Cara McMullin, Author at Word on Benefits

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 […]

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 […]

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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

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Three Back-to-School Opportunities for Employers

Cara McMullin

11 Aug 202211 Aug 2022

Ahhhh, the smell of fresh folders, pencils sharpened to perfection and the crack of that first marker opening . . . Oh, is it just me that gets excited about new school supplies?! August means back-to-school preparations for many—and getting into the […]

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Workers Are Stressed Out About Money: 5 Tools to Help

Cara McMullin

02 Aug 202217 Feb 2023

The uncertain financial world of today is increasing the concerns of an already stressed workforce. A new International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plan study, Workplace Wellness and Financial Education Programs: 2022 Survey Results, indicated that the personal factor most impacted by financial […]

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Meeting the Benefit Needs of Your LGBTQ+ Plan Members

Cara McMullin

07 Jun 202208 Jun 2022

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Canada and the U.S., a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people and their history, culture and contributions. To honor this month, we are revisiting a helpful article about how plan sponsors can be […]

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8 Ways to Support Employees With Mental Health Challenges

Cara McMullin

19 May 202219 May 2022

As Mental Health Awareness Month (in the U.S.) continues, we’re sharing strategies and approaches to help leaders respond to employees with mental illness in a psychologically safe way. When employees have mental illnesses, effective accommodation can help them stay productive at work. Leaders […]