Benefits Think

Sure, it's not as "sexy" and newsmaking as other benefits, like health care and retirement plans. And it's not the "unicorn" benefit that might get you on the Fortune list, like sushi bars and onsite massages. But dental benefits arguably are the tortoise to health benefits hare, and a new survey from...

Finally some good 401(k) matching news right when we could use it. Not willing to follow the big boys down the road of cutting 401(k) matching contributions, Louisville-based Republic Bank not only has increased its 401(k) match, it has cut its vesting time to give employees matchung funds faster, PlanSponsor...

A bit long, but still interesting read from the American Benefits Council offers the organization's 10 prescriptions for reforming health care. To my eyes, it generally covers plowed ground -- build on the employer-based system, eliminate inefficiencies -- but could spark some debate on its call for an...

Great point! We are constantly reviewing data on the linkages between employer matching contributions and participation/ contribution levels, and the fact is that dropping the match is one of the least effective ways to cut costs.

I have a treadmill in my home, and it's a good thing I do. Otherwise, I likely would not exercise. I have the same attitude toward health care; I prefer to go to retail clinics because I don't need an appointment and their hours fit my schedule. Convenience is king. Apparently, I'm in good company, and...

It seems keeping a handle on who's out when for what is the "Who's on First?" of benefits management. A survey from Mercer finds that total cost of absence can equal as much as 36% of payroll. Of that figure, 9% accounts for unplanned absences. Planned absences, like vacations and holidays, average 26.6%....

Someone who knows someone who knows a lobbyist close to the stimulus package talks tells Workforce Management that Congress may be considering a 50% to 60% subsidy of COBRA premiums for employees who lose their jobs. The subsidy would last 18 months, the maximum time workers can maintain COBRA through...

Thanks for the comments, all. I agree with Jeff that lifestyle change (healthier eating and living, in addition to Anonymous's point about preventive care) is the key to changing the health care system from the bottom up. Not sure a sin tax is the answer, but at this point we're overdue for a little creativity!...

A recent New York Times article weighs the pros and cons of allowing parents to bring their children (newborns, toddlers and all ages in between) to the office on a regular basis.

I'm no expert or genius. I have only a few thoughts / ideas that might lead to some solutions.