Employer Mandate vs. Individual Mandate

Over the past couple months I have been privileged to travel around Oregon to discuss the Affordable Care Act.   During the question section of my presentation I have been asked, ‘If the employer is required to pay a $2000 tax/penalty is it possible that the employee will have to pay a separate penalty as well?’  The short answer is yes, it is possible for both the employer as well as an employee to pay a penalty. Both the employer mandate penalty and individual mandate penalty are independent of one another.

Cover Oregon – Health Insurance Exchange Update

Last week the Oregon Insurance Division released a sample of proposed health insurance rates for the upcoming health insurance exchange.  These are suggested rates only and it is not clear if or how much they may change.  When reviewing the web page from the first link below note that in all three coverage levels each carrier is offering the same amount of coverage.  Next take a look at the pricing for each of the three levels as there are significant price differences between carriers.  In the second link you will see a summary of benefits for each plan.  

It’s Officially Tube Top, Capri Pants and Exposed Toes Season!

Regardless of the geographic region in which you reside, it seems as soon as the flowers have begun to bloom and the days become gradually longer, the air is filled with an underlying excitement of the coming warmer summer season. Many workplaces experience another predictable annual occurrence: the metamorphosis of employees’ wardrobes and the need to revisit the Company’s dress code.

Some employers have established summer hours with compressed or flexible work weeks, incorporating a more casual dress code as well. It is recommended, however, that employers revisit the workplace attire policy with employees prior to the start of the warmer weather.

Are YOU Engaged as a Manager?

Managers, YOU can make a difference!

The relationship between the direct supervisor and the employee if the most critical. Well and frequently engaged managers can make a HUGE difference in the morale, productivity and life of your company. Learn how to be an Engaged Manager with these 8 steps: 

Managing Vacation Requests

“But it’s my Cousin’s Wedding”

It is often difficult to strike that perfect balance between allowing employees some degree of flexibility to take vacations, while ensuring adequate coverage in the workplace. Employers also find it difficult to juggle multiple vacation requests around popular vacation times. Below we have listed a few tips, suggestions and best practices to ensure the vacation plan works well for both the employer and its employees.

If your business is highly seasonal in nature, you may wish to enact a policy requiring employees to use all or a specific amount of vacation during the slow months.

Is Your Compass Set?

Navigating Your Business through the Affordable Care Act 

Coming soon to a Chamber of Commerce near you!
 

Join us with your local Chamber of Commerce for an informational session on ACA for the small business owner.  "Navigating Your Business through the Affordable Care Act" will focus on the rules, tax benefits currently available, and resources for the future.   

Is it Vacation or Paid Time Off?

Traditionally, employers offered separate paid time off benefits to employees, such as paid vacation, sick leave and personal days.  However, in the past decade, many companies have moved to a more flexible Paid Time Off or “PTO” benefit that incorporates all policies into one all-inclusive PTO plan.

The debate as to whether employers benefit from offering PTO  verses separate vacation, sick and personal leave plans is constantly being researched.  In an effort to assist employers in making an informed decision in this regard, below are some advantages and disadvantages of combining the company’s separate paid time off benefits into a single Paid Time-Off (PTO) plan.