Variety is the spice of life, so the saying goes. This applies well to company benefits, since the benefits that one worker finds attractive may be unattractive to another. Benefits are an important facet of human resources and can be complicated. Gain an overview and essential building blocks to understanding benefits packages, including knowledge of mandatory benefits and the difference between voluntary and regulated benefit plans. 

Module 1   

• 13-1 Benefits and HR Strategy 
• 13-1a Benefits as a Competitive Advantage 
• 13-1b Tax-Favored Status of Benefits 
• 13-1c Global Benefits 
• 13-1d Public-Sector Benefits 
• 13-2 Managing Benefits 
• 13-2a Benefits Design 

Module 2  

• 13-3 Benefits Administration, Technology, and Communication 
• 13-3a Benefits Measurement 
• 13-3b Benefits Cost Control 
• 13-3c Benefits Communication 
• 13-3d Types of Benefits 
• 13-4 Legally Required Benefits 
• 13-4a Social Security and Medicare 
• 13-4b Workers’ Compensation 
• 13-4c Unemployment Compensation 
• 13-4d Additional Legally Required Benefits 
• 13-5 Retirement Benefits 
• 13-5a Retirement Plan Concepts 
• 13-5b Retirement Plans 
• 13-6 Legal Regulation of Retirement Benefits 
• 13-6a Employee Retirement Income Security Act 
• 13-6b Retirement Benefits and Age Discrimination 

Module 3  

• 13-7 Health Care Benefits 
• 13-7a Increases in Health Benefits Costs 
• 13-7b Health Care Reform Legislation 
• 13-7c Employer-Sponsored Plans 
• 13-7d Controlling Health Care Benefit Costs 
• 13-7e Increasing Employee Contributions 

Module 4  

• 13-7f Consumer-Driven Health Plans 
• 13-7g Dental and Vision Coverage 
• 13-7h Improving Health through Wellness Initiatives 
• 13-7i Health Care Legislation 
• 13-9 Family Oriented Benefits 
• 13-9a Family and Medical Leave Act 
• 13-9b Family-Care Benefits 

Module 5  

• 13-10 Paid Time-Off Benefits 
• 13-10a Vacation Pay 
• 13-10b Holiday Pay 
• 13-10c Leaves of Absence 
• 13-10d Paid-Time-Off Plans 
• 13-10e Employee-Paid Group Benefits