Quality of life benefits

The U.S. is “drowning” in over-diagnosis and over-treatment and workplace wellness programs are partly to blame, said a wellness industry expert during a debate at the Population Health Alliance conference in Washington, D.C.

Commentary: Most large employers screen applicants for substance abuse and randomly screen existing employees — testing that’s cost-prohibitive for most small businesses.

Commentary: Employers who move most effectively to address stress and improve their employees' resiliency will find themselves at a competitive advantage in employee recruitment, retention and market performance.

Effective behavior change programs are likely to be based on theory and evidence and built on years of scientific research – not on employer demands, personal preferences or bells-and-whistles technology.

As we head into the heart of renewal season, that old fear of receiving a surprise from your broker or carrier is likely sneaking into the back of your mind. There’s a better way: Performing a checkup on your benefits plan to make sure it’s as healthy as it can be.

Unlimited vacation programs, like the one recently announced by LinkedIn, sound like a dream benefit but experts caution only companies with an entrepreneurial corporate culture and excellent communication practices can successfully implement them.

Massachusetts implemented a sick leave law earlier this year. Employers in other states may want to take note.

Paid parental leave remains a contentious issue, particularly for smaller employers who may not have the financial resources to offer paid leave. But Nestlé’s chief human resources officer, Judy Cascapera, believes expanding paid time-off for new parents is a good business move. Here’s why.

In addition to lost productivity, low employee morale and a toxic company culture, office bullying can lead to higher turnover – increasing money spent on recruiting and training new talent.

Money management firm Stadion aims to customize target-date funds for the small-plan market with new managed account product.

When David Hassell, CEO of software company 15Five, shopped around for a 401(k) plan he was left frustrated and confused by vendors’ lack of fee transparency.

The potential cost increases due to offering transgender health benefits is minimal because the population is small, says Human Rights Campaign.

Open enrollment is often the busiest time of year for benefits professionals. These tips from industry experts will help benefits pros keep their stress levels in check and avoid benefits burnout during open enrollment.

Retirees can save money in retirement by moving to an area with a lower cost of living but that’s not a realistic choice for many.

Some employers may think a grandiose set-up is required for an onsite clinic – with X-ray machines, pharmacies and a gaggle of physicians – but they really can be quite simple to set up and maintain.

The Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act would provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year to qualifying workers for the birth or adoption of a child, the serious illness of an immediate family member or a worker’s own medical condition.

Amazon.com Inc. wants to know how its white- collar workers are feeling, and over the past few months, the online retailer has been ramping up efforts to get regular feedback from corporate staffers about their work environments.

Whether a simple health risk assessment or a complex incentive plan, employee wellness programs have become a fixture of the modern workplace.

New legislation introduced to the D.C. Council this week will boost paid leave to 16 weeks, putting the district among the top U.S. employers offering paid leave benefits.

Five ways to tell if your employees are getting the service they deserve from your benefits company.