Benefits Think

Though once a critical component of competitive compensation, in the not too distant future it could be a rare thing to hear folks talking about options packages.

Do workplace wellness programs really work, or don’t they? The truth is nuanced. It all depends upon how you define a comprehensive health promotion program and the metrics used to measure its effectiveness.

Open enrollment season is designed to not only allow employees to make changes to their plans, but also to educate them. Likewise, employers and advisers should use the fourth quarter as an opportunity to stay abreast of the latest changes in health care plans. Here are six trends to watch for during the 2014-2015 open enrollment season.

Despite the efforts of patient safety and advocacy groups, hundreds of Americans die each day because of preventable hospital errors, accidents and injuries. Addressing and improving that safety for sick workers should be a top priority.

As a result of the Republican sweep of the Senate, employers are likely to face two more years of confusion and uncertainty surrounding the ACA. Here's a five-item checklist benefits managers can use to help steer clear of the penalties and taxes on the horizon.

With many employers moving to an online self-service model for benefits – and with the rapid changes in the health care industry – now more than ever, employees need an active guide to help them with their benefit selections and enrollment.

A relatively small number of easily fixable problems can make a big difference in many 401(k) plans. Check out this list from EBN's retirement blogger Robert Lawton to see if your 401(k) plan can be improved.

Commentary: The average working American is part of a financially fragile workforce and many are reacting to higher health insurance contributions that could spell long-term trouble, says voluntary specialist Tinker Kelly.

In an age where employee retention is as critical a goal as keeping customers happy, isn’t it worth the effort to make sure employees feel a passion for your product like your loyal customers do?

Commentary: There is more to Aetna’s announcement that it will acquire exchange provider bswift than meets the eye, says health technology consultant Joe Markland. In fact, it’s another signal that brokers need to recognize the benefits world is changing around them, he says.