Michael Giardina

The Supreme Court will hear a case this fall that holds implications for employers that still offer retiree health benefits.

Modest equity market gains last month weren’t enough to offset the growth in pension liabilities among defined benefit plan sponsors in the S&P 1500.

Average contribution rates for small business retirement accounts have continued to climb since the recession – with an 18% increase since last year and 88% over the past six years, according to a Fidelity Investments analysis of more than 200,000 401(k)-type and individual retirement account plan options under its administration.

A perpetual link to the workplace is common for most Americans, thanks to technology. Some employers allow for flexible work arrangements, but this permanent connectivity is being seen as damaging to morale and productivity.

While many firms are back in hiring mode, one strategic private company adviser says companies can boost their bottom line and retain their qualified workforce by working to offer a more competitive total benefits package to current workers.

Despite great strides in broad employer acceptance of flexible work arrangements, the idea that being physically present in the office means higher productivity is still alive and well.

While even the smallest of employers are reporting increased success in their participants’ savings rates and ongoing recruitment benefits in offering a workplace retirement plan, the fiduciary burdens of administering those 401(k) plans are starting to add up for many plan sponsors.

With unmanaged employee absences costing companies up to 10% of payroll, according to some estimates, employers should pay close attention to the reasons behind absenteeism and whether they are linked to the organization’s culture of health, or lack thereof.

Wearable fitness devices may be gaining ground but at least one benefits professional expresses doubts about their viability in workplace wellness programs.

Financial concerns and readiness for retirement remain top worries for Americans, even as many employers are trying to help by offering financial education benefits.

A booming 2013 stock market pointed to an increase in corporate growth. But the unpredictable nature of corporate pension assets proved to drag down the total CEO compensation pool for the nation’s largest corporations.

As companies continue to develop innovative compensation programs for top executives, benefit decision-makers are seeking to fine-tune succession planning and workforce analytics.

Taking an entirely generic approach to health plan communications is no longer a winning strategy. Personalized communications that offer a holistic look at plan benefits will do more to engage participants.

Today’s world of streamlined corporate processes and technology have begun to force out the traditional administrative and support staff role in favor of a workforce that is more nimble. However, the elimination of traditional jobs is being met with some controversy.

The Affordable Care Act’s ongoing rollout continues to plague employers as many look for alternative benefit structures to help with rising costs. The defined contribution benefit model – touted as a way to lower costs for employers and increase choice for employees – is generating lots of discussion but are employers ready to take the plunge?

Identity theft and data security is a concern of every shopper whether they shop online or at brick-and-mortar stores. But as the more profound breaches at Target and other retail giants have gained hold on consumer minds, voluntary benefit offerings have surfaced on private insurance exchanges to help combat this growing digital dilemma.

Retiree health coverage options have been a declining benefit for many larger employers. But today, as only one in five employees work at organizations that offer these benefits, the pre-65 population has new options thanks to the Affordable Care Act

While many companies are reaping benefits from outsourcing their benefits management, recent media reports have indicated that companies that have opted to limit or entirely scale back their HR departments in favor of cost or other reasons may be limiting their organization’s potential.

Recruitment techniques – aimed at promoting a diverse workforce – have maintained a high stature among the HR professionals, where more than half report using these strategies, according to a new survey from the Society for Human Resource Management.

MetLife has launched a new voluntary life insurance product aimed at baby boomers nearing retirement.