Will Your Social Security Check Follow You If You Move Overseas?
I've been getting more than a few emails lately from folks who say they plan to move overseas. Some told me they just want to escape the political turmoil in this country. Others probably have a bad case of wanderlust. I'm sure others are just thinking about retiring and returning to their ancestral home, or perhaps still others see some of the same websites I do that entice you with headlines like 'Live like royalty on your Social Security check in Costa Rica!'
But anyway, those writing to me want to know what happens with their Social Security benefits once they pack their bags and head to some foreign land to live.
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Once an employee has a mental health challenge, the employer needs to consider if there are any functional limitations affecting performance of the job and, correspondingly, if accommodations might be appropriate, she said. She also cautioned employers that if a manager hears something from an employee that indicates a potential health issue, they should be trained to escalate it, 'don't just stay quiet and walk away, because your duty is triggered to engage in the interactive process.' Smith turned again to financial questions, asking Priestle how companies can design retirement plans that are attractive to employees but also financially sustainable for the organizations. Priestle noted that it is very beneficial to have employees who are financially healthy, as employees who are in financial straits will not be productive. 'There is a return on investment to the company from the standpoint of structuring retirement benefits,' he said. He suggested starting with a traditional 401k plan, then considering nonqualified plans that allow for more creativity about who you offer those to. These can be tied to job and company performance. An audience member asked about Generation Z. 'How do you advise trying to change that culture from the bottom up?' Whalen suggested trying to understand, or encouraging the organization to understand, the benefits that Gen Z brings, as well as the reasons behind their preferences. Forming cross-generational teams to do training also helps, she said. 'It boils down to just getting to know the person individually,' she said. 'Each generation has different unique qualities that they bring to the table, but each person has their own unique qualities too.' The conversation then turned to remote work and who is eligible for that as well as rules around the practice. Walwyn Colvin recommended making sure remote work decisions are very intentional and then creating standards around who is allowed to work remotely, and monitoring performance to expectations. 'Look at what standards and expectations can be set, including some that are quantitative, if possible, to make sure that performance can be managed even when an employee is remote' she said. Smith asked the experts for any final thoughts. Priestle said it is imperative that companies have an internal champion for financial wellness. 'They need that person in the organization to truly push the benefits and push the importance of them,' he said. Having that person internally to promote the programs increases their utilization substantially, he said. Whalen agreed, saying providing education about benefits, whether they are financial or concerning time off or mental health, will be helpful to both the employees and their company. Walwyn Colvin suggested that employers review policies to make sure they still serve the company and that they're accurate. Then, managers need to be trained on them. 'Your managers are going to be your first line, enforcing your policies and setting your culture,' she said. She recommended consulting with the company's legal counsel often, even if it's brief. She is seeing an uptick in litigation-demand letters. 'It seems like people are worried and nervous about the economy or other job prospects,' she said. Claims of discrimination and harassment are also up, she said. Walwyn Colvin advised making sure harassment policies are up to date and that they have reporting mechanisms that are useful and effective.
