High-tech tools make wellness inroads
The ever-increasing scope of wellness technology is drawing more and more employees into worksite programs, but keeping those workers on track can still be a challenge.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon
ACA regulations extend to a global workplace
Todays employers increasingly rely on a global workforce, and some ACA rules apply to employees working abroad. Similarly, ACA rules also apply to many foreign nationals working in the U.S.
Retirement plan participants make more conservative investments
Although market projections look strong, 49% of retirement plan participants are making more conservative investments and leaning toward a fixed income; however, they lack knowledge over its role in their portfolios, according to a new study by State Street Global Advisors.
Pharmacy synchronization programs lead to better adherence
When patients participate in medication synchronization programs through their local pharmacies, they tend to stay on their therapy programs for 103 more days each year and are 30% more likely to adhere to their prescription directions, according to a new study by the National Community Pharmacists Association.
Only one-third of employees consider retirement savings a priority
When it comes to active financial saving, just 35% of employees around the world consider retirement a priority, according to a new study by consumer watchdog Nielsen.
Employees tapping into retirement plans early
Despite the best intentions of retirement plan sponsors, 24% of Americans report that they have borrowed against or took early distribution from their retirement plans in the past three years, according to recent data from Purchasing Power.
Retirement causes talent concern for employers
Although many baby boomers report that they plan on working beyond retirement age, employers could face talent issues if they do not plan for these departing employees, according to research by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement and career transitioning firm in Chicago.
Baby boomers need pre-retirement health care planning
Before they leave the work force, boomers should plan for their post-retirement health care coverage along with other costs, according to Allsup, a nationwide provider of Medicare plan selection services.
Corporate pension plan funding levels saw major growth in 2013
Rising interest rates and a strong stock market contributed to a strong year for defined benefit plans, according to recent research from Towers Watson, with pension plan funding levels rising by 16% last year, the highest level since 2007.
Benefits brokerage practices what it preaches
The strength of a business relies on its bottom line, and it takes a productive and engaged workforce to help meet those financial goals, particularly for a client-focused organization, such as EPIC, an employee benefits brokerage firm in Petaluma, Calif. With this in mind, EPIC has implemented a wellness program to improve its employees health and has watched it grow and positively influence employees lives.
10 steps for DC plan sponsors in 2014
The past year has seen, at long last, a tremendous rebound for 401(k) accounts and that good news hopefully can help drive better participant engagement. To secure retirement outcomes in defined contribution plans, human resources consulting firm Mercer outlines 10 steps plan sponsors should take in 2014.
10 tips for job hunting in 2014
Finding a new job is a top priority for many workers with 83% of Americans saying they plan on switching careers in 2014. Considering the upswing, Allison & Taylor, an employment verification firm, offers 10 employment trends that potential job candidates should consider while searching ideas that reflect many of the changes and the new normal in the HR world.
10 tips for pension risk management in DB plans
As companies still fortunate enough to offer pension programs have recently been focusing on cutting the risks that impact their corporate balance sheets, human resources firm Mercer offers 10 tips that plan sponsors should keep in mind for their defined-benefit plans in the new year.
Most workers happy with their benefits, salaries
When it comes to their health benefits, most employees say theyre happy with their current offerings and lack interest in altering their balance of benefits and wages, according to a new survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
Workers look to employers to help meet 2014 health goals
Improved health is the top New Years resolution among employees, as 82% say they pledge to lose weight, increase exercise or reduce stress in 2014, according to a survey from Keas.
10 tips for managing global mobile talent
As most global employers plan to send more employees on short- and long-term jobs around the world in the next two years, they should be aware of what it takes to manage costs and run international programs. In light of the challenges employers face managing the global work force, Mercer offers 10 tips on handling this growing mobile population.
Most employers sticking with current group health coverage next year
While employers expect to continue implementing cost-sharing measures in their health care plans in 2014, most plan on keeping group coverage for the next year. And just 5% of employers anticipate moving employees to a private exchange, according to the 2013/2014 Verisight and McGladrey Compensation, Retirement and Benefits Trends Survey.
9 year-end compliance deadlines for retirement plan sponsors
Retirement plan sponsors should already be well on their way to complying with key year-end regulatory deadlines. Still, here are 9 items to look at to ensure your plans remain compliant into the new year, courtesy of Sibson Consulting.
Retiring boomers cause workforce concerns for nonprofits
As baby boomers plan to retire in the next five years, nonprofit organizations are readying for the challenges ahead. More than a third of nonprofits surveyed by the Plan Sponsor Council of America anticipate difficulties recruiting staff to fill vacancies left by retiring boomers.
Top 3 financial resolutions for 2014
A record-breaking number of Americans (54%) are considering kicking off 2014 by making financial resolutions, according to a recent study. That's good news for employers, who are increasingly embracing the concept of financial wellness.