Busy professionals reaching ever higher levels of success often find that as their assets grow, free time shrinks. To recapture some of life’s most precious and ever dwindling commodity, many families hire domestic staff in the form of housekeepers, nannies, drivers, chefs, and other personal service providers. Once your family’s needs go beyond just having a weekly cleaning service for … Read More
8 Reasons pre-screening employees is just smart business
I spend my workday helping Sinclair clients manage risk, avoid hidden pitfalls, and implement initiatives that give them the best chance to be prosperous and successful. I do this work happily, it gives me great joy! That’s why I am such a strong advocate of making sure organizations have a structured, consistent approach to pre-screening employees. It floors me that … Read More
Senate Passes ACA Small Group Market Rule Repeal
On Oct. 1, 2015, the U.S. Senate passed legislation repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirement that the small group market in every state be expanded to include businesses with 51-100 employees. The Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees (PACE) Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in the week. It has been reported that President Obama … Read More
2015 Draft Instructions for 6055 and 6056 Reporting Include Filing Extensions
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created new reporting requirements under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. Under these new reporting rules, certain employers must provide information to the IRS about the health plan coverage they offer (or do not offer) or provide to their employees. Reporting is first required in 2016, related to coverage offered or provided in … Read More
Franchise owners: 5 secrets to managing your Workers’ Compensation rates
Nothing is worse than having an employee injured on the job. As a franchise owner you know injuries can happen. But when one occurs you’re left doing a balancing act, caught between assuring your employee gets the best care while trying to keep your workers’ compensation costs from spiraling out of control. The stress can be overwhelming. Here are 5 … Read More
Wellness programs: So much more than losing weight
More and more companies are instituting wellness programs in the workplace, and it’s no surprise, given that 92% of owners say they are effective, with real, measurable ROI. Wellness programs are about more than just passively encouraging employees to exercise and watch what they eat (though research shows that is a very positive objective)! A robust, well-rounded wellness program provides … Read More
Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law effective July 1, 2015
On Nov. 4, 2014, Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure, known as the “Massachusetts Paid Sick Days Initiative,” to provide earned paid sick leave to employees.The Earned Sick Time Law is effective July 1, 2015, and generally covers all employers in Massachusetts. However, employers must comply with existing collective bargaining agreements or contracts that have more generous leave provisions. On … Read More
The Cleveland Browns and Sinclair Risk: Why being different is a good thing.
The Cleveland Browns debuted new uniforms last month, and they are quite eye-catching, especially given what came before. Fans long familiar with jerseys featuring tiny, barely readable “Browns” now see “CLEVELAND” screaming in big letters across the front. The uniforms can consist of multiple color combos of orange, brown, and white, the day’s variety depending on…owner Jimmy Haslam’s mood? But, … Read More
CT Employee Benefits Planning: Assessing Voluntary Options
CT Employee Benefits Planning: Assessing Voluntary Options An effective Employee Benefits program is key to attracting and retaining top talent. While voluntary benefits plans are still paid by employees, the company-run programs offer employees discounted prices for coverage compared to the open market. These employment perks often help employees with life needs and expenses they might otherwise not have the … Read More
Wallingford Employee Benefits Planning: New ACA Revisions
Wallingford Employee Benefits Planning: New ACA Revisions In a 5 to 4 ruling the U.S. Supreme Court made a hugely influential decision to allow employers to opt out of paying for employees to have access to certain contraceptives. The case was originally pursued by craft-retailer Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. along with other religiously affiliated businesses, to seek exemption from stipulations … Read More