HR Newsletter: 5 Hybrid Work Model Mistakes to Avoid

5 Hybrid Work Model Mistakes to Avoid

The COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to adapt and test their operational capacities. One of the most common pivots has been remote work.

Now that workplaces are reopening, a significant number of employees want to retain their remote status. In fact, 58% of workers said they want a fully remote position, and only 3% said they wanted to return to fully in-person work, according to a recent FlexJobs survey.

So, how does a business that wants to utilize its in-person workspace deal with employees who want to stay home? For some, the answer is a hybrid work model.

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HR Newsletter: Why Is It So Hard to Find Workers Right Now?

Why Is It So Hard to Find Workers Right Now?

Employers across the country are facing an unmistakable issue right now: too many open positions and not enough workers. On its face, it might seem like there are not enough workers available for jobs—hence all the openings. But, confoundingly, that’s not the case.

The unemployment rate is still hovering just below 5%, translating to around 7.5 million unemployed Americans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, several key COVID-19 initiatives ended at the end of summer—expanded unemployment benefits ceased, and children returned to in-person classes. As such, many economists expected workers to be spurred back into the workforce this fall. That’s decidedly not been the case; while some individuals are returning to work, others are quitting in record numbers.

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(Podcast) Upcoming Changes for Employers in 2022

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss upcoming changes for employers in the new year. They cover minimum wage updates for various states and cities, new 401(k) contribution limits, the Illinois Secure Choice plan, employee tip credit requirements, vaccine mandate holds/updates, merit pay increases vs inflation, and more.

We’re always happy to help with any questions you may have on the latest regulations, government policies, and trending HR topics: hr@employco.com

Podcast: Upcoming Changes for Employers in 2022

Happy Thanksgiving!

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our offices will be closed on: Thursday, November 25th, and Friday, November 26th. We will re-open during normal business hours on Monday, November 29th.

During this time of gratitude, we would like to express how thankful we are for all our valued relationships. On behalf of all of us at Employco USA, we would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

‘Tis the Season for Health Insurance Renewals: Prices to Skyrocket for Employers in 2022

Human resources expert Rob Wilson weighs in 

Prices Skyrocket‘Tis the season to get new health insurance rates! Rates are dramatically on the rise, with some companies seeing increases in premiums from 20 to 40 percent. Due to COVID’s impact, hospitals need to pay their workers more than ever before, just to retain employees and ensure that they stay staffed. And, supply chain issues mean price increases across the board, even in the healthcare industry.

Here is what employers need to know:

“Inflation is higher now than it has been in years,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and group health insurance expert. “Wages are going up, benefits are going up, taxes are going up. Businesses are already stretched to their utter limit. And health insurance companies are hedging their bets for all the upcoming claims coming up in 2022.”

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(Podcast) Health Insurance Renewals

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss health insurance renewals. They cover new rates for 2022, stories of high increases, the effects of COVID-related claims, recommendations for employers on how to save money (from plan design changes to routine care), the importance of voluntary benefits/perks, and more.

From health care to our buying power, we’re always happy to help with any questions you may have: hr@employco.com

Podcast: Health Insurance Renewals

HR Newsletter: New 401(k) Limits for 2022

IRS

On Nov. 4, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new caps for employee and company 401(k) contributions in 2022:

2021 2022
Maximum employee elective deferral (age 49 and younger) $19,500 $20,500
Employee catch-up contribution (age 50 or older) $6,500 $6,500
Maximum employee elective deferral plus catch-up $26,000 $27,000

The new 2022 limits have been updated in our payroll system to ensure that the contributions from our clients’ employees do not exceed the annual dollar limits. Please let us know if you have any questions.