win by Donald Trump will impact labor, employment, and HR professionals in the key issues of immigration, paid leave, tax reform, and health care. Significant Shift in Immigration Policy Trump has been vocal about his stance on immigration in regard to deportation and illegal immigration. He also seeks to strengthen U.S. … Continued

Retaining Top Millennial Talent: HR strategies for the largest generation in the workforce | Chicago Employee Benefits

Millennials are currently the largest generation in the workforce, and statistics show they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. By 2020, millennials are projected to make up 50% of the workforce. As millennials continue to rise in numbers, companies are finding it harder to retain them in their current roles. A study conducted by Deloitte conveyed … Continued

2016 Health Plan Survey: Topline Trends at a Glance | Illinois Employee Benefits

The 2016 UBA Health Plan Survey contains the validated responses of 19,557 health plans and 11,524 employers, who cumulatively employ over two and a half million employees and insure more than five million total lives. Our data reflects the experiences of 99% of U.S. businesses in rough proportion to their actual prevalence, not just the … Continued

OSHA Updates Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs Guidelines | Chicago Benefit Advisors

On October 21, 2016, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a set of Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs to update OSHA’s 1989 guidelines. The updates reflect the countless changes in the economy, workplaces, and evolving safety and health issues since its first release 30 years ago. The Recommended Practices combine … Continued

How Apps are Changing the Way Employees Receive Mental Health Care | Chicago Benefit Advisors

Did you know studies convey that 20% of the population, or 1 in every 5 adults suffer from some sort of mental health condition? Mental health has become a substantially concerning issue in America’s workplace, and therefore a top priority in employee wellness. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder cause workers … Continued

What to Expect in 2016 – Clarifying Some of the Confusion of the ACA | Illinois Employee Benefits

One thing rings true when it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA): “expect the unexpected.” I know this sounds cliché, but it was my best attempt to describe the experience HR professionals encounter as they attempt to comply with this somewhat murky piece of legislation. Last year on December 28, we were alerted a … Continued

Ask the Experts: Working from Home During Bad Weather | Chicago Benefit Advisors

Question: Are we required to allow employees (either exempt or nonexempt) to work from home if we must close the office due to bad weather? Answer: No, employers are not required to allow employees to telework (work from home or another location; virtual work) under any specific weather conditions regardless of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exemption … Continued

4 Easy Ways to Step Up Your Employee Wellness Program | Chicago Benefit Advisors

Employee Wellness Programs are a key factor in employee engagement and overall company success in today’s business world. Wellness programs are consistently evolving and changing as employee demands shift. Companies are constantly looking for new ways to engage and encourage their employees, preferably at a lower cost. Below are some effective and cost-efficient ways to … Continued

Engaged? 7 Financial To-Dos to Check Off Your List | Illinois Employee Benefits

You’ve picked out the rings, maybe even the venue … things are rolling toward your Big Day. But don’t forget an important element of your new life together: getting your financial lives in sync. Talking about finances with your fiancé or partner may not seem like the most romantic topic, but what better way is … Continued

Nondiscrimination Rules for Cafeteria Plans | Chicago Benefit Advisors

A cafeteria plan is an employer-provided written plan that offers employees the opportunity to choose between at least one permitted taxable benefit and at least one qualified employee benefit. There is no federal law that requires employers to establish cafeteria plans; however, some states require employers to have cafeteria plans for employees to pay for … Continued