Benefits Think

Although interest in private exchanges is growing slowly among large employers, many still have reservations about whether exchanges will offer more value than the plans they already offer. So, how does a large employer determine if a private exchange is the right move?

Commentary: Administration's headline on fee disclosure speaks for itself, but meanwhile, keep an eye on two more decisions on adviser fee disclosures that are on the horizon, says EBA Advisory Board member Jerry Kalish.

Anyone who works with people knows the positive effect offering high-quality employee benefits can have on a workforce. They attract the best potential candidates for new jobs and foster a sense of loyalty and support among current staff, in addition to other things.

A plan’s average account balance is a key metric used by recordkeepers and other service providers to evaluate its health. Increasing it can give sponsors the leverage they need to negotiate lower fees.

Smartphones have transformed the way employees engage in work, and smartwatches are about to do the same.

Commentary: If you can’t articulate your marketing position clearly in two or three sentences, value-conscious prospects and clients certainly are not going to take the time to figure it out, says columnist Jack Kwicien.

Committees and plan sponsors alike have discussed ways to improve their investment menus over the last several years as a way to help drive successful retirement outcomes for employees. Regulatory changes, market instability and large numbers of investment options have led plan sponsors to devote more attention to their plans’ investment menus. What steps can committees take to help the problem that has plagued so many participants over the years? …

The Small Business Efficiency Act created a certification process for professional employer organizations, an important development for small businesses.

Time was when the word marketplace conjured up images of village locals peddling their wares to eager residents, or tourists looking to sample native foods or purchase artistic creations from an open-air market nestled within a quaint town.

Commentary: Additional benefits or coverages that adapt to an employer’s needs can create a niche offering that often can help employers think holistically about their employees’ financial future, says The Standard’s Breanna Scott.