Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

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.

Some HR terms and buzzwords are overused and ineffective to communicate benefits information to employees and report to executives. EBN readers shared benefits vocab or phrases they despise on our LinkedIn Group and on Twitter. What HR word or concept would you add to the list? [Images: Thinkstock]

Against the backdrop of health care reform, planning and prioritizing health benefit programs for 2013 is an immediate need for plan sponsors. Employers may find strategies and tactics for rolling out plans to be more complex. Based on key survey findings, Mercer has developed a short checklist to help ensure an efficient and effective open enrollment season.

This summer, enjoy some educational reading while relaxing by the beach or pool. EBN has compiled some must-read books that bring insight to the HR and benefits profession.

Global consulting and actuarial firm Milliman identifies the major strategic considerations for plan sponsors, insurers, and advisers now that the Supreme Court has upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Over 13,000 benefits and HR professionals gathered in Atlanta, GA this week to learn from experts and thought leaders in health care, retirement, benefit plan compliance and government policy at the 2012 Society for Human Resource Management conference. View highlights of the 2012 event and feel as if you were (almost) there!

Just one day before the Supreme Court is due to rule on the constitutionality of the individual mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, benefits industry professionals are planning for every outcome. Whether the entire health care reform law is upheld, only the individual mandate is invalidated or the law is struck down completely, employers and health care experts have begun strategizing for each “what if” scenario. EBN interviewed a group of HR/benefits professionals, legal experts and consultants to find out what immediate action they will take depending on what the Court ultimately decides in its ruling, due June 28.

Where does your city rank? Aon Hewitt’s 2012 People Risk Index measures the risks that organizations face with recruitment, employment and relocation in 131 cities worldwide by analyzing such factors as demographics, access to education, talent development, employment practices and government regulations. Here are the top five lowest risk cities -- in descending order -- in which to recruit, employ and relocate top talent. (Images: Thinkstock)