Anne Patterson, Author at Word on Benefits

Five Ways to Bring a Little Hygge to Your Workspace

Anne Patterson

11 Jan 202210 Jan 2022

The concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) has been gaining popularity across the U.S. and Canada over the past couple of years ,and I’m here for it. It’s a Danish word roughly translated into English as “coziness.” Practicing hygge help lower anxiety, depression […]

Employee Benefits

2021 Benefits Year in Review

Anne Patterson

21 Dec 202121 Dec 2021

Here in the benefits world, there doesn’t seem to be a slow year. A lot happened in 2021 so my fellow podsquad members and I took a look at the top benefits stories of the past year (which has become our year-end […]

Communication Employee Benefits Mental Health Talking Benefits Podcast U.S. Wellness

What’s New with Mental Health Parity

Anne Patterson

23 Nov 202123 Nov 2021

In this Talking Benefits podcast episode, the pod squad wanted to highlight a topic that is timely for several reasons and might be a little confusing—mental health and substance use disorder parity in benefits. Podcast host Julie Stich welcomed Stephanie Patrick, senior […]

Employee Benefits Mental Health Talking Benefits Podcast

Why Caregivers Are Likely Your Best Employees

Anne Patterson

07 Oct 202111 Oct 2021

Each year, during the first week of October, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week. As our loyal Talking Benefits podcast listeners […]

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ADA: What Employers Need to Know

Anne Patterson

01 Sep 202130 Aug 2021

What do long COVID, DEI, neurodiversity, mental health and wellness programs all have in common? They are all points of consideration when employing individuals with disabilities. In the latest Talking Benefits episode, Justin Held interviews Kellee Grimes, Manager of Health Services at […]

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COVID-19 Creates Shift in Mental Health Benefits Over Past Two Years

Anne Patterson

24 Aug 202124 Aug 2021

In less than two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has created new mental health challenges or intensified existing issues for workers across the United States and Canada. Organizations are expanding and enhancing benefit offerings, according to a new report from the International Foundation, […]

Office Dress Code Post-Pandemic: 5 Tips for Employers

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey U.S.

Office Dress Codes Post-Pandemic: 5 Tips for Employers

Anne Patterson

05 Aug 202105 Aug 2021

The health and safety of all workers—whether on the front lines since the start of the pandemic, already back at the office or planning to return this fall—should continue to be the top priority for employers as we navigate the future of […]

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Talking Benefits Podcast: Race, Gender and Social Impacts on Retirement

Anne Patterson

20 Jul 202120 Jul 2021

If you are a regular Talking Benefits podcast listener, you know that retirement security is a topic near and dear to the hearts of those working at the International Foundation. In addition, the Foundation has dedicated significant resources to DEI initiatives: educating […]

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employee Benefits Legislative Talking Benefits Podcast U.S.

Talking Benefits Podcast: This Is . . . Jeop-ARPA-dy!

Anne Patterson

14 Jun 202117 Jun 2021

The latest Talking Benefits podcast episode covers the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, signed into law by President Biden in March. There are huge implications for all Americans on several levels, but the pod squad spent time diving into some […]

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A Growing Number of Employers Offer Juneteenth as a Paid Holiday

Anne Patterson

18 May 202117 Jun 2021

Update: On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a new federal holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day is now the 12th legal public holiday in the United States, and the first one created since Martin Luther King […]