Employee benefits

Benefits and HR professionals are generally optimistic about the job prospects in their field, yet express lingering concerns about job security.

More small and midsized employers are looking at self-funding, but it’s not a winning formula for everyone.

Some baby boomers are carrying too much risk in their retirement portfolios because of the stock market’s rapid rise over the past five years.

Advisers who provide a variety of distribution methods, year-round support and targeted messages help employees better understand their benefits, which leads to increased participation.

Commentary: The health care cost crisis needs to be addressed now. Enter applied predictive analytics.

While states are starting to realize they need to step up and help private sector employers better prepare their employees for retirement, Americans continue to fall short in meeting their economic needs in retirement.

With its streamlined technology platform and no fee business model, Zenefits has created quite a stir in the benefits industry. Should brokers be scared or should they be thanking Zenefits for pushing the envelope?

Commentary: If you ask people how they would make decisions today while working, most would tell you they can only make an educated guess or seek advice from financial professionals. Imagine how disconcerting this is when they no longer work and earn paychecks.

Commentary: When it comes to disabilities, employers need to do more than simply provide accommodations.

The IRS continues to seek industry input on the Affordable Care Act’s excise tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health plans.

Employee financial stress can often be overlooked by the C-suite. Yet, some industry experts say it can have a major impact on the company’s productivity and profitability. Financial education should be considered a pivotal component of any employer’s wellness program.

Offering benefits and health programs is one thing, but ensuring your employees are using the right benefits at the right time is another.

Health reform has put a spotlight on ben admin and HRIS systems, but there are many factors to consider when choosing a new platform, experts say.

Focusing on the end result of what voluntary benefits can do for an employer makes the proposition of introducing the products a no-brainer, says Willis’ Mike Meredith.

Paid sick leave seems to be gaining traction in some parts of the United States, but it continues to face a lot of resistance.

As employers look to curb rising health care costs, new research connects on-site health care clinic usage and claims costs, with some surprising savings results.

Benefit advisers have an increasing responsibility to keep client data secure, says Tinker Kelly, president and CEO of VEBA. He explains practical prevention tips and what to do if a breach occurs.

Narrow networks are more prevalent in public exchanges than the commercial market, and while this trend helps keep costs more manageable, it also significantly restricts any movement for consumers and could undermine network adequacy standards.

When does it make sense to choose a custom target-date strategy instead of an off-the-shelf menu? It’s a complicated question with no easy answer.

Commentary: Without a successful enrollment strategy, participation will be low and everyone loses.