Guam, a U.S. territory, adheres to federal labor laws but also has its own set of regulations regarding mandatory employee benefits.

Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay

Guam follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding minimum wage and overtime pay. Employers must pay their employees at least the federally mandated minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour. Overtime pay applies to employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek and must be paid at a rate of one and a half times their regular hourly rate.

Probationary Period

There's no federally mandated probationary period in the US, and Guam follows suit. However, employers have the discretion to establish a probationary period within their company policies. This period allows employers to assess an employee's suitability before making the position permanent.

Public Holidays

Employees in Guam are entitled to paid time off for designated public holidays. The specific holidays may vary slightly depending on the employer, but they typically include:

• New Year's Day
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Territorial Liberation Day
• Guåhan Family Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday
• Memorial Day
• Flag Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Leave Programs

Guam mandates specific leave programs for employees:

• Maternity Leave: The Guam Family and Medical Leave Act (GFMLEA) guarantees qualified employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth, adoption, or to care for a seriously ill spouse, child, or parent.

• Paternity Leave: Fathers are also entitled to unpaid leave under the GFMLEA, though the specific duration may vary depending on the employer's policy.

Additional Leave Considerations:

• Some employers in Guam may offer additional paid leave benefits, such as sick leave or vacation leave.
• Guam law also provides leave for child school-related purposes, allowing employees to take unpaid leave for specific school activities involving their children.

In Guam, many employers offer additional perks to attract and retain top talent. These optional benefits can range from health and wellness programs to financial security measures and work-life balance initiatives.

Health and Wellness

• Supplemental health insurance: Some employers offer additional health insurance plans beyond the minimum required by law. This might include dental, vision, or critical illness insurance.
• Wellness programs: Companies may promote employee well-being through gym memberships, on-site fitness facilities, or wellness programs that incentivize healthy habits.

Financial Security

• Life insurance: Some companies provide life insurance as an optional benefit to give employees peace of mind regarding financial security for their loved ones.

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible work arrangements: This could include options for telecommuting, compressed workweeks, or flexible start and end times to help employees manage personal commitments.
• Paid time off (PTO): Employers might offer additional PTO beyond the legal minimum, allowing employees more vacation days, sick leave, or personal days.

Other Perks

• Educational assistance: Some companies offer tuition reimbursement or educational assistance programs to help employees develop their skills and advance their careers.
• Employee discounts: Employers might partner with local businesses to offer employees discounts on various goods and services.

In Guam, a U.S. territory, there are no mandatory health insurance requirements for employers to provide coverage to their employees. However, there are several key points regarding health insurance in Guam that employers and employees should be aware of.

Employer-Sponsored Plans

While not legally required, many employers in Guam offer health insurance plans as part of their employee benefits package to attract and retain talent. Employers have the flexibility to choose from various health insurance plans offered by private carriers operating in Guam. Typically, employers may cover a portion of the premium cost, with employees paying the remaining amount through payroll deductions.

Government of Guam Insurance

The Government of Guam offers a self-insured health plan to its employees, covering a range of medical services. Employees have the opportunity to enroll during designated open enrollment periods.

Additional Considerations

Employees who are not offered health insurance through their employer can purchase individual health insurance plans directly from private carriers in Guam. Additionally, Guam residents may be eligible for subsidized health insurance plans through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace depending on their income and household situation.

For exploring individual health insurance plan options, contacting private health insurance carriers operating in Guam is recommended. For inquiries about the federal Health Insurance Marketplace subsidies, visiting the official Healthcare.gov website is a helpful resource.

The primary retirement savings option for many employees in Guam is the Government of Guam Retirement Fund (GGRF). However, depending on the employment sector, there might be alternative plans available.

Government of Guam Retirement Fund (GGRF)

The GGRF was established in 1951 and most government of Guam employees participate in it by default. The GGRF offers two main retirement plan options: Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution.

• Defined Benefit Plan: This traditional pension plan offers a set monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated based on factors like salary, years of service, and age at retirement. Employees hired before October 1, 1995, are automatically enrolled in this plan.
• Defined Contribution Plan (DC Plan): This plan allows for individual investment choices, with employees contributing a portion of their salary into a personal account. The employer may also contribute to the account. The retirement benefit depends on the amount accumulated in the account over time. Employees hired after September 30, 1995, are enrolled in this plan by default, with the option to opt into the Defined Benefit Plan if eligible.

The GGRF offers various retirement benefits, including:

• Retirement Annuity: Monthly payments after retirement.
• Disability Retirement Annuity: Provides income for qualifying employees who become disabled before retirement.
• Survivor Benefits: Provides financial support to surviving spouses and dependents.

Alternative Retirement Plans in Guam

Employees in the private sector in Guam may have access to retirement plans offered by their employers. These plans can vary depending on the company and can include options like 401(k) plans or profit-sharing plans.

Additional Considerations

Both government and private-sector employees can choose to open and contribute to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to supplement their retirement savings.