Healthcare benefits

“Silence is not going to work,” says Tammy Fennessy, director of benefits for American Eagle Outfitters. “We view silence as an acceptance of racism — it’s not helping the cause.”

Seventy five percent of employers reported being directly affected by opioids, often as contributing to workplace accidents, lost productivity, staffing issues, missed workdays, and increased care and leave costs.

Major depression is just one of hundreds of conditions where employers struggle to improve outcomes and costs.

Organizations addressing the post-pandemic return to work will be required to assemble teams of specialists in safety, security, HR and risk management to aid in the challenge.

Employees are struggling to improve their mental health as the coronavirus is still a main concern, combined with the racial injustice crisis the country is facing.

Employee mental health is vital to a company’s performance, but the pandemic is worsening wellness as time passes and long-term effects compound, driving more insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

Out of the employees surveyed in the U.K., the U.S., Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, those in the U.S. are the most likely to lie to their employer about their reason for taking a sick day.

Corporate messages and social media outreach may be well intended, but diversity experts say companies need to do more to support Black employees in a time of crisis.

Employee mental health is a workplace crisis, with frontline workers struggling with increased anxiety and depression during the coronavirus pandemic.

A benefit start-up unveils a new platform that consolidates maternity and parental benefits into one.

In order to maximize the plans fiduciary responsibilities, a contract with appropriate terms and definitions must be in place to allow the plan to exercise their right to carve-out prior authorization.

Around 63% of workers say their company could do more to support their emotional and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this group, 22% said their company’s response was “barely adequate,” “a disaster” or “non-existent.”

“It is critical for employers to actively demonstrate their commitment to mental health parity. Fear and stigma can only be overcome when employees believe their workplace provides a safe environment,” says Dr. Eric Hart, chief medical officer of Healthstat.

The impact of COVID-19 on the workforce and business has only reinforced the importance of leave policies and the value of protection offered through disability insurance.

Getting back to work requires thoughtful planning to ease employee fears and optimize mental and physical health.

Now is a time for HR managers to reassess healthcare plans and make important changes, health insurance expert says.

Employees’ lack of knowledge of their healthcare benefits options can have a huge financial impact on both them and their employers, says Kim Buckey, vice president of client services at DirectPath.

Health insurance, benefits and HR platforms are at the forefront of helping businesses navigate unprecedented challenges brought forth by the pandemic.

For advisers and their clients, the crisis has ushered in a new era for mental health, caregiving and telemedicine platforms