Employers expect healthcare costs to jump 5% in 2021 amid coronavirus pandemic
The overall impact of the crisis adds uncertainty about projected costs.
Employee benefits
Benefits Think 3 ways to support workplace well-being during COVID-19
Employee well-being is directly tied to business health, which is why it is so important for organizations to optimize their benefits and deliver the right health and wellness offerings for their workers.
Chaz Hinkle
Welltok
Benefits Think Why it’s time to re-examine the standard pay cycle
Just as COVID-19 has led some employers to question the necessity of having employees come to the office every day, the current economic crisis should lead to a broadscale re-examination of the standard pay cycle.
What employers need to know about telehealth services
The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted employee use of telehealth services, giving employers an opportunity to reduce healthcare costs while simultaneously expanding offerings.
PwC ramps up child care benefits for virtual back-to-school
The Big Four firm says they wanted to recognize the challenges parents and caregivers are facing during the pandemic.
ERISA savings plans: A cautionary tale for clients
If the court ends up making this choice, intended family members may lose out — all for want of filling out a one-page form.
Views 5 ways to prepare for open enrollment during COVID-19
In a world where it feels like health is out of the individual’s control, we all want, at the very least, to feel control over our coverage.
Benefits Think The working parent crisis is getting worse — here’s how employers can creatively support their caregivers now
Companies are already losing critical talent, and employers can not sit idle waiting for a resolution, or worse, leave it up to the parents to figure out. It’s on every employer to come to the table with creative solutions.
Sarahjane Sacchetti
Cleo
10 ways employers can support behavioral health
Employees are depressed and drinking on the job during the pandemic — a workplace expert identifies healthy solutions to help them cope.
3 employer strategies to reduce employee stress
More than 60% of employees say that they are experiencing greater stress than before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to MetLife. Employers must step up their support with flexible work hours, financial planning benefits and mental health resources.
Progressive teams with PetsBest for new pet insurance benefit
As the human and pet bond strengthens, employees are looking for benefits that help them care for their furry companions.
Benefits Think Strategies to adapt employee benefits to a COVID-19 world
Employees expect wellness programs that add value. Due to the ripple effects of COVID-19, those programs will need to be more flexible than ever.
Ethan Kaplan
HealthJoy
Mental health is reaching a breaking point during COVID: How employers can spot suicide warning signs
A person will die by suicide every 20 seconds this year. Employers can be on the front lines to offer a lifeline to struggling employees.
Employers should address these 3 employee concerns with their benefits
“The world as we all knew it changed in a very short amount of time this spring and continues to evolve as the pandemic remains an ongoing reality,” says Jonathan Finkelstein, CEO of Credly.
Uber, Lyft must convert drivers into employees
Uber and Lyft were ordered to convert their California drivers from independent contractors to employees with benefits but the ruling won’t be the last word, as the companies vowed to appeal the preliminary injunction.
How to support employees with disabilities during COVID-19
From providing accessible tools to better employee training, here are some top strategies employers can employ to support staff with special needs.
Benefits Think COVID-19 highlights limitations of fully insured health plans
This year’s worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the reasons why employers should consider a self-insured strategy over a fully insured model.
Michelle Zettergren
MagnaCare
Views 4 Strategies to help overwhelmed working parents maximize productivity
Just because it’s not safe to be outside doesn’t mean employees can’t help working parents schedule a plethora of activities to keep kids busy while they work.
CVS adds weight management to its PBM lineup
The pharmacy and retail giant partnered with the weight loss app Naturally Slim.
Benefits Think Do you have a plan for helping employees with high COVID-19 care costs?
Employers can help employees prepare for and manage high healthcare costs related to COVID-19 as well as large medical bills related to other health conditions such as serious illness or accidents several ways.
Dr. Miles Varn
PinnacleCare