Benefits Think

Employers tend not to change their benefits programs quickly, and the Cadillac Tax is only three more open enrollments away. It might be tempting to wait, but those who evolve their plan designs now have more time to educate and engage their employees on these programs.

Employees in organizations with strong cultures of health spend more time working, work more carefully and concentrate better than employees at other organizations, according to research by the Integrated Benefits Institute.

Commentary: Ever-changing interpretations of government regulations have resulted in employers being out of compliance with certain rules and not even knowing it.

At any given time in the United States, an estimated 1 in 10 adults report symptoms that would qualify for a depression diagnosis. For benefits professionals, navigating employee mental health can be tricky. Not all symptoms are noticeable, but a few hidden indicators can hinder overall productivity.

Both the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and Dr. Nouriel Roubini, famed economist (also known as Dr. Doom) and a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, recently expressed unflattering opinions relative to the crypto-currency bitcoin.

Even with the newly announced extension, now’s the time to start carefully measuring and analyzing eligible employee hours to avoid having to pay shared responsibility penalties as steep as $3,000 per employee under the ACA.

Commentary: You can add value just by letting your 403(b) clients know about this opportunity to receive free third-party research, according to The Principal's Aaron Friedman.

Women face additional challenges when it comes to planning and saving for retirement. They often earn less than men and take more time out of the workforce over the course of their careers, which affects retirement plan eligibility and savings.

Commentary: Consider these tips, from columnist Jack Kwicien, for putting together a successful business strategy as a consultative broker.

Commentary: Let’s face it, we are always selling something. Usually it’s ourselves, in one way, shape or form. So why aren’t we translating this over to the world of business sales?