Employers have options for selecting what type of health insurance they offer employees. At the highest level, they need to choose between a fully-insured vs. self-insured plan. So, what exactly are these? Simply put: In a fully-insured plan, the employer purchases insurance from an insurance company. This is the traditional and most common insurance model.… Read More »
Is your company considering a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for employees? Perhaps you already have one? This delicate area can lead to questions and concerns, particularly religious exemptions. Organizations considering or already have instituted a COVID-19 vaccine mandate should prepare for this exact scenario. Employers must know what type of objections are protected under the anti-discrimination… Read More »
Whether you’re an employer who wants to educate employees on the difference between a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) or an employee considering the pros and cons of these accounts, it’s crucial to understand them. Both employee benefits offer tax advantages, as the contributions are made on a pre-tax basis. However,… Read More »
What is the difference between paid time off (PTO), paid sick leave, paid vacation, and paid personal leave? And how do you know which type of paid leave program you should offer? Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be too complicated. On a high level, employers have two options: Either institute an overarching PTO policy or… Read More »
As a new or growing business owner, you may be surprised to learn that no federal or state laws mandate employers to have an employee handbook. But as we often say, just because you’re not required to do something doesn’t mean you should overlook it! Instituting an employee handbook is always a good idea and… Read More »
The concept of a safety committee is not always taken seriously by many organizations. But whether or not your company is required to have one, it is critical to creating a safe and healthy workplace. Also known as a joint loss management committee (JLMC), it is also an important part of an overarching safety program.… Read More »
Most employers have experienced the highly competitive talent market. As qualified professionals become increasingly difficult to find, organizations must think beyond traditional workplace benefits. The best candidates and employees desire much more than the standard health, retirement, and salary benefits. They are searching for an employer that shows that they value their team’s time, well-being,… Read More »
One of the most important things an employer can do is guarantee the safety of their employees. By doing so, they also protect their business or organization. This is why it’s crucial for employers to know and understand workplace safety requirements set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA administers and enforces regulations… Read More »
When you consider payroll deductions, taxes and health insurance premiums may be the first things that come to mind. Of course, many employers also wonder about wage deductions for losses, damages, and mistakes. Then there are items like uniforms and voluntary deductions—how exactly do you handle them? What else are employers permitted (or not) to… Read More »
There are many labor laws Massachusetts employers must be aware of, such as the state’s specific sick leave laws. Then there are the Massachusetts Blue Laws, which contain specific requirements regarding time and pay for employees who work on Sundays or certain holidays. So, how do you know if your business must comply with the… Read More »
BlueLion is an HR Consulting company servicing New England.
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