Anne Patterson, Author at Word on Benefits

Game Day, Your Way: Super Bowl PTO for Employees

Anne Patterson

06 Feb 202506 Feb 2025

Whether it was the super snack spread, a fourth-quarter Hail Mary, or puffy eyes from an extra heartwarming commercial, employees may struggle to go the extra mile (or yard) on Super Bowl Monday. While Super Bowl Monday hasn’t quite reached national holiday […]

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Six Biggest Benefits Trends of 2024 (and Predictions for 2025)

Anne Patterson

23 Dec 202423 Dec 2024

The end of 2024 also means an exciting, new end-of-year podcast from the Talking Benefits team! We recapped the top six benefits biggies from the past year and gave our predictions for what’s ahead, especially considering the new administration under President-elect Trump. […]

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Parents Are Stressed: How Workplaces Can Help

Anne Patterson

05 Sep 202405 Sep 2024

Last week, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents, highlighting the urgent need to better support parents, caregivers and families to help our communities thrive. Parents […]

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Celebrating 50 Years of ERISA: An Interview With Phyllis Borzi

Anne Patterson

29 Aug 202429 Aug 2024

The traditional 50th anniversary gift is gold, and the latest Talking Benefits podcast episode shined just like the glittery metal, paying homage to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ERISA was signed into law by Gerald Ford almost 50 […]

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Spotlight On: Women’s Health in the Workplace

Anne Patterson

26 Jun 202426 Jun 2024

In June 2023, the labor force participation rate for women in their prime working age (ages 25-54 according to the data) reached an all-time high of 77.8%. Crafting benefits and a supportive work environment for women at every life stage can help create […]

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Hot Paid Time Off Trends for the Summer

Anne Patterson

05 Jun 202405 Jun 2024

As the school year draws to a close and temps heat up, folks across the country are starting to plan for summer fun! Whether you’re getting another passport stamp, sticking around for a staycation or taking a Friday afternoon off for a […]

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It’s a Busy Time in Washington: What Plan Sponsors Should Care About

Anne Patterson

23 May 202423 May 2024

It’s been a busy time in Washington, D.C., with an array of regulatory releases since mid-March. Adding to the attention this space has already been drawing, the latest Talking Benefits podcast episode provides a run-down of what’s been happening so plan sponsors […]

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Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: An Update

Anne Patterson

08 May 202408 May 2024

Back in July of 2023, I wrote a blog on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and what plan sponsors needed to know at that time. I was pregnant while writing that first blog and curious not only how the law would impact […]

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National Employee Benefits Day Is April 2—How You Can Celebrate

Anne Patterson

01 Apr 202401 Apr 2024

National Employee Benefits Day is April 2. For 2024 the focus is on how workplaces can create community to combat loneliness and foster belonging. Get resources in today’s blog.

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Measuring and Addressing Burnout and Stress in the Workplace

Anne Patterson

21 Mar 202426 Mar 2024

According to the International Foundation’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits Survey Report, 96% of the workforce is stressed—either somewhat or very. With mostly every worker facing stress at some level, it’s important for plan sponsors/employers to know how to identify […]