Last week the IRS announced its annual cost-of-living increases to the contribution limits for retirement and cafeteria plans. Of note: Elective deferrals for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans will increase to $19,500 for 2020, up from $19,000 in 2019. The wage threshold for a highly compensated employee will increase to $130,000 in 2020, up from... Read more »

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There seems to be quite a bit of confusion among workers about their health insurance. Not sure what type of plan is best for you? They may be suffering from the “open enrollment blues,” and it may help to know they are not alone. A recent survey shows that a significant portion of Americans is... Read more »

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The ADA’s definition of disability contains three parts. An individual with a disability is someone who: Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; Has a record or history of such physical or mental impairment; or Is regarded as having an impairment Historically, courts have upheld cases that... Read more »

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This year, I have been attending Employers Council’s Intentional Leader Program (ILP), and I’m excited to have the chance to write about it here. As a leader in my organization, it is so important to me to be a good steward of my organization as seen through the growth of those I lead. The ILP... Read more »

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According to information released earlier this year, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office (ICE) has recently issued over 3,000 Notices of Inspections to employers. The Notice of Inspection informs an employer that ICE is auditing their Form I-9’s and other related information. Employers only have three days to turn over their Forms. If errors... Read more »

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The issue of aging employees is fraught with peril for employers who do not handle it well. Assuming older workers are incapable or require special assistance due to their age creates legal problems for employers. Legal mandatory retirement, very uncommon, is based on the assumption that aging leads to diminished job performance. Examples include air... Read more »

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There is at least an 88 percent chance you are hosting a holiday party, according to Employers Council survey data. While it may seem like this is merely a fun activity – it is not necessarily the case. Pitfalls lurk around almost every corner and can leave quite the holiday party hangover. If strategy means,... Read more »

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Surveys Now Available 2019 Planning Packet Survey (2020 Pay Increase Projections) 2020 pay increase projections are now available. This survey includes information on pay and pay structure (salary range) projections for the upcoming year. The information is displayed by industry type, geographic location, and employment size. This survey also reports the projected pay and salary... Read more »

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As technology changes the nature of our workforce, people are gaining skills through various experiences—on-the-job training, online learning, apprenticeships, tech boot camps, to name a few. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, about one-fourth of the labor force has a bachelor’s degree only, and 15 percent has attained an advanced degree. Of... Read more »

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Zero-Tolerance Policies May Affect Rockford Area Employers’ Ability to Recruit Workers Quotes from Curtis Graves on zero-tolerance marijuana policies The Courier, September 28, 2019

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A Small, But Significant, Legal Win For Marijuana Workers Quotes from Curtis Graves on federal wage rules and overtime for marijuana businesses Colorado Public Radio News, September 23, 2019

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6 Steps for Leaders to Cultivate a Learning Culture Bylined article by James McDonough, HR Research Consultand for Employers Council Colorado Biz, September 12, 2019

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