Course Overview by Author: Employee benefits refer to compensation other than hourly wage, salary, or incentive payments. Benefits programs are characterized by: Protection, Paid Time Off, and Accommodation and Enhancement. Protection programs - provide family benefits, promote health, and guard against income loss caused by catastrophic factors such as unemployment, disability, and serious illnesses. Paid time-off policies - compensate employees when they are not performing their primary work duties, for example, vacation and holidays. Accommodation and enhancement benefits - promote opportunities for employees and their families, including stress management classes, flexible time, and tuition reimbursement. Text Overview: Practical approach. Commonly referenced by HR practitioners. Contains 12 chapters, organized into 4 parts: (1) Introduction to Employee Benefits; (2) Retirement, Health Care, and Life Insurance; (3) Services; and (4) Extending Employee Benefits. Each chapter contains a chapter outline, learning objectives, key terms, discussion questions, and 2 brief cases.