Leader Huddle Sheet
HR Updates | January 2026
Important Changes for 2026
Retirement
- All employees can contribute up to $24,500 to their 403(b) Savings Plan.
- All employees 50 or older in 2026 can contribute up to $8,000 in catch-up contributions, for total savings of up to $32,500.
- Northside will be hosting IRS SECURE 2.0 informational sessions for employees ages 50 and older on the following days:
403(b)-eligible:
- Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
457 & 403(b)-eligible:
- Monday, February 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern time
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Eastern time
Employees 50 and older should refer to their email received on December 29, 2025, for more information.
Overtime Wages
As a result of a recent bill passed in 2025, employees will not be taxed on overtime earnings for 2025.
What does this mean for overtime wages?
- Only the overtime premium portion is deductible (e.g. if regular pay is $20 per hour and OT is $30 per hour, only the $10 hour premium is deductible.)
- When W-2s are distributed, overtime amounts will be reported separately in Box 14, allowing employees to deduct this amount from their overall taxable earnings when filing their tax returns.
Please stay tuned for detailed communications concerning this change in late January.
Short-Term Disability
We're pleased to announce that we're extending STD coverage from 90 to 180 days, which doubles your coverage period at no extra cost to you.
This improvement means you'll have STD protection for a full six months instead of three, providing you with extended income protection when you need it most. Additionally, you'll continue to have the option to buy up your coverage for enhanced benefits during this 180-day period.
meQ February Calm-Cast: Unlock Everyday Positivity
It can be tough to stay positive and find those uplifting moments when things are stressful. Join Sheriyse Williams in meQ’s February Calm-Cast for simple, effective ways to make it happen.
Join one of the three time slots:
- Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 12 p.m. or 9 p.m. ET
- Friday, February 20, 2026, at 7 a.m. ET
Upcoming Key Dates
January
- National Blood Donor Month
- Thyroid Awareness Month
- Cervical Health Awareness Month
- January 20, 2026 - International Day of Acceptance for Disabilities & Accessibility
- January 31, 2026 - W-2s will be available no later than January 31, 2026.
- 1095s will be distributed electronically.
February
- American Heart Month
- February 1, 2026 - February 7, 2026 - Women's Heart Week
- February 2, 2026 - Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day
- February 2, 2026 - February 6, 2026 - Feeding Tube Awareness Week
- February 3, 2026 - National Women Physicians Day
- February 4, 2026 - February 10, 2026 - Pride in Food Service Week
- February 11, 2026 - February 17, 2026 - Cardiovascular Professionals Week
- February 12, 2026 - February 16, 2026 - Phlebotomist Recognition Week
See myNorthsideHR > Tools & Resources > Calendar of Events for more.
