National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Building an Inclusive Workplace
Posted: October 1, 2026
Every October, the U.S. Department of Labor observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a nationwide observance that recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and highlights the importance of inclusive hiring and employment practices. The Department of Labor's theme for 2026 is "Celebrating Value and Talent," which underscores the skills and perspectives that employees with disabilities bring to their workplaces. What NDEAM Recognizes NDEAM...
Voluntary Benefits 101: Adding Value to Your Group Benefits Package
Posted: September 28, 2026
What Are Voluntary Benefits? Voluntary benefits are additional coverage options that employees can choose to purchase, often at a discounted group rate, alongside their core benefits like health insurance. Unlike core benefits, which employers often subsidize, voluntary benefits are typically paid for by the employee through payroll deduction, though some employers choose to cover part or all of the cost as an added perk. Because...
Preparing for Open Enrollment: A Checklist for Employers
Posted: September 13, 2026
Open Enrollment Season Starts With Early Planning For many employers, open enrollment falls in the last few months of the year, which makes early fall an important time to start preparing. Getting an early start can help avoid a last-minute scramble and give employees more time to make informed decisions about their benefits, rather than feeling rushed into choices that affect their coverage for an...
Dental and Vision Benefits: Why They Matter More Than Employees Realize
Posted: August 28, 2026
When employees rank the benefits most important to them, dental and vision coverage consistently appear near the top—often ranking second only to medical insurance. For employers building or refining a group benefits package, understanding the value employees place on these coverages is worth considering. Why Dental and Vision Coverage Matters to Employees Routine dental and vision care are predictable, recurring needs for most working adults....
What Is a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan and How Can It Benefit Your Employees?
Posted: August 13, 2026
When business owners explore ways to enhance employee benefits without significantly increasing costs, one option that often comes up is a Section 125 cafeteria plan. Despite the somewhat technical name, this type of benefit arrangement can be a practical tool for both employers and employees. What Is a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan? A Section 125 cafeteria plan—named for the section of the IRS tax code...