The year is off to a fast start on the compliance front as significant changes in the employment and benefits arena go into effect. Employers should examine current programs, policies and processes to ensure that they reflect the following:

• New Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations that clarified several issues surrounding general application of FMLA as well as extensions of FMLA leave benefits for military families through the National Defense Authorization Act. (Effective on January 16, 2009.)

• The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), which seeks to address persistent issues with the application of the original ADA. The ADAAA expands and clarifies the definition of a covered “disability” as well as tightens the concept of prohibited discrimination. While the new regulations provide more guidance and clarity for both employers and employees, companies might find that the changes make compliance with the ADA more challenging. (Effective on January 1, 2009.) More

Managing Employee Apprehension, Ambivalence and Angst:
Retirement Plans in Uncertain Times

Losses of 40.3 percent in the S&P Index alone kept U.S. investors riveted to financial news in 2008. 401(k) participants in companies across the country were among those most battered by market losses. Plan providers are seeing trends that will directly impact the workplace, including:

• Despondency among employees over losses in retirement plans that form one of the most important components of a company’s benefits program;

• Morale and retention issues as employers whose own strained bottom lines (and benefits budgets) have forced them to decrease or eliminate company contributions to 401(k) accounts or consider prospective benefit cut-backs;

• Reduced plan participation and savings levels due to employee lack of market confidence or need for cash; and

• A potential trend of delayed retirements as employees lack the funds to transition out of the workplace. More

Helios HR 2009 Apollo Awards™
Recognizing DC Area Businesses for Exemplary Employee Development

Nominations for the 2009 Helios HR Apollo Awards™ are open through February 25th! The Apollo Awards recognize Washington-area employers that promote employee growth and development. The winners will be announced at our awards breakfast ceremony on June 5th at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, VA. More

In this Issue

Compliance Arena Heats Up!

» New Family and Medical Leave Act Regulations - 1/16/09

» Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act - 1/1/09

» New Form I-9 - 4/3/09

» E-Verify Requirement - 5/21/09

» New Mileage Rate From IRS - 1/1/09

Managing Employee Apprehension: Retirement Plans in Uncertain Times

Helios HR 2009 Apollo Awards™

Also This Month...

2009 Helios HR Apollo Nominations Closing February 25!

Nominate your company or another who promotes employee development. Find out more and apply online!

Helios HR New Location!
Due to continual growth, we have moved to larger office space at 12007 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 420, Reston, VA 20191. Come visit us!

Attracting and Retaining Executive Talent Seminar
Register now for the "Attracting and Retaining Executive Talent" seminar on Feb. 25. Expand your knowledge and capabilities to retain the best leadership!

Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)
Attend the 2009 Mid-Atlantic Strategic Growth Conference & Capital Forum March 19 & 20, 2009 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel - Keynote Speaker Mark Feldman, Authority on Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Change
Annual Conference Registration Link

About Helios HR

Helios HR client-focused delivery models include:

HR Outsourcing

HR Consulting

Interim HR Management

Additional information

is available at
www.helioshr.com