Justin Held, CEBS, Author at Word on Benefits

Which Benefits Drive Employee Satisfaction?

Justin Held, CEBS

08 Sep 202108 Sep 2021

While traditional benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance are an important part of most employers’ benefit packages, the perceived value of supplementary offerings such as leave and work-life benefits make may a bigger difference when it comes to employee satisfaction. […]

Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey U.S. Work Life Balance

Will Employers Rethink At-Work Perks With the Return to the Office?

Justin Held, CEBS

22 Jul 202120 Jul 2021

The summer of 2021 is initiating the gradual return to in-workplace business operations. As part of a COVID-19 study from May of 2021, respondents approximated that 55% of their workforces were working remotely. Respondents also noted that they anticipated about 32% of […]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employee Benefits Health Care U.S.

Changes in Health Care Claims Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Justin Held, CEBS

10 Jun 202109 Jun 2021

Over the past year, the International Foundation has surveyed U.S. organizations on three separate occasions to examine the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the most recent edition, respondents were asked about changes in the number of health care claims over this […]

Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Health Care Prescription Drugs U.S.

18 Prescription Drug Cost-Containment Strategies For Your Plan

Justin Held, CEBS

08 Jun 202107 Jun 2021

Benefits practitioners have grown accustomed to headlines addressing the escalating costs of prescription drug spending. Despite concerted efforts, the cost of commonly prescribed brand-name drugs continues to grow at alarming rates. A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh stated that over […]

Apprenticeship Programs Employee Benefits Legislative Multiemployer U.S.

New Apprenticeship Bills 2021 Roundup from the U.S. Legislative Tracker

Justin Held, CEBS

03 Jun 202102 Jun 2021

The 117th session of Congress began on January 3, 2021, and was marked with a flurry of newly introduced legislation. The past five months have seen the introduction of several bills in the areas of apprenticeship and workforce development. Below is a […]

Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Health Care Human Resources (HR) Mental Health Prescription Drugs U.S. Wellness

Health Care Benefits: 20 Benchmarking Considerations for Your Plan

Justin Held, CEBS

31 Mar 202130 Mar 2021

Health care benefits remain a critical part of the relationship between employers and workers, especially during these times of rapid change and uncertainty. In addition to serving as an important financial safety net, these benefits act as a recruitment and retention tool. […]

401(k) Plans Defined Contribution (DC) Plans Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Financial Education Retirement U.S.

The State of Defined Contribution Retirement Plans in 2021

Justin Held, CEBS

24 Feb 202124 Feb 2021

The number of organizations offering defined contribution (DC) retirement plans has increased over the past two years, making them the primary retirement vehicle for an increasing share of the U.S. workforce. The International Foundation’s 2020 Employee Benefits Survey showed that 87% of […]

Education Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Flexible Work Options Health Care Insurance Multiemployer U.S. Voluntary Benefits Work Life Balance

Innovative Benefit Offerings on the Rise—Employee Benefits Survey Results

Justin Held, CEBS

09 Feb 202109 Feb 2021

Beyond traditional benefits such as health and retirement, many organizations use innovative benefits to meet the varied needs of their employees. Benefits like identify theft insurance and student loan repayment are gaining popularity as employers add new and innovative perks to reflect […]

Disease Management Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Health Care Mental Health U.S.

21 Ways Employers Are Combating Escalating Health Care Costs in 2021

Justin Held, CEBS

27 Jan 202126 Jan 2021

Over the next ten years, health care spending in the United States is projected to increase at an annual rate of 5.4%. In response to the cost escalation, plan sponsors in corporate, multiemployer and public employer environments are looking for ways to […]

Employee Benefits Health Care Multiemployer U.S.

The State of Multiemployer Health Plans: 10 Takeaways

Justin Held, CEBS

12 Jan 202113 Jan 2021

The median cost of benefits for multiemployer health plans increased 47% over the ten-year period from 2008 to 2017, reaching $11,201 per participant per year (PPPY), according to a new International Foundation report. The consistent increases in costs over the ten-year period […]