​Did you know the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides an Economic Summary covering unemployment, employment, wages, prices, spending and benefits for the United States and specifically, the DFW area? This information is a great resource for businesses to keep a pulse on the work environment.
For example, the August 28th Summary lists the following:

• Unemployment Rate is 3.4 for the DFW area; compared to 4.0 for the United States
• Average Weekly Wages are $1,226 in DFW; compared to $1,144 for the United States
• Employer costs per hour worked (combined for wages and selected employee benefits) in the West South-Central Region is $32.01.  Of the $32.01, the cost of benefits is $8.87 and wages at $23.14.

For more information on the Labor Statistics, go to bls.gov

Fall is almost here with cooler weather, football games and……annual employee benefit enrollments.  As you plan your enrollment, consider the following;

• When planning your enrollment time frame, consider the dates to cover two weekends; giving employees time to talk about any benefit changes with their family.
• Most employees enroll the last few days; so be prepared to answer questions and help employees during the “crunch” time. 
• Consider simplifying your offerings.  Instead of offering 6 medical plans, see what plans employees are electing and only offer those plans.  Offering too many is confusing to employees as well as administratively time consuming.
•  Create a one-page information sheet (hard copy or on-line) that defines key terms and publicizes contact names and numbers, important websites and a list of all the information needed to complete open enrollment.
• Make sure your employees are educated and understand all benefit offerings as well as any changes coming for the new plan year.

If you need help planning or administering the Annual Benefit Enrollment, Human Resource Solutions can help and make the holidays easier for you and your staff