As more signs of an improving economy bubble up, more employers are making tweaks to their retirement benefits to make them more attractive.

The tide of regulations interpreting the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) began to ebb in 2011, and portions of the law have even been repealed or put on hold.

More employers are opting for the stick over the carrot to prod employees into improving their lifestyles.

The full impact of health care reform remains as cloudy as ever, so it is crucial that employers tread carefully when making benefit decisions.

Employers can play a key role in keeping their workforce — and their entire community — healthy as winter approaches.

While health care is often king at enrollment, experts say employers shouldn’t ignore income-protecting benefits for their employees.