Employer Strategies

Think most employees can truly stay away from the office while on summer vacation?

Insurance is labeled an early adopter of social media in a new report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), titled “2012 U.S. Social Media Trends by Vertical.” The banking industry was cited as being a late adopter.

The aggregate deficit in pension plans sponsored by S&P 1500 companies grew $59 billion in the first half of 2012 to $543 billion, according to new figures from Mercer Investment Consulting, Inc. This deficit corresponds to an aggregate funded ratio of 74% as of June 30, 2012 compared to a funded ratio of 75% as of December 31, 2011, at which point the aggregate deficit was $484 billion.

Medical records that patients can access online may encourage more people to get recommended screening tests and immunizations, a new study suggests.

A “selected list” of pending and resolved lawsuits involving racial harassment allegations offers a teachable moment about the need for sensitivity training, as well as what’s offensive, harassing and illegal.

While insurers have a couple more years to prepare for the individual mandate and health exchanges, according to a new Gallup poll, effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on 18- to-25-year-olds can already be seen.

According to a recent LIMRA survey, 61% of consumers who worked with an adviser contributed to a retirement plan or an IRA and are saving at a higher rate compared to only 38% of consumers who weren't working with an adviser.

The health care trust affiliated with the United Auto Workers named a former Stanford University official and Hewlett-Packard Co executive to manage its $54 billion in assets earmarked for retiree medical benefits.

Life insurance coverage calculators earned low marks in a recent analysis by the Customer Respect Group, which suggests that more can be done to help consumers determine adequate coverage levels.

Recognizing an employee for a job well done can be a big morale booster and doesn’t have to cost a lot.