On January 9, 2026, the IRS published the final version of the 2026 Form W2. Please refer to the article "IRS Releases Final 2026 Form W-2." for more information. Update October 16, 2025: On October 14, 2025, the IRS released a third draft of the 2026 Form W-2. Notable changes include: (1) adding code "TS" for Box 12 for cash tips reported in a "specified
The Hawaii Employers Council continues its commitment to serving businesses across the state with the upcoming “Essential Skills for Thriving in the Workplace” certificate series scheduled for Maui and Hawaii Island this fall. Each session covers all four courses in the Essential Skills series in a single day. The series kicks off in Hilo on
When customers reach out, they usually don’t want a script. They want a clear answer, a path forward, and the sense that someone on the other end is paying attention. While competitors rely on chatbots and automated responses, you can set your organization apart by offering authentic, thoughtful service that cultivates genuine relationships and
On August 7, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that for the 2025 taxable year, there will not be any changes to the Form W-2, existing Forms 1099, Form 941, and a few other payroll forms with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In addition, federal income tax withholding tables will remain the same. This means that employers can
This September, the Hawaii Employers Council will launch the inaugural Hawaii Leadership Academy, a dynamic, five-week program designed to strengthen the skills, vision, and impact of senior leaders in Hawaii. The Academy is tailored for professionals at the director level and above across various industries who are ready to refine their leadership
Are you struggling to fill critical roles? Losing valuable employees faster than you can replace them? Watching institutional knowledge walk out the door with every retirement or resignation? If these challenges sound familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is: there’s a powerful, often overlooked solution: experienced talent. Our society is
On August 18, 1943, 24 forward-thinking Hawaii business leaders gathered to sign the Hawaii Employers Council’s first bylaws. There was no fanfare—just a shared belief that by working together, they could help employers navigate a rapidly changing workplace landscape and foster strong, productive relationships with their teams. In those early
On July 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released guidance regarding “Unlawful Discrimination,” which applies to many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Entities may jeopardize federal funding and grant monies if it engages in unlawful discrimination or knowingly funds “unlawful practices of contractors,
HEC is excited to host our first fully remote HR Bootcamp: Building a Foundation in HR in September! HR Bootcamp is a series of HR training classes designed specifically for new HR professionals or professionals new to HR. This series is also ETF-approved. This means that both members and non-members can attend Bootcamp at a discounted price. Highlights
Starting in August, members may notice a familiar smiling face missing from our HEC team. After 11 years, Lori Fukumae—our VP & Director of Membership Development--will be leaving the organization on July 31, 2025 to embark on a new chapter in her professional journey. Throughout her tenure, Lori has been a committed, steady leader who played a