Blog

21
Feb

Health Benefits Help SMBs Hire and Retain Workers Despite Ongoing Challenges

February 20, 2024 | Source: BenefitsPRO, by Alan Goforth   Although small and mid-sized businesses may lack the resources of their larger counterparts, they face many of the same issues in recruiting and retaining qualified employees. “It’s a challenging time for smaller employers,” according to a report from eHealth. “Most said it’s harder to find good workers today than it was three years ago. While

Read more

16
Feb

Holiday Closure

Our offices will be closed Monday, February 19, 2024 in observance of Presidents Day. We will return to normal business hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2024 at 8 AM. We hope you have a wonderful holiday and God bless America!

12
Feb

6 ways to plan for a bright future beyond renewals

 Ed Ligonde, Eric Silverman | January 24, 2024 6 ways to plan for a bright future beyond renewals Employee benefit brokers play a pivotal role in helping organizations provide competitive and comprehensive benefits to their employees. However, there is a common misconception that producers’ duties end with annual renewals in a mad dash to the Q4 finish line — now in our

Read more

24
Jan

Employment Law Trends at the Start of 2024

HR Advisor Newsletter by Choice Builder Employment Law Trends at the Start of 2024 With each new year, the world of HR and compliance looks a little different than before. Minimum wages increase. New laws go into effect. Trends emerge as state legislatures look at what their neighbors are doing and think, “We should do something similar!” Themes for 2024

Read more

11
Jan

Holiday Closure

Our offices will be closed Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will return to normal business hours on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 8 AM. We hope you have a wonderful holiday and God bless America!

11
Jan

Question: Can we ask employees if they are taking any medications that may impair their abilities to do their job?

HR Snapshot by Choice Builder|  Laura, MA, SHRM-C Question: Can we ask employees if they are taking any medications that may impair their abilities to do their job? Answer: Generally, no. The Americans with Disabilities Act restricts employers from asking medical questions of employees and protects the privacy of medical information. Asking about prescription medications would fall into the category of a

Read more

9
Jan

Annual Employee Benefits Compliance Responsibilities On January 1st

December 5, 2023 | Source: Word & Brown, by Paul Roberts The start of each year marks an important date for employers as they face annual compliance responsibilities related to their health plans, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and COBRA. Staying on top of these regulations is crucial for compliance and to avoid significant non-compliance penalties. Benefits advisors and insurance brokers play a

Read more

27
Dec

Question: Are we required to update our I-9s when the documentation used for them expires?

December 27, 2023| Source: Eric SHRM-SCP Question: Are we required to update our I-9s when the documentation used for them expires? Answer: You would only update a Form I-9 if the expired document pertains to a limited period of employment authorization. You should never reverify U.S. citizens and, in most cases, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). However, if a lawful permanent

Read more

19
Dec

Cannabis Protections in Employment

California Law Alert December 15, 2023 California Employment Law Updates for January 1 The following employment laws take effect January 1, 2024. CANNABIS PROTECTIONS IN EMPLOYMENT Employers with five or more employees will be prohibited from discriminating against an applicant or employee for using cannabis off-duty and away from the workplace. This includes discriminating based on a drug test that

Read more

19
Dec

Holiday Closure

This year, as with every year, we would like to express our gratitude for you, our clients, partners and friends. Our company would be nothing without you. We wish all the best for each of you during the holiday season and into the new year! From all of us at Gabriel Insurance Agency, thank you! Please note: Our offices will be closed

Read more