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Dealing with COVID-19's massive impact on employers, employee benefits, 401(k) and pension plans, health insurance, and more.

The “new normal” in voluntary benefits

In the past few weeks, key industries for voluntary benefits such as restaurants, hotels, public schools, and other service sectors have shuttered for an indeterminate period of time. And unfortunately, voluntary benefits are disproportionately skewed towards these hourly workers and sectors.

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The looming U.S. business shutdowns stands to affect the paychecks of 82 million Americans who are paid hourly; that is 60 percent of the entire workforce.  In the past few weeks, key industries for voluntary benefits such as restaurants, hotels, public schools, and other service sectors have shuttered for an indeterminate period of time.  And unfortunately, voluntary benefits are disproportionately skewed towards these hourly workers and sectors.

Given this “new normal,” payroll deductions of voluntary benefits for hourly workers are in jeopardy due to reduced hours and business closures.  Think about it: What percent of your business will be disrupted if just one full payroll cycle is missed; much less the eight weeks being recommended by the CDC for any gathering of 50 or more (which would be most restaurants, schools, etc.)? Even a few weeks can create a billing and payment issue for your business clients and policyholders.

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