Voluntary benefits

The top insurance companies, revealed in descending order, based on Form 5500 Schedule A reporting data from analytics firm miEdge.

Eyecare is the second most popular benefit this year, according to a just-released research report, and the type of lens material covered is a key consideration in workers’ selection.

Part of a global consolidation trend, these mergers are aimed at growing revenue and increasing customers.

Employers hoping to attract and retain workers need look no further than their vision plans, as new research shows vision benefits have high engagement with employees.

Advisers can educate employers about carrier choice and plan options to create the comprehensive plan their workers are seeking.

Aetna, Apple, Google and General Mills have implemented the program for their employees.

Revealed in descending order, the listing is based on Form 5500 Schedule A reporting data on premiums as of Dec. 31, 2015.

Voluntary benefits such as critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident insurance, are not regularly being offered alongside HDHPs.

Evidence is mounting that mindfulness is linked to better workplace functioning, including increased productivity, more efficient teamwork, fewer errors, better communication, and fewer sick days.

As the need for gap coverage continues to grow, advisers can help promote these underutilized benefits with better communications and education.

An increased awareness about the correlation between these benefits and overall health is improving engagement.

Reframing these options to illustrate how they enhance an employer’s benefit package can lead to increased engagement

There are still several stigmas attached to flexible work arrangements, despite increased demand from employees and growing — yet sometimes cautious — investment by employers.

Even as employers increasingly shift the cost of these programs on to employees through voluntary plans, workers are seeing value in them.

Only 30% of workers are covered, despite the demonstrable need to protect income.

Brokers should pay attention to expanded feature offerings when recommending a carrier for STD coverage.

From boosting wellness program participation to closing the retirement savings gap and more, consultants at Aon Hewitt reveal eight trends benefit managers should keep an eye out for in 2016.