Benefits Think

It all starts with a business plan and honest answers to some tough questions about the state of your company, says columnist Jack Kwicien.

Flu season is just around the corner and you’ve probably set up free flu shots for everyone in the office. But are you also offering financial wellness programs to shore up your employees’ immunity against financial stress?

Commentary: When gas prices rise at the pump, consumers change their driving habits. They ride more strategically, putting off unnecessary outings and carefully planning out trips. Yet when health care prices rise and Americans must dig deeper into their own pockets, they put their own health at risk instead of becoming savvier consumers. …

Commentary: Without building a better plan, continued participation will wane and the program as a whole will fall short of employer health initiatives, says adviser Tim Olson, who shares five steps that will lead employer clients to an improved plan.

Commentary: Whether the employee relations function is managed internally or through a third-party, a company representative should reach out to employees who are injured at work. Here’s why.

Commentary: The reality is that the CO-OPs could not overcome the most vital aspect of our insurance infrastructure: maintaining adequate reserves, says adviser David C. Smith.

Commentary: Advisers focused on life insurance and financial planning are missing an opportunity to stand out by introducing DI into the discussion.

Analytics are driving benefit design to ensure compliance with ACA requirements and determine potential liability under the Cadillac tax.

Commentary: Executives are starting to acknowledge that engagement alone won’t drive long-term results.

Commentary: Employers say that stress is the No. 1 workforce risk issue. And now employers have more reason to be concerned: A recent study found that people who report stress in the workplace lose three years of their life.