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The middle of the year is an ideal time to evaluate benefits strategy and recalibrate plan design, vendor partnerships and cost-containment efforts to close out the year strong or prepare for the 2027 open enrollment season. As such, understanding the current state of the employee benefits market can help employers evaluate their offerings to best…

On July 21, 2026, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2026-26 to index the contribution percentage in 2027 for determining the affordability of an employer's health plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For plan years beginning in 2027, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable under the ACA's "pay-or-play" rules if the employee's required contribution for…

Pay increases aren't one-size-fits-all. Employers use several types depending on their goals, budget and workforce needs, and these differences matter more than many organizations realize. A merit increase signals something very different to an employee than a standardized across-the-board adjustment, even if the dollar amounts are similar. Understanding the distinctions helps organizational leaders make more…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming HR, but it's also powering more convincing, scalable scams. From deepfake candidates to impersonated executives, today's threats look more real than ever. The following tips can be used to avoid HR-related AI scams. 1. Learn how to spot AI scams. Watch for these emerging AI-driven red flags: 2. Strengthen verification…

High turnover has long been treated as an unavoidable cost of doing business in industries such as retail, food service, hospitality, manufacturing and other frontline operations. In roles with frequent turnover, organizations often hesitate to invest in training, questioning the value of developing employees who may not stay long. Yet this assumption is increasingly being…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how organizations recruit, communicate and operate. Unfortunately, the same tools that are streamlining HR workflows are also fueling a new wave of sophisticated scams. From deepfakes of CEO voices to fake job applicants submitting AI-generated resumes, threat actors are exploiting AI to create more believable, personalized and scalable attacks. For…

HR professionals carry a long list of responsibilities, including oversight of recruitment, compliance, employee engagement, benefits administration, and learning and development (L&D). In many cases, these professionals work in a small team with minimal support, or even as a department of one. The scope of their responsibilities continues to expand, often without a corresponding increase…

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…

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…

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