Word on Benefits

Student Loan Repayment Options: The Key to Attracting and Retaining Employees

Bella Tomaw

10 May 202210 May 2022

Student loan debt rises in the U.S. each year, and the total reached $1.73 trillion most recently. With young adults joining the workforce having borrowed an average of $30,000 to obtain a bachelor’s degree, student loan repayment programs are becoming an intriguing […]

Behavioral Decision Making Employee Benefits Mental Health U.S. Wellness Work Life Balance

Five Steps to Reducing Mental Health Stigma at Your Workplace

Anne Patterson

05 May 202205 May 2022

Stigma can be one of the greatest barriers to psychological health and safety in the workplace, especially for employees with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Eliminating stigma while increasing mental health awareness can support employees to seek help sooner, […]

401(k) Plans Cybersecurity DOL Education Employee Benefits U.S.

Cryptocurrency Guidance for 401(k) Plan Fiduciaries

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

04 May 202204 May 2022

Last week, we shared five reasons why cryptocurrencies can present serious risks to 401(k) fiduciaries and participants. Since then, there has been some confusion about fiduciary duties when it comes to a cryptocurrency option that is fully integrated into a plan’s core […]

Communication Employee Benefits U.S.

In a Benefits Plan Far, Far Away

Julie Stich, CEBS

03 May 202203 May 2022

Over the past several years, May 4 has skyrocketed in popularity as Star Wars Day—as in, “May the Fourth be with you.” In honor of May the Fourth, we thought it would be fun to start a rebellion against convention by using Star […]

Employee Benefits

Five Reasons Why Cryptocurrencies Can Present Serious Risks to 401(k) Fiduciaries and Participants

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

28 Apr 202228 Apr 2022

On March 10, 2022, the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) released compliance guidance that cautions plan fiduciaries to exercise extreme care before they consider adding a cryptocurrency option to a 401(k) plan’s investment menu for plan participants. The guidance […]

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Five Challenges Paid Time Off Could Help Solve

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

26 Apr 202226 Apr 2022

In 2022, employees expect their benefits to address flexibility as much as they expect health and retirement benefits. Many employers are starting to realize that flexibility will affect the future of their workforce, prompting them to consider incorporating remote and hybrid work […]

Communication Employee Benefits U.S. Wellness

Ten Ways to Go Green With Your Employee Benefits

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

21 Apr 202221 Apr 2022

With Earth Day approaching on Friday, April 22, it’s the perfect time for employers to consider how to incorporate sustainability into their employee benefits. I recently talked to a couple of experts who explained that in addition to having a positive impact […]

Behavioral Decision Making Communication Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Mental Health Opioid Abuse U.S. Wellness Work Life Balance

96% of Workers Are Stressed: How Employers Can Help

Cara McMullin

19 Apr 202221 Apr 2022

April is Stress Awareness Month. As the pandemic continues and employers report high levels of stress in the workforce, the International Foundation’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits survey report reveals informative data on challenges and solutions facing organizations across the […]

Cybersecurity Education Employee Benefits Financial Education Financial Wellness Fraud Multiemployer U.S.

Trustee Tools for Monitoring and Preventing Fraud

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

13 Apr 202221 Apr 2022

Fraud occurs in all types of multiemployer benefit plans, and trustees have a responsibility to prevent and detect fraud as a part of their duty of oversight. In their article “Three Essential Tools for Monitoring and Preventing Fraud” in the March/April issue […]

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National Employee Benefits Day: Your Benefits, Reimagined.

Anne Patterson

05 Apr 202226 Apr 2022

The past two years have altered the workforce like never before. From the increase in remote work to the “Great Resignation,” you and your organization’s benefit plans have been shining in the spotlight. It’s National Employee Benefits Day! The International Foundation […]