Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Strong managers and CEOs customize their leadership styles, finding the most appropriate technique for their team and situation. In their book “Primal Leadership,” authors Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee describe six leadership styles that have different effects on the emotions and work output of the employees they manage. [Images: Thinkstock]

Past and present winners of the C. Everett Koop National Health Award gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the award program at the Health Enhancement Research Organization’s 2012 Forum for Employee Health Management Solutions. Here are some of the innovative programs implemented by this year's winners — the State of Nebraska and L.L. Bean — and past award recipients, along with their advice for others. [Images courtesy of HERO]

Some 17% of Americans waste their paid time off, according to a survey by American Express. However, your boss and hairdresser? Not among them. Those are just two on a list of positions that are less likely to leave unused vacation days at the end of the year. On the flip side, employees in other job spheres — such as personal trainers and PR representatives — are chronic PTO neglectors. Check out positions on each list, and see which — perhaps some at your own company — could use a nudge toward better work-life balance. [Images: Thinkstock]

Breaking down the battlegrounds for tonight's election returns, EBN has compiled a list of eight states to watch as the electoral map takes shape to determine whether Barack Obama will win a second term in the White House or Mitt Romney becomes the nation's 45th president. [Images: Thinkstock]

Communicating effectively with upper management is of tremendous importance not just for advancement, but sometimes for getting the task at hand completed as well. Mark Bashrum, ESI International vice president for corporate marketing and strategic intelligence, shares tips for how to have executive conversations effectively – how to talk so that the top brass listens. [Images: Thinkstock]

Saving enough for a comfortable retirement might seem like a scary prospect to employees, but it doesn't have to be. This Halloween, urge plan participants to make the most of their retirement savings by focusing on these 401(k) 'tricks and treats' from Charles Schwab. [Images: Thinkstock]

While American workers may immediately think of health care coverage or retirement plans as typical employee benefits, international employers must tailor benefits and perks to employees with diverse cultural expectations and meet local requirements. In some countries or areas, employees enjoy certain benefits focused on supporting local traditions, raising the standard of living, or rewarding long service, as explored by Mercer’s 2012 Worldwide Benefit & Employment Guidelines. Here are seven intriguing benefit practices from around the world, compiled by Mercer. [Images: Thinkstock]

Benefits professionals and advisers enjoyed three days of exciting keynotes, including Meghan McCain, and informative sessions, expansive networking, and a rockin’ 80s party in tranquil Phoenix, AZ last week at the 25th Annual Benefits Forum & Expo. Experience moments you may have missed or relive the best of them in this special slideshow.

Offering a 401(k) plan to employees is only half the benefit; sponsors need to design plan features to maximize enrollment and communicate the advantages of the plan. With strong plan construction and sound communication and financial education campaigns to support it, employers can help workers save and plan adequately for retirement. Based on suggestions from a Diversified retirement white paper and from Kristi Mitchem, senior managing director and head of global defined contribution for State Street Global Advisors, EBN has compiled seven tips for plan sponsors to help engage employees in retirement saving and planning.

The results of the November election will dramatically affect major employee benefits issues, most notably health care. No matter who wins the White House, the makeup of Congress after the elections could also significantly influence how employers manage their workplace benefits. Chantel Sheaks, a principal in government relations with Buck Consultants, outlines how the most likely scenarios could determine benefits strategy for plan sponsors.