Benefits Think

When I first announced the 2010 Benny Awards in March, I said that winners would be notified by July 1. However, I have good news and bad news.

There are plenty of HR/benefits certifications out there — pros probably could spend the equivalent of another full-time job trying to attain them all.

I’d say that in general, most people can agree in clear, black and white terms on which types of dishonesty are okay and not okay. Lying to protect a loved one’s feelings — okay.

Since I doubt I’m in any danger of losing any friends at Wellpoint, I’ll go ahead and call a spade a gardening tool and call their latest survey total nonsense — for the most part, at least.

After leaving vacation days on the table last year to focus on work (or more likely, trying to recession-proof their jobs), this summer, employees apparently are ready to shake off the recession and get some time away from the office — and they’re not worried about what you’ll have to say about it. …

I’m hoping you HR/benefits pros can help me understand something. At a recent EBN staff meeting, we discussed head-scratching results from a new survey by WFD Consulting and Alliance for Work-Life Progress.

When it comes to 401(k) fees, a new analysis gives credence to two known clichés: You can’t compare apples to oranges, and indeed, the rich are different.

Although normally you can put a finger on the underlying issues leading to certain types of racial/ethnic disparities — the ones for medical disparities are well documented, for example — I admit that new survey results from LIMRA regarding racial disparities in consumers’ emphasis on the importance of life insurance have me stumped.

I grew up without my dad, so now that I’m married to a wonderful man who’s an even better father, Father’s Day (June 20) is extra special to me.

Chances are, you have concrete criteria (and perhaps some softer considerations) you’re looking for when you’re selecting a broker. Ever wonder what criteria your broker looks for when they shop for a vendor for you?