Benefits & Compensation Questions of the Week

Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

Company Holiday Party Considerations – Pay, Safety, Inclusivity

Published
in , , ,
The holiday season is just around the corner, bringing with it a variety of parties and events that celebrate this festive time. These gatherings are also opportunities to express gratitude to employees, recognize their hard work, and strengthen team bonds.
Read more
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

Do I Have to Provide Employees Time Off to Vote?

Last Updated
in , ,
Voting is a basic right in the United States, but do employers have to provide time off to allow employees to exercise that right? As with many answers in human resources, “It depends.”
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

What Role Should HR Play in Benefits Open Enrollment to Ensure Success?

Last Updated
in
There's no doubt that employee benefits brokers play a vital role in any benefits enrollment process. They know what benefits programs are available, which vendors can provide them, and how benefits are priced.
Read more
Mockup of the OBBB Payroll and Benefit Summary Guide.

One Big Beautiful Bill – Potential Impacts for Payroll and Benefits


in
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) is set to transform payroll and benefit administration, and it’s crucial for employers to be ready for these changes. At Clark Schaefer Strategic HR, we’ve created this guide to outline the key updates that will impact your organization’s operations, compliance, and employee benefits planning.
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Employee Benefits Trends 2025–2026: Attracting Top Talent

Last Updated
in
HR Question We want to evaluate our employee benefits and consider different offerings. What are the latest employee benefit trends? HR Answer Organizations that strive to offer competitive benefits have an advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. However, there can sometimes be a misalignment between the benefits or extra perks employees value most and […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Are Wellness Program Incentives Taxable?

Last Updated
in
Question: Is it true that employees have to pay taxes on wellness program incentives? Answer: With wellness programs on the rise, there is plenty of opportunity for employees to receive various incentives – from t-shirts and event tickets to gift cards and cash.  As employers consider wellness program design and how to incentivize employees (if […]
Read more
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

What Employers Need To Know About Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA)

Last Updated
in ,
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

How Can I Use Salary Benchmarking As a Recruitment Strategy?

Last Updated
in , , ,
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Do I Have to Give Performance Bonuses to Employees on FMLA Leave?

Last Updated
in
Read more
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

What are the Latest ACA Reporting Changes and Deadlines?

Last Updated
in ,
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Can We Cut a Live Check to Entice an Employee to Return Company Property?

Last Updated
in ,
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Can My Employee Take a Vacation While on FMLA Leave?

Last Updated
in ,
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

How Can We Address Pay Compression?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: To remain competitive in the marketplace, our company’s upper management decided to raise our minimum rate of pay. Unfortunately, HR was not included in this decision that has now led to salary compression and angry seasoned workers. How do you recommend for our human resources team to handle this? HR Answer: This is […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Employee’s Failure to Pay Premiums Under FMLA Protected Leave

Last Updated
in
HR Question: An employee on FMLA protected leave of absence has stopped paying for their health insurance premiums. Is it safe to terminate their health coverage given the employee’s failure to pay premiums? HR Answer: If the employee is on FMLA protected leave, absent any written policy that provides a longer grace period, the regulations […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

What Is the Difference Between FSAs and HSAs

Last Updated
in
HR Question: We’ve been fielding a lot of benefits questions from our employees and some are trying to choose between opting into an FSA or HSA. What’s a good way to describe the difference between FSAs and HSAs? HR Answer: HR professionals play an important role in helping employees understand their benefits options so they […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

What Are Total Compensation Statements?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: Can you explain Total Compensation Statements … What are they? What should they include? When should we use them? HR Answer: Total Compensation Statements convey the total value of your compensation and benefits offerings as they include an employee’s direct and indirect compensation. They are a great tool to show not only how […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

What is Equal Pay Day?

Last Updated
in
HR Question: I keep seeing information about “Equal Pay Day” during Women’s History Month. What is Equal Pay Day, and how can I recognize it in my organization? HR Answer: Equal Pay Day is a symbolic day that puts into perspective the 23% pay gap between a woman and a man in the same role. Based […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Could Sabbaticals Be Your Next Retention Tool?

Last Updated
in ,
HR Question: In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure market, it’s difficult to truly disconnect from work. We’ve been trying to find ways to give our team a break to avoid burnout, but sometimes a week of vacation just isn’t enough. Could sabbaticals be the newest tool in our retention toolbox? HR Answer: You’re not alone in […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Low Cost Benefit Ideas

Last Updated
in
Question: We are a small business trying to attract and retain staff in this competitive job market.  We can only offer so much in compensation. Are there any low-cost benefit ideas you can recommend? Answer:      With unemployment levels at a record low, attracting and retaining talent is extremely hard regardless of the size […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

What are the Advantages of Financial Wellness Programs?

Last Updated
in
Question: I’ve been hearing a lot about employers offering financial wellness programs as a benefit for employees in 2017.  What is a financial wellness program and what are the advantages of offering this benefit to my employees? Answer: Financial wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular as an employee benefit.  A 2016 Aon Hewitt report found that […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Aligning Compensation with Strategic Business Imperatives

Last Updated
in
by Linda Gravett, Ph.D., SPHR, CEQC A compensation philosophy relates to an organization’s commitment to how it values employees. A consistent and intentional pay philosophy gives both the organization and its employees a frame of reference when discussing salary in a negotiation. The goal of a compensation philosophy is to attract, retain and foster an […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Smartphone Usage After Hours

Last Updated
in
Question: Many of our employees have smartphones. Do we have to pay them for every time they use it outside of regular working hours?  I tell them not to respond until work hours but many of them still respond to emails and texts outside of work hours.  What do I do? Answer: This issue has […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

What Are the Benefits of Total Compensation Statements?

