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In light of the recent market volatility, a new report from Fidelity Investments analyzing the performance of 401(k) balances between Oct. 1, 2008 and June 30, 2011 is quite telling — giving a testimonial to the value of sticking with the stock market even amid the worst declines.

A key recommendation for medical coverage standards under the Obama administration's healthcare overhaul may be issued later than a September deadline, according to the organization preparing the report.

Reflecting uncertain economic conditions and a conservative cost-management environment, U.S. employers are projecting moderate pay raises for employees in 2012. Employers expect to fully fund their annual bonuses for workers this year, as corporate profits have increased, according to new survey data by global professional services company Towers Watson of 773 employers.

The rising cost of health care will soon be reflected even more substantially in employee cost-sharing. A new National Business Group on Health survey shows that large employers anticipate their health care benefit costs to climb 7.2% in 2012. To help control those increases ahead of health care reform’s Cadillac tax in 2018, the survey shows employers are planning to use a wide variety of cost-sharing strategies including CDHP premium boosts.

For many advisers, adapting to market changes is very difficult. The reality is that it’s always been necessary, but now it is absolutely essential. In fact you need to embrace change and also be a catalyst for change. At my company, we started examining our value proposition several years ago. We recognized that we needed to bring greater value to our client relationships and that we needed to be more strategic in our thinking. We…

If you have former employees receiving subsidies for COBRA coverage, that will end August 31 with no signs of Congress looking to extend the subsidy program further.

Strategic adviser Davia Temin says that when it comes to corporate social media, “It is the Wild West out there. Every organization knows it should be doing something, but is not sure what." Temin has written a series on Forbes.com to help employers avoid the 10 don’ts of corporate social media efforts.

A survey measuring use by various state’s departments of insurance of their websites to engage consumers rated California, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and Utah as highest in giving consumers access to critical insurance information.

Insurers and employers will have to spell out plainly the costs and benefits of the health plans they offer starting next year.

Although employers are growing more comfortable with auto-enrolling employees in a retirement plan — 40% of employers do so, statistics show — retirement income products are a relatively new frontier, and the products have yet to gain traction among plan sponsors.