Expert Opinion

A handbook is of little value if it is not regularly updated - and reviewed by counsel - to comply with changes in the law or the ever-evolving, post-pandemic world and to set the tone for company culture.

SVB warned of "negative effects of a prolonged work-from-home arrangement" in its annual report, but other banks like Bank of America continue to be profitable while embracing remote work.

While the new retirement law offers unique opportunities for employers, companies need to consider how much value employees will place on the new savings vehicles, such as automatic enrollment and emergency savings.

With the new provisions of this recently passed retirement law, employers have a lot more options to offer employees, from an emergency savings account to a student loan-401(k) match.

Among the new law's 93 provisions are new mandatory rules for part-time workers, as well as an optional provision for employers to include a student loan/401(k) matching plan.

As the year progresses, expect an increasing number of employers and benefits consultants to build value-based networks designed to improve health outcomes while reducing costs - and alternative care delivery sites will expand.