Kathryn Mayer

Parker

Compensation and Benefits Editor at SHRM HR News

Contributor at PopSugar

writer & editor. focusing on benefits & compensation at @SHRM. co-author of “Disneyland on the Mountain” @RLPGBooks

Articles

2026 HSA Contribution Limits Expected to Rise as Announcement Looms

1 day ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

Employers are waiting for the IRS to announce the 2026 limits for health savings account (HSA) contributions any day now, but, if projections hold true, HR leaders can expect to see HSA limits rise next year. Mercer analysts predict that the HSA contribution limit will rise $100 for self-coverage — from $4,300 in 2025 to $4,400 in 2026 — and $200 for family coverage, from $8,550 in 2025 to $8,750 in 2026.
What’s the ‘Magic Number’ for Employee Retirement in 2025?

3 days ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

Financial anxiety remains high as market volatility has shaken up retirement confidence, but the amount of money that employees think they need to retire comfortably has actually fallen in the past year. The “magic number” for U.S. workers to retire comfortably in 2025 is $1.26 million, according to new data from Northwestern Mutual. That’s $200,000 less than the $1.46 million figure reported last year — the highest number on record — and nearly flat with 2022 and 2023 estimates.
2025 Benefit Plan Limits & Thresholds Chart

1 week ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law. The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
March Inflation Falls, But Won’t ‘Provide Much Comfort to Businesses’

2 weeks ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

With help from falling energy prices, annual inflation fell in March, new data out today finds. But the impacts from President Donald Trump’s tariffs are still looming and taking a hit on employers’ confidence. The consumer price index (CPI) for March decreased 0.1% on a monthly basis and rose 2.4% for the 12 months ending in March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported April 10. That’s down from the 2.8% year-over-year increase notched in February.
GLP-1s Now ‘Predominant Driver’ of Drug Spend Growth

2 weeks ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

The finding comes as GLP-1s become increasingly popular and in demand from employees. Nearly one-third of commercially insured households report that someone in the household has used GLP-1s, Evernorth found. As a result of the increased attention — as well as the promise for health improvements — employers are increasingly covering the drugs for weight loss.
How to Support Employee Financial Literacy — And Why You Should

2 weeks ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

SHRM: Tell me about the state of financial literacy. Kane: I’m very frustrated that financial literacy is [rarely] discussed. Most people come into the workforce with a very basic understanding about general finance. You’re forced to learn as you come into adulthood, so you hope that there are resources and mentors around that will help you answer the questions when you have them, as a first step, and then provide some underlying education as you go along.
The Surprising Reason Behind Retention and Attraction Woes

3 weeks ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

There are several reasons why there’s a retention and attraction problem at organizations: low compensation, subpar benefits, little career advancement, poor management, and personal health issues, to name a few. But there’s an elephant in the room that organizations don’t want to acknowledge but is also hindering their ability to keep talent: unhappiness.
What to Know About the State of Employee Benefits in 2025

3 weeks ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

The employee benefits world is constantly changing. There are new benefits that crop up, fluctuations in health care costs (and changes in associated strategies), evolving employee needs, and new regulations and rules to consider. But one thing remains: the importance of benefits for an employer’s ability to attract, retain, and support employees.
Employees Say They Are Underpaid, Worry Pay Isn’t Based on Merit

4 weeks ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

Dissatisfaction With PayThe Zety data also mirrors other research that finds employees are feeling increasingly dissatisfied with their pay. Although significant, it isn’t much of a surprise, given that plenty of data suggests employees are financially stressed at the same time that employers are pumping the brakes on pay raises.
Employers Offering Benefits, Perks to Boost RTO Efforts

1 month ago | shrm.org | Kathryn Mayer

As that push-and-pull over RTO continues, employee benefits can make a difference, experts say. “Thoughtful benefits can significantly improve employees’ willingness, and even enthusiasm, for returning to the office,” said Priya Krishnan, chief digital and transformation officer at Bright Horizons, a child care provider with its headquarters in Newton, Mass.