Benefits Think

After two weeks away from the office, I now can clearly see the importance of staying in touch with employees on disability leave when it comes to encouraging return-to-work.

When is the best time to launch a new wellness program? During open enrollment season or separately?

Cartoon Casper was a friendly ghost, but he kept pretty tight control over who saw him, where and when. How’s your own visibility these days?

According to Towers Watson, companies are budgeting merit increases of 3% for 2011. That compares with the 2.7% merit increase awarded to employees overall in 2010 and is the largest merit increase since before the financial crisis when increases typically averaged 3.5% to 4.0%.

I received two survey releases within the last few days: one from ComPsych that outlined employees’ main health priorities for 2011, the other from Unum that revealed what HR pros’ identified as their biggest challenges this year.

The joy of the Packers’ recent Super Bowl victory didn’t last long, did it? Instead of celebrating with Green Bay’s famous cheeseheads, Wisconsin’s Republican governor, Democratic lawmakers and union workers all are playing starring roles in a real-life version of “Who Moved My Cheese?”

I'm totally swamped today, so I'm saved by former EBN Managing Editor Leah Shepherd, who writes on the newest stats surrounding telework.

Since we’re still a long way off from saving the way that we should, it’s good to have an annual reminder like America Saves Week (Feb. 20-28). Sponsored by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council, ASW aims to provide education and encouragement toward better savings habits.

Remember that episode of Oprah a few years ago where she famously gave the entire studio audience a car? "You get a car! You get a car! You, and you, and you and YOU get a car!"

In a guest post today from freelance writer Bruce Shutan, the flaws and frustrations of the nation’s health care system are put front and center.