Employco Blog

Americans’ heightened interest in and spending on GLP-1 drugs is a major driver of rising health care costs. While GLP-1 drugs were traditionally used to treat diabetes, they are now in demand for weight loss.

GLP-1 use is already widespread but is expected to increase in popularity. KFF reports that around 1 in 8 Americans have already used a GLP-1 drug, while 6% are currently taking one. However, this number is projected to rise in the coming years. Investment bank J.P. Morgan estimates that 9% of the U.S. population could be on GLP-1s by 2030.

Half of Managers Expect Layoffs in 2025 – According to a new report from ResumeTemplates.com, nearly half (45%) of U.S. managers said their company will likely lay off workers this year. ResumeTemplates surveyed 1,000 U.S. managers in January, and most expect modest impacts. Among companies expecting layoffs, 28% plan to lay off fewer than 5% of their workforce, and 44% project to lay off between 5% and 10%. Most companies (51%) cited an economic downturn as the driving force behind layoffs.

Keeping up with compliance developments can be difficult and time-consuming. This quarterly update highlights recent legal developments to help your organization stay on top of new requirements and minimize compliance risks.  This document includes updates on the following topics:

• New Legislation Simplifies ACA Reporting Requirements
• DOL Issues Opinion Letter on FMLA and State PFML Programs
• Telehealth Exception Has Expired for Calendar-year HDHP/HSA Plans
• OSHA Revises PPE Standard for Construction Industry
• Federal Court Vacates DOL’s Final Overtime Rule Nationwide
• And several state law developments

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is tasked with enforcing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The PWFA took effect on June 27, 2023, and requires covered employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations, or changes at work, for an applicant’s or employee’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer.

This article contains case studies exploring the most recent, real-world examples of employers accused or found to be violating the PWFA. These case studies include snapshots of violations and general guidance on how employers can prevent similar issues. Employers can examine these case studies to learn from the mistakes of others in comparable industries and avoid PWFA violations.

In recent months, employers have been requesting clarification or seeking guidance on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) special enrollment rights, Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility, employee discipline, and rules regarding paid and unpaid breaks. While questions surrounding these topics can vary based on locality, employer, and individual circumstances, federal agencies offer guidance that can aid employers in addressing day-to-day challenges in the workplace. The HR Hotline article explores questions and answers to common HR situations.