Welcome to Hill, Barolet & Associates
Communications to Engage, Connect, Inspire
At Hill, Barolet & Associates, we believe that communication has the power to engage, connect and inspire people... to motivate audiences to listen, understand and take action.
Through our strategic planning, innovative writing and design, and superb implementation and delivery, we bring the power of communication to your company.
After all, any communications — whether it’s describing your benefit plans, introducing organizational change, revitalizing your internal brand or revamping a key HR program — isn’t just about sharing information. It’s about shaping the experience so that employees are focused, engaged and willing to participate.
This week's hot tips
We were quoted in an article on www.shrm.org about communicating benefit changes in difficult economic times.
In addition, transparency means acknowledging what the organization doesn’t know about a given situation.
For example, if executives are not sure how stable a situation is, they should acknowledge that to employees. "It is important to set appropriate expectations; otherwise, you could lose credibility," says Sara Hill, a principal with Hill, Barolet & Associates, an employee and benefits communication agency in Houston. "Employees hate spin, so be honest about what’s changing and why." The focus of your communication should be helping employees determine how these events will affect them now and in the future.
If you’re a SHRM member, you can read the entire article by, clicking here
2009 IRS Retirement Plan Limits
| 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) Plans |
|---|
| $16,500 | Annual Deferral Limit (before-tax and Roth contributions) |
| $5,500 | Additional Catch-Up Contributions Limit
(age 50+) |
| SIMPLE Plans |
|---|
| $11,500 | Annual Deferral Limit |
| $2,500 | Additional Catch-Up Contributions Limit
(age 50+) |
| Annual Limits |
|---|
| $245,000 | Qualified Retirement Plan Maximum Compensation |
| $110,000 | Highly Compensated Employees |
| $49,000 | Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Additions (employee + company) |
| $195,000 | Defined Benefit Plan Maximum Benefit |