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In this January 2021 issue:

• Networking
• Exit Interviews
• Healthcare Deductibles
• The She-Cession
• Employer Webinar

Networking: What's Mine is Yours

Over the last year, LinkedIn has been painted green — the color of the “open to work” profile frames that pepper our newsfeeds. It seems as if everyone knows someone who has been affected by job loss, underemployment, or furlough. Job search strategy evolves at a rapid speed — what worked years ago will likely not be as effective this time around. Leading outplacement firm, LHH, reports that 80% of job seekers in today’s market find positions by networking. While growing and maintaining your contact base is key to landing a job, it can be tricky to build new relationships virtually in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. You may feel you do not have the expertise to help in a meaningful way. This could not be further from the truth. You have one meaningful resource that can open new doors and unlock opportunities…your network!

Exit Interview Gold

Departing employees are a wealth of information. Unfortunately, exit interviews are often treated by HR as a box to be checked rather than a treasure trove of insights. In today’s technology-heavy corporate world, it has become commonplace for employers to skip this important conversation with departing employees. Instead, departing employees receive an automated email with a link to an exit survey where they can share feedback through a series of drop-down questions. The worst part? The feedback is collected, and then buried alive without being analyzed or shared with the people who could make improvements. Stop the madness!

It is time to upgrade your exit interview process. Here are a few guiding practices to turn your exit interviews into gold.

Healthcare Deductible & Definition Drama

Do you search for a discount code before confirming an online purchase? Or cut coupons out of the weekly paper? If you are shaking your head yes, you are akin to the 92% of respondents in a 2019 Valassis study who reported using coupons. Let’s be honest…It feels good to get a deal. For some, it is second nature to jump through hoops to bargain shop for everyday items. But when it comes to understanding the costs associated with healthcare, many choose to look the other way. It is overwhelming to sort through the summary plan documents. The terminology and numbers can be confusing. Instead of screaming and running in the other direction, take a few minutes to increase your knowledge on basic terminology so you can be an educated consumer. Let’s start by understanding your deductible. What is it? And why does it matter?

The She-Cession: An Unwanted “Ladies First”

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic affected our work lives in unprecedented ways...workers furloughed, jobs lost, businesses closed, bedrooms converted to home offices. While the Great Recession of 2008 more negatively affected men’s employment rates, the numbers reported last year tell a different story. The 2020 recession more dramatically upset women’s employment rates. A look at the industries and roles where women play a starring role provide insight into the many factors that led to what economists are calling the “she-cession.”

Employer Webinar

Complying with the Final Rules on Transparency in Group Health Plan Coverage

Tuesday, February 9th, 2021
2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

On October 29, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), released final rules on coverage transparency for group health plans that will begin to take effect on January 1, 2022. The final rules will require group health plans and insurance issuers in the group markets to disclose cost-sharing information and negotiated rates. This webinar will help employers understand the final rules and the steps an employer should take to prepare to be compliant.