News

On Feb. 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule that would rescind the department’s 2024 final independent contractor rule and replace it with an analysis for employee classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) similar to the one adopted by the DOL in 2021. The proposed rule was published…

The nonprofit sector has been contending with a complex risk landscape for several years, largely fueled by economic uncertainty, funding pressures and rising demand for community outreach. Amid these challenges, nonprofit organizations are facing significant operational and financial strains, making it harder to accomplish their missions and serve those in need. In the commercial insurance…

By Carolyn O'Kelley, SPHR, SHRM-SCPOAA Director, HR & Business Consulting Municipal hiring has never been simple—but particularly for small local governments in Missouri, it has become especially complex. Limited applicant pools, heightened legal scrutiny, generational shifts in the workforce, and increased competition from the private sector mean that how you hire is just as important…

Crime poses a significant threat to businesses of all sizes, often resulting in costly losses and operational disruptions. While many organizations rely on traditional security measures, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) offers a proactive approach to reducing risk by shaping a facility’s design, layout and landscaping to discourage criminal behavior and promote positive interactions. …

The workplace in 2026 is undergoing a transformation, largely driven by technological advancements, regulatory shifts and evolving employee expectations. HR is not a back-office function. More than ever, it’s a strategic partner shaping organizational resilience and competitiveness.  Employers will face a dynamic environment in 2026 that demands agility, foresight and collaboration. This article explores six…

On July 4, 2025, a sweeping tax and spending bill, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), was signed  into law. Although significantly pared down from its original draft version, the OBBBA includes a broad set of changes for  employee benefit plans, most of which take effect in 2026. These changes…

On Jan. 15, the White House rolled out a health care plan as a broad framework to help Congress craft legislation to address health care cost challenges. The plan aims to lower prescription drug prices, reduce insurance premiums and redirect federal subsidies directly to Americans. “We’re calling it the Great Health Care Plan. Instead of…

The start of a new year is the perfect time to make sure you’re ready to get the most out of your benefits. Whether you made adjustments during open enrollment or retained your existing coverage, taking a few proactive steps now can help you avoid surprises, reduce costs and maximize the value of your benefits…

The IRS has extended transition relief from enforcement of some paid family and medical leave (PFML) state and employer tax obligations under Revenue Ruling 2025-4. The extension lasts through calendar year 2026 and applies to the portion of medical leave benefits a state pays to an individual that is attributable to employer contributions. The extension…

This infographic highlights important benefit plan limits for 2026. Download the PDF here.