Cara McMullin, Author at Word on Benefits

New Survey Results—Companies Outsource 40% of Their Benefits Functions

Cara McMullin

29 Aug 202329 Aug 2023

A new survey report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans reveals the operations and staffing practices of corporate benefits departments across the United States. Key findings from Corporate Benefits Departments: Staffing include outsourcing strategies, the greatest challenges facing benefits departments, […]

Disease Management Employee Benefits Health Care U.S. Wellness

Employers Project 7% Rise in Health Care Costs for 2024

Cara McMullin

15 Aug 202315 Aug 2023

U.S. corporate employers project a median health care cost increase of 7% for 2024, according to International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans survey results. The 7% increase is on pace with cost trends projected last year in a similar survey conducted by […]

Employee Benefits Mental Health U.S. Wellness Work Life Balance

Grief in the Workplace

Cara McMullin

27 Jul 202328 Jul 2023

Supporting employees dealing with grief can be a challenging responsibility. While grief is a natural human response to loss, the experience varies from person to person and mental health issues can arise. As an employer or manager, it is crucial to approach […]

Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits Paid Leave

Juneteenth Continues to Grow as a Paid Holiday Offering

Cara McMullin

07 Jun 202307 Jun 2023

Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s. In June of 2021, President Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a new federal holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day is the 12th legal public holiday in the United States and is the […]

Employee Benefits Mental Health

Trauma in Organizations: Mental Health

Cara McMullin

18 May 202318 May 2023

Employers cannot guarantee that employees will never be exposed to trauma in the workplace. However, they can take action to help prevent the most debilitating effects of exposure to trauma by adequately preparing employees. Preparation includes both the ability to respond in […]

Canada Communication Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey U.S.

Supporting Women in the Workplace

Cara McMullin

08 Mar 202310 Mar 2023

Today (March 8) is International Women’s Day, a global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The 2023 theme is #EmbraceEquity and one of the focus […]

Employee Benefits Flexible Work Options Mental Health Paid Leave Paid Time Off (PTO) U.S. Vacation Wellness Work Life Balance

Four-Day Workweek: Pros, Cons and Implementation

Cara McMullin

06 Dec 202227 Jan 2023

As employers do more to support employees’ mental health and work/life balance, the four-day workweek has become a front-runner among evolving workplace considerations. In this competitive labor market, the marked benefits of the four-day schedule promote a culture of employee well-being. The […]

Canada Communication Disability Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Benefits Human Resources (HR) Mental Health Wellness

The Dos and Don’ts of Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace

Cara McMullin

10 Oct 202228 Apr 2023

Practical suggestions and strategies managers can use to recognize mental health concerns as well as strategies for prevention and early intervention

Employee Benefits Health Care Insurance U.S.

Employers Project 7.5% Rise in Health Care Costs for 2023

Cara McMullin

20 Sep 202220 Sep 2022

As industry experts predict that organizations should brace for increased health care costs in 2023, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans launched a survey of U.S employers to identify the considerations they are contemplating for the coming year. Results show that […]

Communication Disability Benefits Disease Management Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Benefits Flexible Work Options Health Care Human Resources (HR) Mental Health U.S. Wellness

Employer Support for Caregivers

Cara McMullin

13 Sep 202213 Sep 2022

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and the focus of this year’s month-long awareness campaign is the importance of support for people living with dementia and their families. Employers can take steps to support employees who are also caregivers. Overall, caregivers are likely […]