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Can an employee join the group health plan after open enrollment is over? Well, that depends. Can an employee add a family member, or take off a family member, anytime during the plan year? Well, that depends! This handy Midyear Qualifying Events poster can help your employees determine if their event qualifies to add or subtract themselves or family members to your group health insurance plan. I suggest posting it on the employee bulletin board or having it handy for those

"Workplace transformation" buzz words are flying around the industry these days. Whether it's AI, evolving employee expectations or slower growth expectations, stay on top of the latest news in this March edition of HR Brief Newsletter. Download your free copy below.

An easy way to reach your employees with some "wellness" news is via our handy monthly newsletter. Feel free to pass it along to your crew. The March edition (in Spanish and English) features: Building Healthy Habits with "Wellness Stacking" Top 2026 Health Trends by US News & World Report Baked Salmon Recipe You can also check out the March wellness video (English only) also in my blog – it makes a great posting for your company HR site.

March wellness tips to share with your employees: Build Healthy Habits with "Wellness Stacking" Top 2026 Health Trends Understanding Kidney Health March Employee Wellness News Video

Well, that depends… For our employers, the biggest challenge isn’t the cost or the medication itself. It’s understanding what their health plan actually covers : The Wegovy® pill isn’t automatically covered. Usually requires prior authorization. May be treated differently than injectable GLP-1s. Depends heavily on employer plan design as to copay costs. Clear benefits guidance matters more than ever — especially as coverage rules continue to change. Smart benefit decisions st

Want to learn more about us? This quick snapshot shares some of our highlights and includes a few testimonials – there are even more testimonials on our website. Please give us a call anytime if you'd like an easy conversation about benefits. No sales pitch. No pressure. Just honest Q&As to see if we can help you. Call or text me direct at 281-407-1510 or email me at janet@benefitsredesigned.com .

The first quarter of 2026 started with a sneeze...yep, Flu Season is here. Besides the latest on H3N2, this quarter's newsletter shares new research on brain aging (did you know adolescence actually l asts through early 30s??), updates on heart disease risk and more. My favorite included article: hot cocoa is actually good for you! (I prefer almond milk, cacao powder and monk fruit extract, yummy and low in sugar.) Click on the link below to download – and share with your emp

Exactly when was that due??? As a former HR Manager, I know all the dates you are juggling, hopefully not all in your head! Download this handy calendar gives you a month-at-a-glance review of important dates for compliance. Got questions? Give me a call at 281-407-1510.

This is a case study provided by Zywave HR Consultants on correcting common problems when using 1099 contractors as part of your workforce. It includes: "Real world" case studies Critical differences between 1099s & employees under FLSA

In this issue of the HR Hotline, see updates on: How the OBBB impacts employee benefits Guidance on OBBB Act: tips & overtime Compensation during layoffs or furloughs Employee Improvement Plan as employee discipline

Disasters seem to be striking more often these days – from floods to fires to tornados. This month's employee wellness newsletter is a reminder to create an emergency plan – now! And even though it is September, the newsletter includes a UV Index and Safety Guide just to remind folks the sun is still shining! I personally liked the "September Scaries" – but you'll have to read the newsletter to see if this very real issue fits you. Download our free copy in English and Spanis

Overtime Pay for Employees with Mobile Devices The increasing use of mobile devices has reshaped working practices worldwide. By staying connected to their offices, employees have been able to become more productive and more valuable to their employers. However, this increased connectivity can be a source of concern for employers and employees alike. Employees worry about the amount of time they spend working outside the office. Employers worry about overtime liabilities that

Employers are expecting a 9% increase in health care costs for the 2026 plan year.

Transportation employers in Texas must comply with certain state and federal laws regarding drug and alcohol testing. This Employment Law Summary provides a general overview of the drug testing laws that apply to Texas employers in certain transportation industries. It can also be used for other employers as a standard procedure guide. Download the free Employment Law Summary below.

Summer food safety tips is the main focus of this month's employee wellness newsletter. It also includes "Reaping the Health Benefits of Gardening" to encourage getting our employees outside and in the dirt! Don't forget to "taste" our recipe of the month. Download your free copy below.

Looking for ways to reduce expenses and save money? Instead of cutting costs randomly or conducting layoffs that may not be necessary, successful organizations tend to optimize their resources by identifying areas where they can reduce expenses without compromising productivity or future growth. This handy infographic outlines six tips to help small businesses effectively cut costs. Download your free copy below.

Texas stands firm on employers providing employees with a safe workplace. OSHA and civil rights laws can also get involved to help keep the workplace free from threats of violence – and some workers comp policies hold employers responsible for injuries sustained by employees due to violence at work. In this Employment Law Summary includes information on employer immunity, open and concealed carry laws in Texas, liability lawsuits and more. It also gives you a guideline to bui

A pessimistic workplace occurs when negativity and expectations for poor outcomes are prevalent. Employees focus on what could go wrong, feel that hard work won’t have positive results, and have a general sense of despair and indifference. This mindset can have devastating impacts on an organization....download our free guide below.

This month's employee wellness newsletter includes articles on "The Power of Protein," creating a 5-minute walk routine, and preparing for tax season. Recipe of the month: Grilled Chicken and Avocado Quinoa Pilaf – yummy! Download our free newsletter below. (Spanish version available upon request.)

A well-drafted employee handbook ensures that all company policies and practices are communicated clearly and minimizes the risk of potential discrimination, disparate treatment and other employment-related claims or lawsuits. This Compliance Overview provides employers with best practices when drafting and maintaining an employee handbook...download our free guide below.