Feb. 17, 2012--Most health management programs tend to focus on changing behaviors and use incentives to try to get people to change. It is more important to get underneath the surface of behaviors to identify and address values and attitudes.

Feb. 17, 2012--Applying the term “intern” to a position does not exempt the employer from federal and state minimum wage and overtime laws. The positions must meet certain criteria, or they are subject to the same laws as employees. 

Feb. 17, 2012--Leading employees to personal and professional growth can be challenging. It is often easier to just give them the answer when they have a question. The good coach would instead ask them a question in return.

Feb. 17, 2012--Strong organic growth depends on the successful execution of four disciplines. These four disciplines function as pillars that form the structural integrity of your talent development plan.

Jan. 31, 2012--Working in the employee benefits business, we’re often asked how we approach wellness with our own employees. Over time we have embraced a more well-rounded approach and are now focusing on our employees' overall wellbeing.

Jan. 30, 2012--Fireplaces, power strips and clothes dryers are things that are in use every day. To ensure safety, it is important to follow proper maintenance and operation procedures when using these items. 

Jan. 30, 2012--Associations need workers’ compensation coverage as they can be held responsible for medical costs and lost wages for an injured contractor if there is no other insurance in place.

Jan. 30, 2012--Workers’ compensation will not cover association volunteers. In Minnesota, an injury is not covered by workers’ compensation unless an employer/employee relationship exists.

Jan. 27, 2012--Flood facts for Community Associations.

Jan. 27, 2012--Workers Compensation policies are auditable policies. The estimated payroll makes it auditable because the carrier bases the annual premium charge off the estimated payroll that is submitted to them.

Jan. 20, 2012--Employers required to maintain records of occupational injuries and illnesses are reminded to do the following by February 1 to comply with OSHA's record-keeping requirement:

Nov. 14, 2011--At RJF, we're seeing effect from this hardening market, including less available coverage, less favorable terms for policy holders like higher deductibles and lower limits, tighter underwriting scrutiny, and higher insurance premiums.

Sept. 30, 2011--Any company that sponsors a 401(k) or profit-sharing plan, or welfare plan needs Fiduciary Liability coverage to protect against errors in plan administration and breaches of fiduciary duty under ERISA.

Dec. 28, 2011--Most Minnesota manufacturers are predicting 2012 to be as good or better than 2011, according to a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) report.

Nov. 4, 2011--RJF is again sponsoring the State of Manufacturing™ research project, led by Enterprise Minnesota.

Feb. 15, 2012--The IRS, Department of Labor and Health and Human Services released final regulations regarding the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) requirement contained in the Affordable Care Act.

Feb. 7, 2012--Many employers provide health plan coverage to their employees’ domestic partners. This coverage may be taxable on a federal level to the employee depending on several factors.

Feb. 7, 2012--Certain states mandate short term disability (STD) coverage for employees who work in those states. States have varying eligibility requirements that determine if an individual is eligible for disability insurance.

Jan. 10, 2012--The IRS recently released IRS Notice 2012-9 that provides employers additional guidance on the Form W-2 reporting requirement created under the Affordable Care Act1.

Jan. 3, 2012--The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 was passed in late December and will temporarily extend a payroll tax cut for wages paid through February 29, 2012.

Internal Revenue Code Section 79 permits an employee to receive up to $50,000 of group term basic life insurance on a tax-free basis. The value amount over $50,000 must be added to the individual’s taxable income.

Employees who receive disability benefits (long-term or short-term) may be taxed on these benefits based on how the premiums are paid.

Cafeteria plans must meet certain nondiscrimination requirements to ensure highly compensated key employees do not receive a disproportionate amount of tax-advantaged benefit.

Welfare benefit plans that have 100 or more participants enrolled on the first day of the plan year are required to file a Form 5500s (and attachments) each year.