Last Updated
in
Question: What are total compensation statements and why should I consider them for my employees? Answer: Most of the time, an employee’s pay and benefits spread far beyond the base pay.  A total compensation statement can be anything from a simple, computer-generated spreadsheet to an elaborate, in-depth analysis with charts or graphs.  Providing total compensation […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Do you know if you need to pay an intern or not?

Last Updated
in
Question: I read a notice that there are new requirements that must be met to consider someone an unpaid intern. What are the requirements and how do I make sure our company needs to pay an intern or not? Answer: This month, the Department of Labor (DOL) adopted a new test for determining if a […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

FMLA Expiration and COBRA

Last Updated
in ,
Question: We have an employee who is on FMLA to receive an organ donation and the leave is expiring soon. At what point do we offer the employee COBRA, and for how long? Answer: It is generally required by employers to offer health care coverage under COBRA law when the employee is: No longer eligible […]
Read more
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

Are Employee Gift Cards Considered Taxable Benefits?

Last Updated
in ,
HR Question: To thank my employees for their extra efforts, I have provided them with a $50 gift card.  Accounting is telling me I have to report the value of the gift cards as taxable benefits.  Is that true? HR Answer: Yes, it’s true! According to the IRS, cash, gift certificates, and gift cards are […]
Read more
Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

Mental Health Concerns in the Workplace

Last Updated
in , ,
In today’s chaotic environment, many American workers have been searching for ways to cope with the “new normal.” Between the pandemic, civil unrest, a divisive and contentious election, and frequent changes in their day to day life, it’s no surprise that mental health concerns in the workplace are on the rise. What impact can your […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Bonus Grants: A Creative Way to Retain and Reward Key Employees

Last Updated
in
HR Question: I’ve been asked to look into how we can use bonus grants as part of our retention strategy. Can you help? HR Answer: Changes in the economy – as well as clashing generations in the workforce – have altered the employment landscape. Gone are the days of someone retiring after 40 years with […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Do I Have to Allow Employees to “Opt Out” of Pre-Tax Deductions?

Last Updated
in
Question: If I have an employer that has a premium only (pre-tax / IRS Section 125a premium deduction plan) – do I have to allow employees the opportunity to “opt out” of the pre-tax deduction?  In other words, they want the premium to come out post-tax….do I have to allow that? Answer: Yes, employees must […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Handling Employee Pay when Bad Weather Hits

Last Updated
in
With all the bad weather we have been having, how do I handle paying employees when our facilities are closed, or employees just don’t make it in because of the weather?
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Are you familiar with the Portal-to-Portal Act?

Last Updated
in
Question: If I need to send an employee to “cover” at a worksite other than where they are regularly schedule to work, am I required to pay them for the time it takes them to get there? Answer: It depends! Luckily, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) addresses this issue specifically. Section 29 CFR § […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Divisions Email Service

Last Updated
in
Question: At a recent HR meeting we were encouraged to sign up for the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Divisions email service. Why would we want to do this? Answer: The DOL provides the opportunity to receive free e-mail notices when new information is available on the website that includes over 100 different topics, […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Co-op and Intern Exemption Status

Last Updated
in
We would like to add a co-op student to our staff this year. Are Co-ops and Interns considered exempt or non-exempt? How do you determine this?
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Pre-tax and Post-tax on Benefits

Last Updated
in
Question: I have always taken my employee’s premiums for benefits out of their pay check on a ‘pre-tax’ basis.  It was my understanding that was something I was allowed to do.  Recently, I was told I am not technically allowed to do that.  Is that true? Answer: You ARE allowed to take premiums out of […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Paying to Get Ready for Work

Last Updated
in
Question: I have an employee telling me that I should be paying them for the time it takes them to go to their locker and get ready for work.  Is that true? Answer: Paying employees for the time they work seems pretty straight forward, however, the activities that they perform before or after their shift […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Voluntary Classification Settlement Program

Last Updated
in ,
Question: What is the new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) and what, if anything, does my company need to do? Answer: The new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) was developed by the IRS to provide payroll tax relief to employers that reclassify their workers (as employees) for future tax periods. Part of the Fresh Start initiative […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Snow Storm Pay

Last Updated
in
Question: What do you pay when a snow storm hits? Answer: This winter has been one for the record books, and with nearly two months of winter left to go there is a good chance that companies will be faced with this question. Fortunately, two Labor Department opinion letters help clarify the confusing issue of […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Volunteer Time

Last Updated
in
Question: Can my employee volunteer time to my non-profit organization or an event sponsored by the employer? Answer: For an exempt employee, ABSOLUTELY! There are no concerns regarding payment for an exempt employee under the FLSA, and they can actually be required to assist as part of their job, if it is part of their […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

When to Offer a Part-Time Employee Company Benefits

Last Updated
in
Question: How quickly do we need to offer benefits once a part-time employee is working 40 or more hours per week? The employee is regularly scheduled to work 30 hours per week and is ineligible for coverage. However, the employee is currently working on a major project where the hours worked tend to often exceed […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Am I Required to Offer COBRA?

Last Updated
in ,
Question: How do I determine if I have to offer COBRA to our employees for their health insurance? We are ‘on the bubble’ with 21 employees this year, but some are part time.  Answer: According to the Department of Labor, group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees on more than 50 percent […]
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Paying Employees for Work-Related Activities

Last Updated
in
The other day I asked an employee to drop off some paperwork at a client's on their way to lunch - it was on the way. When the employee turned in their time for the week they included that drive time to the client's. Do I need to pay employees for their time when they are driving past the establishment anyway?
Read more
Image of HR Wheel of Services emphasizing Benefits and Compensation Services from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Exemption Status of Inside Sales

Last Updated
in
How do you handle the exemption status for Inside Sales employees?
Read more