Word on Benefits

Five Considerations When Purchasing Stop-Loss Insurance

rosep

05 Jan 202204 Mar 2022

Choosing to self-fund a group health plan has major financial implications for a plan sponsor because it is ultimately responsible for paying all legitimate medical claims that arise. As a result, many self-funded plan sponsors purchase stop-loss insurance (also called excess-loss insurance […]

Communication Defined Benefit (DB) Plans Defined Contribution (DC) Plans Employee Benefits Financial Education Retirement U.S.

Transitioning from DB to DC: What You Need to Know

Justin Held, CEBS

29 Dec 202129 Dec 2021

In my years compiling benchmarking data for the International Foundation, one of the most notable trends has been the decreasing prevalence of employer-sponsored defined benefit (DB) pension plans. In the 2011 Employee Benefits Survey, 57% of responding organizations offered a DB pension […]

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 […]

Behavioral Decision Making Communication Employee Benefits Mental Health U.S. Wellness

Addressing Traumatic Brain Injuries at Work

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

16 Dec 202116 Dec 2021

Awareness surrounding traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has grown over the last decade as we’ve heard stories of high-profile football players and military veterans whose lives were either cut short or forever changed by these conditions. But other […]

Communication Disease Management Employee Benefits Paid Time Off (PTO) U.S. Wellness

OSHA COVID-19 Vaccinate-or-Test Emergency Temporary Standard

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

10 Dec 202113 Jan 2022

January 13, 2022, update on legal challenges: The Sixth Circuit lifted the stay on December 17, 2021, allowing the ETS to go into effect. OSHA posted modified enforcement deadlines stating, “OSHA will not issue citations for noncompliance with any requirements of the ETS before January […]

Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Health Care Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) U.S. Vacation Voluntary Benefits

Your End-of-Year Benefits Checklist

Justin Held, CEBS

07 Dec 202107 Dec 2021

Another year has come to an end. As the calendar turns over, it becomes particularly important to remind workers of some important benefits, if you haven’t already. We’re making a list and checking it twice on reminders for workers and employers regarding paid […]

Canada Communication Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employee Benefits Flexible Work Options Voluntary Benefits Wellness Work Life Balance

How Can We Get People Back? Return to Workplace Tips

Alyssa Hodder, GBA

02 Dec 202102 Dec 2021

After months of planning, you and your HR team are finally implementing your organization’s return-to-the-workplace strategy. You feel you have been deliberate and thoughtful in your approach, and you’ve been clear and timely in your communications so that your people know what […]

Apprenticeship Programs Communication Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits Voluntary Benefits

Building a Positive Jobsite Culture

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

30 Nov 202130 Nov 2021

Some people think that having to “pay your dues,” perhaps by enduring a certain amount of hazing, harassment or unprofessional behavior from co-workers is a necessary part of learning a new job. That’s an outdated attitude that won’t—and shouldn’t—fly with many workers, […]

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 […]

Five Considerations When Purchasing Stop-Loss Insurance

Transitioning from DB to DC: What You Need to Know

2021 Benefits Year in Review

Addressing Traumatic Brain Injuries at Work

Top 7 Questions Employers Are Asking About the Flu at Work

OSHA COVID-19 Vaccinate-or-Test Emergency Temporary Standard

Your End-of-Year Benefits Checklist

How Can We Get People Back? Return to Workplace Tips

Building a Positive Jobsite Culture

What’s New with Mental Health Parity