Employers are expanding the scope of the benefits offered to workers, and among those most appreciated by employees are wellness programs, financial wellness benefits, caregiving benefits and mental health benefits. Around 58% of employers offered wellness benefits this year, and some offer 24/7 access to mental health professionals.

In their quest to recruit entry-level candidates, employers might overlook opportunities to add valuable older workers. Here's how to ensure you find the best people with varying levels of experience.

The departments of Treasury, Labor and HHS are poised to propose a rule that would require employer-sponsored group plans and health insurance carriers to provide plan enrollees with estimates of their out-of-pocket costs for all covered health care items and services via a self-service website. The proposal would also require insurers to disclose negotiated rates with health care providers and past payments for out-of-network providers.

During the 12 months ending in October, Omaha, Neb., added 5,900 construction jobs, a 20% increase that makes the city the fastest-growing construction market in the US, according to AGC. Contractors are bringing in workers from out of state, and high schools and colleges are responding to growing demand with courses in the trades.

Short-term work assignments can be an effective retention tactic for budding leaders, although they take time to arrange and come with distinct tax and legal questions. Control over such programs should be centralized, with neither business units nor employees dictating the process.

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