Voluntary benefits

Three ways advisers can effectively communicate to employers the perks of beefing up a benefit package.

As evidenced by this year’s Benny Award winners, benefits professionals are working harder than ever to increase worker engagement and focus on work-life balance.

A roundup of storm coverage — including the challenges companies are facing, understanding time off obligations and how benefits can help — on Employee Benefit News.

While Harvey and Irma property damage is still being calculated, observers cite teachable moments for workplace benefit policyholders.

New coverages, such as follow-up care and gunshot protection, have more employers offering to pay for the product, as growth doubles year-over-year.

PTO, telecommuting, EAPs, financial counseling and legal insurance can help get workers back on their feet.

While Harvey and Irma property damage is still being calculated, observers cite teachable moments for workplace benefit policyholders.

Like many tech companies, the global content delivery network struggled with stressed-out workers. Sarah Sardella stepped up to the challenge with a slate of new benefits that emphasize a commitment to work-life balance.

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, the program can provide employees services such as counseling and emergency referrals.

Unemployment benefits, leave of absences and calculating wages are among the issues likely to affect companies in the wake of the storm.

Unemployment benefits, leave of absences and calculating wages are among the issues likely to affect companies in the wake of the storm.

Without proper plans in place, like an EAP, employees are more likely to experience personal and health-related problems, use more sick days and potentially leave their company.

As Florida and the East Coast assess damage from Hurricane Irma, employers in the affected areas should consider how to address storm-related issues.

Companies that were forced to close need to determine whether they have to pay employees who stayed home as well as handle other employment issues that many may not have thought about before.

Employee Benefit Adviser, in partnership with business intelligence data analytics firm miEdge, lists leading companies with 10% or more growth over the past year.

Like many tech companies, the global content delivery network struggled with stressed-out workers. Sarah Sardella stepped up to the challenge with a slate of new benefits that emphasize a commitment to work-life balance.

In anticipation of the storm, real estate agency Stiles Corporation initiated a preparedness plan that includes employee communications about safety, time off and benefits.

Becky Cantieri crafted the online survey provider’s rock-solid program with the help of an open culture, a drive to serve employees and, yes, lots and lots of employee questionnaires.

Companies need to determine whether closing the office for the storm means having to pay employees who stay home and being on the hook for unemployment compensation, and whether workers’ compensation applies to weather-related injuries.

A fresh communication strategy to engage workers in signing up for new benefits can provide a better educated employee population.