Benefits & time off
Health plans, 401(k), HSA, ESPP, disability, PTO and parental leave.
Health insurance
Compare premiums, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum and network (PPO, HMO or high-deductible plan with HSA). For families, the difference between plans can be many thousands of dollars a year.
401(k) strategy
Always capture the full employer match. From 2026, catch-up contributions for higher earners (about $150,000+ in prior-year wages) must go into Roth. Some plans allow after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions ("mega backdoor Roth").
ESPP
Employee stock purchase plans often let you buy company shares at up to a 15% discount. Understand the holding periods for tax purposes.
Life & disability
Group long-term disability usually replaces around 60% of salary up to a cap. High earners often need supplemental coverage.
Time off
No federal law requires paid vacation. Senior roles often have 20+ days or "unlimited PTO". There are 11 federal holidays; paid sick and family leave depend on your state.
Parental leave
FMLA gives up to 12 weeks unpaid, job-protected leave if eligible. Paid leave depends on employer policy and state programs (e.g., California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, Colorado).
How-to guides
How toChoose a health plan during enrollment
- Estimate your family's expected medical use for the year: routine care, specialists, prescriptions, planned procedures.
- For each plan, add annual premiums plus the likely out-of-pocket costs, up to the out-of-pocket maximum.
- Check that your doctors and nearby hospitals are in-network.
- If you pick a high-deductible plan, fund the HSA. It is triple tax-advantaged and yours to keep.
- Remember: you usually can't change plans until next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.
How toSet up your 401(k) in week one
- Enroll immediately; some plans have a waiting period for the match.
- Contribute at least enough to get the full employer match.
- Choose traditional (pre-tax) or Roth based on your current vs. expected future tax rate.
- Pick a diversified, low-cost target-date or index fund if you are unsure.
- Name your beneficiaries and check the vesting schedule for employer contributions.
Explore more topics
Market & executive search
How senior hiring works, search firms, interviews, references and AI screening.
Read the guideCompensation
Base, bonus, LTI, sign-on, sales comp, pay transparency and exempt status.
Read the guideEquity & long-term incentives
RSUs, PSUs, options, vesting, 83(b), deferred comp and clawbacks.
Read the guideExecutive agreements
Cause, good reason, severance, change in control, covenants and D&O.
Read the guideVisas & green cards
O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, L-1, E-2, H-1B, Gold Card and citizenship.
Read the guideTaxes & wealth
Federal, state, SALT, equity taxes, FBAR, PFICs, estate and the U.S.–Italy treaty.
Read the guideYour rights at work
At-will, discrimination, whistleblowing, background checks, AI rules, WARN.
Read the guideLeaving a job
Resigning, layoffs, separation agreements, severance and garden leave.
Read the guideLeadership & culture
U.S. vs. Italian work culture, leading U.S. teams, hybrid work.
Read the guideCredentials & licenses
Degree evaluation and licensed professions: PE, CPA, bar, medicine.
Read the guideRelocation & life
Housing, credit, banking, driving, schools, insurance and Italy ties.
Read the guideTalk to us
We place senior and specialist professionals with leading Italian and international companies across the United States, and guide you from first interview to your first 90 days.
Information reviewed September 2026. General information only, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Laws change frequently and vary by state and personal situation; consult qualified professionals.