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As the U.S. economy continues its turbulent path toward a soft landing, businesses are generally seeing a reduction in unemployment and turnover. Unfortunately, employers will face increased pressure from the employee benefits expense line, which will be fraught with challenges over the next 12 to 24 months. By taking a strategic approach to benefits planning and navigating the upcoming challenges, employers can stay on top of key issues in healthcare, compliance, and benefits.

Employers who sponsor high deductible health plans (HDHPs) that are compatible with health savings accounts (HSAs) should take the opportunity to explain how they work during open enrollment. Through this bulletin and overview on HSAs, employers can see the HSA benefits they should highlight to their employees and what they need to know regarding HDHP plan design, from contribution limits changes to updated coverage options for telehealth and COVID-19 testing and treatment.

In this interview, attorney John Litchfield of Foley & Lardner’s Labor & Employment group discusses the key considerations family offices should keep in mind when it comes to domestic workers in the family office environment. Along with insights on household staff salary and wage treatments in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), John defines who qualifies as a domestic worker and the legal implications of hiring one.

The unique and personalized nature of each Family Office can make it challenging to access benchmark remuneration data. Family Offices require a distinct skillset, incomparable to other working environments, and many professionals that Family Offices search to recruit are accustomed to a certain compensation structure.

Retaining and recruiting top talent has been a challenge for employers over the last few years, with companies struggling with how to best hold onto and reward employees. Even though there have been some layoffs, many employees are finding new positions quickly and negotiating their compensation and benefits. With a broad range of compensation vehicles available, companies can weigh their options to determine which one will work best for them and ensure they are staying competitive to recruit, retain, and reward desirable employees.

Taking retirement account distributions prior to age 59-1/2 is often seen as an off-limits option for many account owners. However, using the IRC §72(t) payment exception can be a helpful tool in managing cash flow in early retirement years.

The importance of talent continues to be a factor in driving an organization’s success. As a result, many compensation committees have expanded their roles and responsibilities beyond executive and board compensation into increased human capital and social issues impacting the organization. This requires staying abreast of compensation trends, enhancing the human capital experience, and providing frequent and transparent communications and reporting.

As businesses look to grow and thrive, they will face tough choices between balancing budgets and addressing the employee benefits outlook. With a focus on ways to reduce the impact of cost-driving issues, this Employee Benefits Market Outlook report provides insights and actionable solutions employers can use to address the rise of healthcare costs, leave management challenges, emerging genetic therapies, and other benefits challenges.